Fabricated from natural stone, this extremely durable surface is second in hardness only to diamonds.  For the most part, granite is a maintenance-free stone.  It is very dense and excellent at repelling bacteria, stains, and scratches.  The polished finish is achieved with diamonds, therefore, with normal use; it will never fade or deteriorate.  There is a huge variety of colors to choose from that are imported from all over the world.  Because this product is found in nature, no two slabs are exactly the same.  We often recommend that our clients choose their actual slab when choosing a color with a lot of movement and variation.  Because granite is porous, an easy to apply sealer is recommended after several years of use.

Quartz:

            This product is an engineered stone which is made mostly of quartz crystal which gives it a natural depth and radiance without the imperfections common in natural stones.  Quartz is one of nature’s strongest materials; therefore, it is incredibly durable and resists both heat and scratches.  There are more color options with quartz than natural stone and it is very uniform in color.  It is non-porous and impervious to bacteria.  However, although it is resistant to stains, it can be damaged by high heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight.  Quartz includes products such as Zodiaq and Cambria.

Marble:

            Marble is an elegant and unique countertop option.  This natural surface is metamorphisized limestone composed mostly of calcite.  The characteristic swirls and veins are due to various impurities such as clay, silt, and sand.  There are many types of marble in a wide range of colors quarried and imported from around the world.  Although it is aesthetically appealing and hygienic, marble can stain and scratch.  It is not as hard as granite or quartz, therefore, it is not as durable and does not react well with chemical cleaning agents.  Marble is not recommended for kitchens but is often used for bathrooms.

Solid Surfaces:

          This is a man-made product that is made from an acrylic or plastic material.  It is very consistent and there is a wide range of colors and patterns.  Unlike granite and quartz, this product is not heat resistant and is susceptible to scratching.  However, its benefits include its resistance to mold, mildew, and bacteria, its seamless appearance, and integral sink option, and scratches can usually be buffed out.  Solid surfaces include products such as Corian, Avonite, Swanstone, and Staron.

Concrete:

            Concrete countertops are a relatively new and trendy alternative to granite and solid surfacing.  It is highly versatile with various color and texture options.  Concrete can be given the look of marble or granite by infusing colored pigments, using chemical stains, various aggregates, and epoxy coatings.  Drain boards, trivets, butcher blocks, among other features can be incorporated into the countertop.  Concrete counters have an epoxy top coat that is very durable, long lasting, and stain resistant.  Cutting or placing hot pans on concrete is not recommended.

Cultured Marble:

            This product is man-made from real marble dust mixed with plastic resins.  Cultured marble is lighter in weight and less expensive than real marble.  It is made specifically to fit your cabinets and is one piece with integral bowls.  It is sealed with a non-porous gelcoat which seals the product and prevents mold and bacteria growth as well as staining.  There are many color options as well as upgrades including cultured onyx and cultured granite.

Laminate:

            This product is the most widely used countertop material and has been used for decades.  It is a man-made product made from decorative paper and resins which are fused together into a single sheet composed of many layers.  It is durable, easy to maintain, and even resistant to salt.  It is not resistant to stains or high heat, however, and can scratch if used improperly.  Laminate provides the greatest variety of colors, patterns, textures, and even metals.  It is the most economical countertop and is a great solution for many areas of your home.  Laminates include products such as Formica, Wilson Art, and Nevamar.

You can learn more about these products at the following websites:
www.zodiaq.com
www.cambriausa.com
www.corian.com
www.avonitesurfaces.com
www.theswancorp.com
www.staron.com
www.formica.com
www.wilsonart.com
www.nevamar.com