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Solid Surface
Strengths:
- Non porous – extremely sanitary and resistant to bacteria
- NSF 51 approved for use in food service areas
- Damage can be repaired and in most cases repair will not be noticeable
- Inconspicuous seams
- Surface can be refinished if it becomes scratched
- Thermoformable – 100% acrylic surfaces only
- Class 1 Fire rating – in most cases – some polyesters are not
- Integral sinks with no caulk line
- Wide color selection – custom colors are possible
- Consistent color – what you specify is what you get
- Good for vertical, horizontal and flooring surfaces
- Generally backed by a manufacturer’s warranty – not just the fabricator
- Eco-friendly colors are available
Weaknesses:
- Can be scratched – dark colors show scratches more than light colors
- Cannot place hot pans directly on material
- Does not have the natural beauty (movement/variation) found in natural stone
- Feels like plastic – some like this, some like the feel of stone
- Limited use in outdoor environments due to climate extremes (outdoor use generally voids warranty)
Quartz
Strengths:
- Non porous – extremely sanitary and resistant to bacteria
- NSF 51 approved for use in food service areas
- Scratch RESISTANT – not scratch PROOF
- Class 1 Fire rating – in most cases – some quartz are not
- Wide color selection
- Consistent color – what you specify is what you get
- Good for vertical, horizontal and flooring surfaces
- Generally backed by a manufacturer’s warranty – not just the fabricator
- Eco-friendly colors are available
Weaknesses:
- Heat Resistant, but do not place hot pans directly on material it can “ghost” and turn white (stainless steel is the only material not affected by heat)
- Damage can be difficult to repair
- Seams will be visible – technology is getting better though and with a good fabricator seams can almost be inconspicuous on smaller particulate colors
- Does not have the natural beauty (movement) found in natural stone
- Some design limitations – for instance cannot thermoform….yet.
- Limited use in outdoor environments due to climate extremes (outdoor use generally voids warranty)
Natural Stone
Strengths:
- Wide color selection – Natural Movement and Variation can not be matched with man made products
- Heat Resistant – Slabs that have been treated with resin can “ghost” if they have a hot pan set on them
- Scratch RESISTANT – not scratch PROOF
- High end luxurious feel and look
- Good for vertical, horizontal and flooring surfaces
- Great for outdoor surfaces
Weaknesses:
- Porous – Has fissures and cracks inherently – susceptible to staining and harboring bacteria
- Can be very difficult to repair and expensive
- Visible seams – the development of top polishing has helped take granite seams to the next level, but this requires a highly skilled installer
- Color can vary greatly – for instance St. Cecelia can range from a crisp white to a mustardy yellow base color. Can be difficult to specify off of a sample.
- Generally not allowed in healthcare or food service applications
- No manufacturer warranty – 1 year fabricator warranty is standard
