Engineered Quartz
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A crystalline mineral with amazing durability and hassle-free maintenance, unmatched by any other countertop surface. Quartz is a non-porous surface, virtually impervious to stains and never needs sealing. The hardness of its quartz makes it exceptionally scratch-resistant. Because quartz is a mineral stone, it is priced significantly higher than solid surface, but compares in price with several granites. |
Granite
| Granite is an excellent product for use in kitchens and other food preparation areas. Under normal conditions granite is stain, chip, scratch, and burn resistant. Like any other countertop, if cleaned regularly and properly maintained, a granite countertop poses no health or sanitation problems. Granite is porous and requires periodic sealing to avoid water stains and discoloration. Neglected granite will become cloudy and have scratch marks over a period of time. Granite may omit low doses of radon when it's not properly sealed. It's a pretty art piece- but you MUST take care of this investment. Most granite countertops will be seamed together and the seam will be visible. Sinks must be either top mounted or under mounted. Granite is priced higher than Solid Surface. | 
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Solid Surface
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Commonly referred to as Corian© which was invented by Dupont© more than 35 years ago.
Solid surface countertops are made of polyester or acrylic resins, or a combination of both. Solid Surface is non-porous, stains can't penetrate the surface, so it wipes clean. Solid Surface also resists burns and scratches. |
Sinks may be top mounted, under mounted, or you can have a solid surface sink molding into the countertop. This eliminates seams around the sink.
Solid Surface was originally available in solid colors only, but now many colors are available and some patterns even resemble granite or marble. Solid Surface is one of the most affordable countertops available.
Laminate
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Laminate is basically a plastic sheet sandwich of a decoratively-printed piece of paper and heavy kraft paper
backing encapsulated under heat and pressure in durable clear resins.
Formica© was the first occurrence of plastic laminate. Today several companies manufacture laminate material. In the beginning, only solid colors were available. Now laminate material come in a vast array of patterns and styles. |  |
Plastic laminate resist stains well and provide easy cleanup. laminate is not suited for extremely hot pots or using as a cutting board. Some countertop configurations may required seaming sheets. These seams may be noticeable. Sinks are mounted to the countertop. Laminate countertops are very inexpensive. |
Ceramic Tile
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Ceramic tiles come in a variety of sizes and shapes, which can be easily cut with the right tools.
While tiles are usually quite durable, there are some tiles that are less durable than others. Tiles are available in various sizes and are arranged on a flat surface with symmetrical spacing. The spaces are filled with grout. Grout can be tinted to contrast with, or match the tile. If left unsealed, grout will harbor bacteria and allow water to seep through the tiles, which will ultimately break down the grout and damage the material underneath. Maintaining the grout and cleaning the countertop regularly with a non-abrasive antibacterial cleanser will extend the life of your countertop. Ceramic tile Installation is labor intensive, but is one of the most affordable materials available. |
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