Laminate, Solid Surface, Quartz and Granite Countertops....What Are The Differences? Ask Dan The Remodeling Man!

I am asked regularly what the differences are between laminate, solid surface, quartz and granite countertops. Most products of the same material are of the same quality so don’t be fooled by popular brand names.

Laminate such as Wilsonart and Formica are easy care products made of layers of paper treated with resin and pressed together under high heat and pressure. Under the paper and resin is a base of composite chip wood. It is the cheapest countertop option available ranging from 20.00-40.00 a sq. ft. The down side is that it can be easily damaged. It will scratch and chip easily and if water gets under the resin it will cause the wood chip base to swell.

Solid Surface is Corian, Avonite, Gibraltar, and Earthstone etc.. It is a man-made material made primarily of resin with no layers. The surface you see on top is the same as the bottom. The downside is that it can also be easily scratched but can be sanded out. Solid surface is not cheap and the mid-range price can be from 35.00-60.00 a sq. ft. It will crack and scorch if subjected to high heat.

Quartz is a man-made product made from 93% crushed stone or granite and 7% polymer resin. It is compacted under intense vibration and slabs are cured and gauged to precise thickness and polished. It is naturally non-porous and needs no sealer. It’s hardness is rated 7 on the Mohs scale compared to diamond which is rated 10. It is more consistent than natural stone and is scratch resistant, stain resistant, and mold and mildew resistant. Prices range from 50.00-80.00 a sq. ft.

Granite is natural stone that is quarried or cut out of the ground. It is porous and needs a sealer which must be applied periodically to resist stains. Granite can withstand extreme and sustained heat. It’s natural beauty is unmatched.  The more exotic Granite is or the more movement it has determines the price.  Prices range from 49.00-200.00 a sq. ft.

Dan Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton P.
Hamilton, Ohio  45011
513-874-7636
http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/