As a discerning consumer, you need to know how to compare Granite Countertops to a growing number of other countertop materials.

The selection of the proper kitchen countertop can be confusing. Questions such as: Is granite better than solid surface? How much will it cost? How long will it last? What are the pros and cons? All these questions can be answered with a basic knowledge of what is available and an understanding of each material's characteristics.

The table below provides you with the basic knowledge of popular countertop choices. As you see, granite is one of the best materials for kitchen countertops.

Countertop Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Laminates The typical laminate countertop material is known as Formica. It is made of a thin layer of plastic (1/32" or 1/16") that is glued to particleboard or wood and can simulate many different materials, including granite. The edge of the countertop can be square or rolled. Wood, brass, and other inserts can also be added.	- Inexpensive and fairly durable - Available in endless patterns and colors - Resists staining - Easy to clean	- Abrasive cleaners can scratch and dull the finish - Sharp knives will produce scratches and hot pots will melt the finish - Warping of the surface can occur with prolonged wetting or flooding - Laminates usually cannot be repaired once damaged - Seams are clearly visible - Some materials will fade with time.
Acrylic and/or Polyester Plastics (Corian, Etc) Unlike laminates, acrylic and/or polyester plastics are homogeneous throughout the material. Available in thickness of 1/2" and 3/4", these materials come in numerous colors. They can be polished but are often seen with a matte finish. They can be expensive and in many cases, more expensive than granite!	- Non-porous and stain resistant - Abrasive cleaners can be used on unpolished finishes - Easy to clean and refinish - Many colors available - Seamless - Scratches can be repaired	- Scratches easily - Hot pots will melt the finish - Unnaturally Plastic look - Expensive.
Wood (Butcher Block) Wood countertops have often been used to give a natural warm appearance. Most wood countertops are made with hardwoods glued together into strips. Butcher block is constructed this way with rock maple or beech. If you do alot of cutting, wood may be a perfect choice.	- Durable if cared for - Cleans easily - Scratches can be removed by sanding	- Can warp - Turns black if exposed to large quantities of water - Requires sealing - Expensive.
Tile Tile countertops are typically made of ceramic tiles ranging in size from one square inch to as large as six square inches. There are also other shapes, such as octagonal, rectangular, etc. Tile countertops are popular in countery-style kitches and are durable materials. However, all tiles have grout lines, which can cause probelms. Grout soils very easily and will require frequent cleaning. It is suggested that epoxy grout be used when installing any tile countertops. Epoxy grouts are a bit more expensive, but the expense will far outweigh the aggravation of cleaning up.	- Durable - Non-staining and will not scratch - Endless colors, shapes, and designs - Heat resistant	- Chips easily - Grout can be a problem - Slightly more expensive than laminate
Engineered Stone/Quartz Surfacing A product of resin and stone composition. Surface has a homogeneous look. The actual makeup is more resin than stone. the listed reference to stone in its makeup is actually referring to weight. ie. stone weight is heavier than resin. However, this should not be confused with the actual amount of stone in the product. If you like a straight-forward pattern, this is a good choice.	- Marketing benefits from manufacturers - Slab sizes are exact - Colors are uniform - Cuts very quickly - Exclusivity	- Most fabricatos cannot polish the top seams - Difficult to distinguish as a unique material - Edge processing is different and requires a learning curve - It contains more resin than quartz - Not heat resistant - Unnatural oatmeal look - Expensive, with a cost at or above granite.
Granite Granite is an excellent choice for countertops. Granite is available in polished, matter, and leathered finishes. While granite may be more expensive than some other materials, its longevity adds immeasurable value. "Granite will never be sold because it has a look that is very similar to solid surface colors... The fact that solid surface materials try to make their product look like granite speaks volumes as to which is the most beautiful. For pure aesthetic beauty, solid surface does not come close to the richness, the depth, the polish, the power, and the naturally organic quality that is granite. The beauty of granite will always sell itself." - natural-stone.com	- Scratch resistant - Hot plates can be placed directly on the surface - Durable - Natural product - Wide selection of colors - Beauty, Beauty, Beauty.	-Requires proper sealing to prevent staining - Expensive