Solid granite slab
countertops are ideal choices for all your
remodeling needs. See below for an informative chart
comparing REAL solid granite vs. granite slab
alternatives.
 |
 |
 |
Solid Granite Slab
-
3x
return on initial investment
-
Perfect for undermount sinks
-
Uniform texture, color and
gradient
-
3/4
to 1.25 inches thick
-
Scratch proof
-
Fire
Proof
-
Stain proof (after sealing)
-
Even
and uniform surface, ideal for
rolling pins
-
Easy
to clean and wipe up
-
Disperses heat and cold quickly
-
Thaws frozen foods quickly
-
Second to Diamond in hardness
-
No
sharp edges
-
Shatter-resistant
-
No
edging board required
-
Quick installation
-
Underside is smooth and can be
exposed
-
No
messy grout or backer board
needed
-
Lasts forever
|
|
Granite Tiles
-
Minimal return on investment
-
Cannot be used with undermount
sinks
-
Backer boards required
-
Edging boards required
-
Longer installation
-
Edges of each tile visible
-
Each tile has different color,
gradient and texture
-
Not shatter resistant
-
Thinner and susceptible to
impact damage
-
Grout is difficult to keep clean
-
Chips easily
-
Not suitable for rolling pins
-
Grout line is not stain proof
-
Grout must be replaced after
6-10 years
|
|
Laminate "Granite"
-
Minimal return on investment
-
Cannot be used with undermount
sinks
-
Edges susceptible to cracks and
breakage
-
Cannot place hot foods for a
long period of time
-
Does not look natural
-
Made of plastic over paper
-
Abrasive cleaners can scratch
and dull the finish
-
Sharp knives will produce
scratches
-
hot pots will melt the finish
-
Warping of the surface can occur
with prolonged wetting or
flooding
-
Laminates cannot be repaired
once damaged
-
Seams are easy to see
-
Some materials will fade with
time
|
|
Other types of countertops are
also available in the market,
but still cannot match the
intensity and the natural beauty
of Granite Slab:
 |
 |
 |
Corian®
-
Scratches easily
-
Hot
Pots will melt finish
-
Expensive (often more than
granite slabs)
-
Plastic, therefore a very
unnatural appearance
Note- If
a product tries so hard to look like
granite, why not get the real thing?
The fact that Corian tries to make
their product look like granite
speaks volumes as to which product
is the most beautiful. For pure
aesthetic beauty, Corian 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. |
|
Wood (Butcher Blocks)
-
Can
warp easily
-
Turns black if exposed to large
quantities of water
-
Requires frequent sealing
-
Expensive
-
Cannot use knife on surface
without leaving indentations
|
|
Cement Slab
-
Can
be more expensive than granite
slab
-
Extremely porous even after
sealing
-
Must
be waxed, oiled or resealed
frequently
-
May
crack with excessive water
contact
-
Discolors easily
-
Not
shatter resistant
|
|
Which material is the most germ resistant?
Surprise! If you are
concerned about bacterial contamination of your
kitchen countertop, it looks like granite slabs are
the way to go. That's what a recent study by the
Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management,
a St. Paul Minnesota-based organization that
develops educational materials and research for the
retail food industry shows.
The study measured
the bacteria resistance capacity of five common
countertop materials. Each surface was contaminated
with E-coli (nearly 2 billion of the
microorganisms), washed and rinsed with soap and
water and then sanitized with a vinegar-and-water
solution. The results are show in the table below:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Surface
Microorganisms ELIMINATED by Cleaning* |
|
Granite |
79,432,823 |
|
Plastic
Laminate |
498,884 |
|
Tile |
293,765 |
|
Concrete |
32,810 |
|
Wood |
2,080 |
*Source: Today's
Homeowner Magazine
Next:
Choices, choices, choices!
|
