| Laminate | Acrylic Solid Surface | Quartz | Granite | |
| What is it? | Man-made: Printed colors/patterns on a fiberglass backing | Man-made: Acrylic or Polyester Plastics | Man-made: 85%-95% crushed quartz set with resin in a mold | 100% Natural stone quarried from within the earth |
| Heat Resistance | Hot pots can warp, melt, or discolor the surface | Hot pots can warp, melt, crack, or discolor the surface | Extremely heat resistent | Extremely heat resistent |
| Cleanliness | Non-porous - easy to clean | Non-porous - very resistant to bacteria | Non-porous - very resistant to bacteria | Bacteria-resistant |
| Scratch Resistance | Can be scratched - not easily repaired | Scratches easily - can be sanded | Highly scratch resistant | Highly scratch resistant |
| Fabrication | Sheet material is applied to a wood substrate - limited edge profiles | Seamless - usually set on a wood substrate - various edge profiles available | May require seams - various edge profiles available | May require seams - various edge profiles available |
| Seams | This material comes in varies size sheets. Every effort is made to avoid seaming. Because of the size and shape of a job, seaming may be unavoidable. Seams can be seen and felt. They will be placed as inconspicuously as possible. See laminate page for additional information. | Because this material can be eaily bonded, routed and sanded seams are nearly invisible. For large jobs in small spaces, a top can be bonded and sanded on site and will look like one solid piece. | Depending of the size and shape of the job a seam may be unavoidable. Seams are visible and can be felt. Every effort is made to place seems in the least conspicuous location, see quartz page for additional information | Depending of the size and shape of the job a seam may be unavoidable. Seams are visible and can be felt. Every effort is made to place seems in the least conspicuous location, see granite page for additional information |
| Edge Profiles | Limited to self edge, wood edge or acrylic edge. | 17 different profiles are offered free of charge | Currently 9 different profiles are offered. Additional charges may apply | Currently 9 different profiles are offered. Additional charges may apply |
| Appearance | Multiple finishes - consistent and uniform color and patterning | Matte finish - with consistent and uniform color and patterning | Polished finish - consistent and uniform color and patterning | Highly polished finish - every piece is naturally unique in color and patterning |
| Maintenance | Maintenance Free | Scratches can be sanded out | Maintenance Free Product | May require periodic sealing to prevent staining |
| Price | Inexpensive | Price varies based on color and numerous avialable options. While the base pricing is less expensive than granite, the additional options can bring it to a similar range. | Prices are grouped. Most groups fall within the mid range of granite pricing | Price varies greatly with choice of stone |
Topline Countertops
Showroom Hours Mon-Thu | 9AM-5PMFri 9AM-3:30PM | Sat 9AM-1PM
Evenings by Appointment
801 North East St.
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone: (301) 607-0185
Fax: (301) 695-6544
Email : brucie@toplinecountertops.com Contact Us with our Online Form »