This isn’t a definitive collection but a sample to open your mind to some of the possibilities.
One of the first decisions you will have to make is natural granite versus man-made quartz or plastics such as Corian. All have advantages and disadvantages so the best choice falls to the home owner.
Granite is a monolithic, igneous, crystalline rock with at least 20% quartz content. Because of the crystalline structure it is porous. It was originally formed from magma and the largest component is silica. Glass and beach sand are other examples of silica, the most common material on earth. Also, because it is natural, the patterns, colors and varieties are remarkable. Despite it’s hardness, you can scratch granite, it should be sealed occasionally and it is inflexible. This means you can crack it with sudden heat changes. Some granites also emit radon.
Silestone, Ceasarstone and Veratzzo Glass are various types of silica / quarts based manufactured slabs. Buyers prefer their uniform colors, predictable patterns and lack of maintenance. Engineered quartz products match granite for hardness but do not need to be sealed.
Corian is manufactured with a resin. Like man-made quartz products, it offers uniform colors and patterns but the resins are not as scratch resistant as granite or quartz.
Marble: Like granite, marble is a naturally occurring rock but while granite is igneous silica, marble is metamorphic limestone. Both have crystalline structures but granite is generally harder to scratch or stain than marble. The attraction of marble revolves around it’s beautiful and unique patterns.
Granite Building Contractors offers all types of solid surface materials and we will work to find the exact product for your dream kitchen!
