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Stone for worktop/Counter top
| Feature | I-Quartz | Granite | Marble | Solid Surface |
| Non-porous | ✔ | |||
| Heat and burn resistant | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Scratch resistant | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Stain resistant | ✔ | |||
| Bacterial resistant | ✔ | |||
| High resistant to Acid | ✔ | |||
| Chip and crack resistant | ✔ | |||
| Maintenance | Warm water or mild soap | Require sealers, cleaners and wax |
IMPORTANT NOTE for I-quartz: STRONG CHEMICAL, SOLVENTS AND DYES MAY CAUSE PERMANENT DISCOLORATION. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT HOT PADS AND CUTTING BOARDS HE USED.
Laminates are the toughest and cheapest and can look quite good but don’t really compare to the tactile feel of other materials and they too will eventually deteriorate once water has got in along the edges.
Granite has lovely reflective properties, a cool touch and each piece is unique but they need sealing otherwise they are susceptible to staining. They also don’t like excessive heat. If you do go for granite, please show some taste and avoid the black.
A composite solid surface is a blend of resins and has great properties for a kitchen surface but the surface isn’t as reflective as granite or quartz and doesn’t feel cool to the touch.
Corian is simply too plastic looking for me, and expensive.
Stainless steel marks and scratches easily.