Granite, Quartz, Solid Surface or Porcelain- Is there a clear WINNER?

With so many options for countertops out there, how do you decide what is best for you.

In this chart we breakdown all the elements in these products and the pros and cons in choosing a countertop material so you are prepared for your next big project or renovation to suit your lifestyle.

Materials:	Granite	Quartz	Solid Surface	Porcelain
Brand Name or supplies of:	​Organic from the earth	Technistone®	Corian® Hi-Macs® Krion® Staron®	​Xtone® or Dekton®
What is it?	100% natural stone, quarried from the earth	93% natural quartz manufactured with a 7% resin binder	55%-70% Alumina Trihydrate & 45%-30% resin	97% minerals, powdered stone based 3% inks, colouring pigments and auxiliary additives
Appearence?	Highly polished, honed or textured finish-each slab unique in colour and patterning	Various finishes honed, polished, matt and 'Terra'	Various finishes polish, matt, mirrored and uniform in colour and patterning	Various finishes, can print any kind of image onto this material
Heat Resistance?	Quite resistant to heat but can be affected by extreme changes in thermal exposure	Heat resistant, use trivets under hot pots, crock pots etc.	Heat resistant, use trivets under hot pots, crock pots etc.	Heat resistant, can withstand hot objects
Scratch Resistance?	Highly scratch resistant, exposure to harsh abrasives or equally hard materials could scratch granite	Highly scratch resistant	Scratch resistant, deeper scratches can be professionally repaired	Scratch resistant harder to repair when cracked NOT Homogenous!
Cleanliness?	Can be porous not completely anti-bacterial	Non-porous, anti-bacterial, NSF Certified (National Sanitation Foundation)	Non-porous, anti-bacterial, NSF Certified (National Sanitation Foundation) widely used in the health sector	Non-porous, anti-bacterial, can be used commerically
Fabrication?	May require seams, many edge options available	Seams typically tighter than granite, many edge options available	Seams will typically be inconspicuous, seamless integral backsplashes & sinks available	​Seams will typically be inconspicuous, difficult to fabricate
Maintenance?	Requires periodic sealing to prevent staining	Non-porous, no sealing necessary	Non-porous, no sealing necessary	Non-porous, no sealing necessary
Price?	Varies greatly by colour and availability	Comparable to a mid priced granite	Price is based on colour group	Expensive

At #dioritesurfaces we solely carry Quartz and Solid Surface material. Below are some of the brands we work with #himacs #krion #staron #corian & #technistone.