Material Comparison
The below chart provides a graphical comparison of 6 common vanity top materials: Natural Marble, Natural Granite, Engineered Stone, Solid Surface, Cultured Marble, and Laminate. Ratings are provided on key features which should be considered prior to investment.
These ratings are on aa scale from 0 (Poor) - 10 (Excellent)
| Features | Natural Marble | Natural Granite | Engineered Stone (Quartz) | Solid Surface | Cultured Marble | Laminate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 7 |
| Heat Resistance | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Stain Resistance | 4 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
| Burn Temperature | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Repairability | 5 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 1 |
| Machinability | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Cost | 4 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Scratch Resistance | 6 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 7 |
| Total Value | 53 | 64 | 56 | 56 | 32 | 36 |
| Average Value | 6.625 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 |
Material Pros/Cons
Natural Marble
Pros: Beauty, Durable, Natural, Heat-Resistant
Cons: High Maintenance, Cost, Sealant
- Mined throughout the world, most notably Italy, Brazil, India, Turkey, and Greece
- Characteristic swirls and veins are usually due to various mineral impurities such as clay, silt, sand, and iron oxides
- Although not as soft as some top materials, it can scratch, so care in handling must be taken with this material
- Proper sealing of marble can make a difference in its stain fighting properties
- Structure typically contains far more cracks, fissures and stress points that can make it difficult to machine for vanity tops
Natural Granite
Pros: Natural, Durable, Stain-Resistant, Low Maintenance, Heat-Resistant, Scratch-Resistant
Cons: Cost, Sealant
- Composed primarily of quartz, mica and feldspar
- Extremely hard, durable and very resistant to both heat and scratching
- Unaffected by wine, tea, citric acid, coffee or most other elements used in the kitchen or bath
- Colors vary in price as a result of their rarity in the earth rather than any physical quality differentiation
- Can chip when struck with a severe impact, especially on an edge
- Can be repaired with eopxy resins
- Sealers for stone are below-surface penetrating sealers and are delivered inside the stone by natural absorption
Engineered Stone
Pros: Durable, Heat-Resistant, Nonporous, Scratch-Resistant, Stain-Resistant, Low Maintenance, No Sealant Required, Look of Natural Stone
Cons: Cost
- Composite material made of crushed stone bound together by a polymer resin
- No difference in performance between quartz products and sealed granite
- Does not have hidden cracks or flaws that may exist in natural stone
- Heat resistant up to 300°F
- Should not be used in outdoor applications
- Factory made in slabs, cut and polished by fabricators with professional stone cutting equipment
- Can be produced in either 12 mm (1/2-inch), 20 mm (3/4-inch) or 30 mm (1-1/4-inch) thickness
Solid Surface
Pros: Durable, Stain-Resistant, Easy Maintenance, Lots of Color/Pattern Options
Cons: Moderately Sensitive to Heat
- Non-porous material that offers a seamless look as well as exceptional durability
- Demands little maintenance and is extremely durable
- Number one material used in hospitals as a result of its resistance to the growth of bacteria
- Consists of two main ingredients: a natural mineral (the "filler") and a resin (the "binder")
Cultured Marble
Pros: Cost, Nonporous, Easy Maintenance
Cons: Weak Top Coat, Easily Scratched
- Consists of polyester resin, an activator (catalyst), limestone filler and pigmented color
- Seamless constructed product and thus the bowls and the backsplashes are integral into the deck of the top
- Features protective layer of clear gel coat which provides the bright, shiny or matte surface of the vanity top
- Surface is susceptible to scratches as well as a Thermo Shock
Laminate
Pros: Stain-Resistant, Waterproof, Lots of Color Options, Inexpensive
Cons: Sensitive to Heat, Difficult to Repair
- Economical installed price laminate offers good value and performance
- Constructed of a stack of thin plastic layers bonded together under heat and pressure
- Can burn, wear thin, and dull over time
- Available in many colors and patterns
- Finishes range in texture from high-gloss smoothness to a mottled, leather-like look