What materials are good for kitchen countertops? Comparison of artificial stone and granite

In the market, more and more solid stone countertops are chosen for kitchen countertops, but the total number is still a minority compared to granite countertop users.



From adobe to bare brick, to cement and ceramic tiles, to the current granite and solid artificial stone—the material life of the people has made rapid progress. As far as the materials used for kitchen countertops are concerned, the citizens use the two types the most. One is a countertop made of natural stone, and the other is a countertop made of artificial stone.



Tiled countertops are rare, let alone the adobe, bare brick, and cement stoves we have seen and used in the past.



Both solid artificial stone and granite are very popular kitchen countertop materials. How should consumers choose from them? This is generally determined by the perception of consumers and the influence of professional designers.



The relevant consumer survey also informed us about the respective characteristics, advantages and possible disadvantages of the two materials. You can make a wise choice after understanding the details.



The following is a comparison between artificial stone and granite, which can help you choose the countertop material that best meets your requirements.



  A survey shows that consumers have higher evaluations of the effectiveness and value of artificial stone than granite, and they consistently give artificial stone a higher score, pointing out that solid artificial stone has the best characteristics.



In the survey, it was found that 98% of people who currently use artificial stone surface materials at home said they would buy this material again if necessary. Among those who have used granite paving materials, only 52% said they would consider buying granite again.



Kitchen countertop



1. Comparison of characteristics between artificial stone and granite



The joints of the artificial stone surface material are smooth and unobtrusive, so there will be no unsightly and dirty joints.



The seams of dark granite are almost invisible, but on light-colored granite worktops, the seams will be obvious. A similar situation also occurs in the cement joints connecting tiles.



Artificial stone materials can be cut into unique shapes and arcs, complex edge shapes, tailor-made countertop drainage channels and heat insulation racks.



Artificial stones of various colors can also be easily inlaid with each other or with other materials, resulting in an excellent tabletop effect.



Artificial stone has a variety of colors and textures, including several different shades of natural color and light color series, which are suitable for the bright and clean style of today's general kitchen, and the color, style and tone are consistent and unified.



The design of granite is not as varied as the artificial stone, the shape of the edge is limited, and the inlay with other materials will increase the unsightly joints.



Granite is mainly in dull color, with few light-colored options. The tone and texture of granite change frequently, and the color of the product may be different from the selected sample.



The artificial stone slab can be combined with the sink by the seamless splicing method of the under-counter basin. The appearance is smooth, there is no seam, and there is no disc edge recess to hide dirt. At the same time, the curved rear water retaining design eliminates difficult-to-clean joints.



The granite countertop can also be installed with the under-counter basin splicing method, but there will be gaps in it, which will easily contain water and dirt; and granite generally does not have an arc-shaped rear water retaining design, because at least one obvious joint is required .



The solid stone has a strong and obvious translucency, it is smooth and comfortable to the touch, like leather and wood, exudes a warm and inviting feeling. The granite is also smooth, but it feels a bit cold and hard to the touch, like glass.



2. Cleaning and maintenance



Artificial stone is easy to clean up, as long as it is cleaned up with soap or a little detergent; its non-porous material prevents water from penetrating, does not accumulate stains, and does not breed mold and bacteria. Because the solid stone is clean and hygienic, the operating room of the hospital is happy to use it.



Granite needs frequent repairs, because this material is porous and needs to be coated with a non-permanent surface sealant to prevent stains. Granite is difficult to clean, and it is not easy to prevent mold and bacteria from remaining small cracks and pits on the surface.



Most soaps or scouring powders cannot be used to clean granite because it will cause stains and must be cleaned carefully with chemicals from the granite supplier. If the scale stays on the granite surface, it is difficult to remove it, and sometimes it will cause wear and tear and it will cost money to ask someone to polish it.



3. Durability



Artificial stone is an advanced composite, made of natural minerals and pigments mixed with methyl methacrylate, it is difficult to cause permanent wear.



Because its color and pattern are spread throughout the thickness of the entire material, it can be completely refurbished. Concave lines, nicks or scratches can be easily removed with ordinary scouring powder, scouring pad or fine polishing paper.



To prevent the artificial stone from being damaged by heat, heat insulation racks or ceramic tiles can be inlaid on the countertop to form a safe place for placing hot utensils.



Granite is generally considered to be strong and durable, but the cracks, natural cracks and impurities in the granite will cause weak parts, and these parts sometimes even crack the granite countertops.



Granite is generally not easy to scratch, but once pits, nicks and scratches appear, it is difficult to remove. In addition, ordinary consumers have the illusion that they can put the hot container directly on the granite. In fact, this is not desirable, because heat will destroy the protective layer on the surface, making the granite easy to stain.



4. Comparison of artificial stone and granite



The following is a comparison of the main characteristics and advantages that designers and consumers emphasize when choosing kitchen countertop materials. As a result, among 18 characteristics and advantages, artificial stone scores equal to or higher than granite in 16 items.



In terms of excellent image and high value during resale, both materials have been highly evaluated.



The uniform grade/quality, better installation and maintenance support, integrated kitchen sink (no concavity on the side of the pan to hide dirt), smooth and firm and inconspicuous joints, endless changes in edge treatment, and easy repair.



Can be added with curved rear water-retaining design (no inlaid lines/seams), colored inlay decoration, excellent anti-fouling effect (on the whole), multiple monochrome options, and custom-made integrated countertops The drainage channel can be easily modified on the spot.



Among the 14 items of heatable bending and high overall design flexibility, solid stone scores significantly higher than granite. Granite scores higher than solid stone in heat resistance and scratch resistance.



In the market, more and more people choose artificial stone for kitchen countertops, but the total number is still a minority compared with granite countertop users.




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