Wilsonart
Consider Your Options
Choosing a countertop is an exciting endeavor. It can also be daunting. So many looks. So many choices. So many important considerations. One thing that those in the countertop industry agree on is the desire to have buyers who are satisfied with their purchase on Day One and in the months and years that follow.
Man-made solid surface materials and natural stone such as granite are the most popular choices in premium countertop materials. They offer upscale looks, superior performance and now are more affordable than ever. But which one should you choose?
As a leading supplier of premium solid surface material, we present you with a brief overview of the benefits of daily living with a solid surface countertop versus a granite countertop, and a checklist of key areas to consider. We hope this brochure will help you select the countertop material that is right for you.
Product Consistency
Solid Surface
Solid surface is composed of minerals, acrylic resins and colors that combine for an exact look in a broad range of colors and designs. While it offers the look of natural stone, the manufacturing process ensures consistency for very good color matching at installation and in the future when new needs arise in the home.
Granite
Granite is found all over the world and is attractive to buyers for its variation in color and texture. While this can provide an interesting look, it can make for future color/pattern-matching problems. Composition and pattern can vary from slab to slab and the quality of the granite is equally diverse – varying in hardness, stain resistance and strength. Also beware of granite that has been coated or dyed. These additives can cause problems later. Research the source of the granite and slab that you will receive, and test it for porosity, density and precise look.
Other types of stone require the same considerations presented within this brochure.
Designing the Space
It's not enough to just pick the countertop material. Homeowners must consider type and placement of sinks, connecting seams, edge treatments and more. These considerations are crucial to design and can significantly impact not only the fabrication of the final countertop, but also the maintenance required in years to come.Solid SurfaceSolid surface can be routed, shaped and thermoformed, so it allows for more complex design options.GraniteGranite is very hard and heavy so it offers less design flexibility. Any design flaws should be noted prior to installation so they can be avoided.
Sinks
Solid surface sinks are chemically-bonded to the countertop creating a smooth, one-piece look from countertop to sink. There are no grout lines, lips or recesses to collect bacteria and mold.GraniteSink installation requires a visible seam between the sink and countertop. Edges, seams and recesses are prone to moisture penetration, mold, mildew and bacteria growth without proper and routine sealing.
Seams
Solid Surface Consistency of pattern and color, plus chemical bonding to fuse solid surface pieces provide very inconspicuous seams. Seams are solid, flush to the surface and moisture resistant. There is no grout to clean, and liquids cannot penetrate the surface.GraniteGranite slabs vary in thickness and appearance. This results in visible and sometimes uneven seams at corners and backsplash areas. The random, inconsistent appearance of granite further accentuates the seams where separate granite surfaces are combined. The seams are not chemically bonded, so they can become stained and dirty with time unless they are properly and routinely sealed
Edges
Solid Surface Edges are formed by fusing two pieces of material together. With solid surface, color and design matching between pieces is typically very good, if not exact, since the manufacturing process ensures a consistent look and quality. Seams are smooth and very inconspicuous.Since it can be shaped and routed, edge options are nearly limitless.
GraniteWith granite, no two pieces will be alike, resulting in visible seams made more obvious when patterns and colors are inconsistent. Because of the natural potential for chipping and flaking, special edge designs are limited.
Stain Resistance
Solid Surface Since it is nonporous, stains will not seep into the surface. Surface stains are easily wiped away with soap and water or buffed away for good.GraniteAll granite is porous. This is why it stains so easily and must be properly and routinely sealed. Be sure that your sealer is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation surfaces.
Mold & Bacteria Resistance
Solid Surface Wilsonart® Solid Surface products - Gibraltar® and Earthstone® - meet FDA* standards for food contact, ASTM International standards (G-21 and G-22) for fungal and bacterial resistance and have NSF International approval in Class 51 for both "Splash Zone" and "Food Zone" areas. Of course, good hygiene is always recommended with the use of any product.*Food and Drug Administration, National Sanitation Foundation, American Society for Testing and MaterialsGraniteGranite has small surface crevices so it's harder to keep them free of mildew and bacteria. Proper sealing and maintenance can protect against these conditions - as long as the sealant remains intact. Even so, granite surfaces do not currently meet FDA and NSF standards for food preparation areas. Nor do they meet ASTM standards (G-21 and G-22) for fungal and bacterial resistance.
Solid Surface
Minor heat damage usually can be buffed away by the homeowner. More severe heat damage can be inconspicuously repaired by your certified installer. Trivets are recommended by solid surface manufacturers to protect countertops against exposure to extreme heat. You should refer to your warranty regarding coverage for any repairs.
Granite:
Granite is very heat resistant; however, the sealant used on the surface is not. Trivets also are generally recommended by the stone industry.
Care and Maintenance
Solid surface does not require sealing or special cleaning products. Soap and water will wipe away most stains. Minor scratches and burns can be buffed away by the homeowner without impacting the look or finish. More serious damage usually can be inconspicuously repaired by your certified installer.You should refer to your warranty regarding coverage for any repairs.Surfaces with a gloss or semi-gloss finish may require more maintenance than a matte or satin finish - scratches may be more apparent and require a more detailed buffing technique. Darker colors also may require more maintenance. Scratches and stains in solid surface can be buffed away .
Granite Most experts agree that a granite countertop should be resealed every one to two years. In addition, weekly application of a stone polish may be recommended as well as specialized cleaning products and methods. Ask your installer what products they recommend for your particular stone and their frequency of use. When considering the cost of a granite countertop, these items should be included.Though granite is very scratch resistant, a cutting board is recommended to avoid scratching the sealant. When chips and scratches do occur, they are very difficult to remove. Repairs are usually visible, and serious damage may require full replacement of the countertop.
Warranty
Granite products are generally not warrantied unless a warranty is provided by the installer. Because each slab is unique, there is no way to predict its performance over time. The product may include internal fissures, natural cracks and impurities which may or may not affect its performance. Homeowners must discuss warranty options with each installer to determine what, if anything, is covered. There is no standard in place or recourse if the installer goes out of business.
Solid Surface Wilsonart Solid Surface is accompanied by a 10 year, transferable warranty. Wilsonart provides warranty support and a customer service hotline.
Questions a Consumer Should Ask Before Purchasing a Granite Countertop
General Questions
What care and maintenance are required?
How do I remove scratches from my granite countertop?
If my countertop cracks, can it be repaired?
What does it cost to resurface a granite countertop?
Is my granite countertop FDA and NSF approved as a food preparation surface? Does it meet ASTM G21 and G22 standards for fungal and bacterial resistance? Can I get that in writing?
Porosity
Since my countertop is porous, will beverages and fluids from foods penetrate my granite countertop?
How do I make sure bacteria doesn't grow on or in any cracks and fissures in my granite countertop?
Stains
Do I need to worry about staining with my granite countertop?
What foods or beverages cause staining?
How do I remove stains?
Sealers
Does installation include sealing the countertop?
If your company sealed my granite countertop and it has a staining problem, is this warranted work? Can I have that in writing?
How often should I have my countertop resealed?
Does your company offer a resealing service?
What does it cost to reseal a granite countertop?
What type of sealer do you use or recommend?
Is this sealer FDA or NSF approved for food contact?
Do you have a Material Safety Data Sheet for your sealer. Can I have a copy of it?
Does the sealer protect my countertops from all stains or just certain types of stains?
Warranty
Do you offer a warranty? Can I have a copy of it?
How long have you been in business?
Pros and Cons of Granite and Solid Surface Countertops
Solid Surface Granite
Excellent image quality
Good resale value
Consistent color quality
Wide color range
Integrated Sinks(no seam, lip or recess to trap dirt)
Superior scratch resistance1
Superior heat resistance2
Fire retardant
Superior stain restance
Bacteria resistance3
Mold/mildew resistance3
Non-porous
Renewable & repairable
Smooth, solid, inconspicuous seams
Unlimited edge options
Detailed options(seamless coved backsplash, custom drainboard)
Overall design flexibility
Requires annual sealing
10 Year Installed, Transferable Warranty
1 Solid Surface: Cutting boards are recommended by most solid surface manufacturers. Scratches can be buffed away. Granite: Damage to sealant may occur when cutting directly on a granite countertop.
2 Solid Surface: Minor heat damage usually can be repaired by the homeowner, and more severe heat damage can be inconspicuously repaired by a certified installer. Granite: Extreme or prolonged exposure to heat may damage the sealant.
3 Solid Surface: Gibraltar and Earthstone Solid Surface meet the following standards: ASTM G21 & G22 for fungal and bacterial resistance; NSF Class 51 for food and splash zones; and FDA compliance for food contact. Granite: The natural stone industry has developed several specialized products and procedures to protect surfaces from some of the conditions mentioned above. Go to http://www.stonecare.com/ for details.
Sources: The Buyers Guide to Selecting Granite Counter Tops, Frederick M. Heuston, 2002, NTC Enterprises, Inc.Caring for Your Granite Countertop, by Frederick M. Heuston, 1997, NTC Enterprises, Inc.International Solid Surface Fabricators Association / http://www.issfa.commarble/ Institute of America / http://www.marble-institute.comnational/ Training Center for Stone & Masonry Trades / http://www.ntc-stone.combuilding/ Materials Supplies / www.bmsco.net/nc.htmlStone Care International / http://www.stonecare.com/
