Solid surface vs Granite are both premium countertop materials that will provide excellent value to homeowners for many years while also having a high resale value. Apart from that, the two countertop materials differ greatly. In fact, the only thing that solid surface material and granite have in common is that they look similar—at least from a distance.

Solid Surface vs Granite. Lets Compare their Durability 

Solid Surface 

Solid surface materials are easily scratched, but minor imperfections and scratches can be easily removed with an aggressive pad. Solid surface materials are softer than granite and thus more difficult to crack, and the material is impervious to acidic etching. It can be stained, but most discolorations are easily removed.

Granite

Granite is difficult to scratch or damage with knife blades. While granite is relatively scratch-resistant, it is also fragile and thus easily cracks. Granite is prone to etching from acidic substances such as lemon juice and vinegar. To reduce the risk of staining, granite should be sealed every couple of years.

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Appearance of Solid Surface vs Granite.

Solid Surface Appearance

Other brands of solid surface material are typically formulated with speckling similar to some forms of natural stone, but most styles are far more subtle than the dramatic veining and colour variations found in natural granite. This smoother, more uniform appearance can be useful in situations where you don't want the countertops to be the main design feature, such as when you want beautiful cabinetry to be the main feature of a kitchen.

Solid surface materials are available in a variety of colours. It is available in over 40 different styles, ranging from pale white to deep black, with tones of yellow, brown, reddish, pink, and green. Many are solid colours, but relatively new choices include some with quite dramatic granite- and marble-look patterns.

For such customers, the uniformity of pattern and colour in solid surface countertops is an advantage, while for others, solid surface materials have a boring and artificial look.

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Granite Kitchen Countertops

Granite countertops are often very dramatic, with color and pattern combinations that are completely unique to each countertop. Unlike solid surface materials, each slab of granite is unique in appearance.

These countertops stand out as design elements that draw attention to themselves. Colors can range from pale white to deep black, with an incredible variety of colours in between. If you are willing to pay a premium to have a countertop slab fabricated, you can find bright blue, yellow, and red granite.

When the materials are viewed separately, some homeowners prefer the look of natural granite to that of solid surface material. These individuals adore the appearance of natural stone, with its colour variation and deep shine.

The drama of a granite countertop, on the other hand, is not for everyone. Granite's speckled and often bold colouring can be too busy for many decorating schemes. More importantly, all of that colour can do an annoyingly good job of hiding crumbs and smears on the countertop surface; a granite top can often appear perfectly clean when it is anything but.

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Differentiate Solid Surface vs. Granite Care Cleaning:

Cleaning and Care:

Unlike grout lines in tile, both materials are essentially nonporous and are considered hygienic surfaces that are easy to keep clean.

Solid Surface

Solid surface materials can be cleaned with soapy water or an ammonia-based detergent solution. Glass cleaners, which can leave a waxy residue, should be avoided. To avoid water spots, thoroughly dry the countertop. A solid surface countertop never requires the use of sealers. Hot pans should not be placed directly on a solid-surface countertop. Staining agents should be removed as soon as possible.

Granite

For cleaning a granite countertop, use a simple soapy water solution. Avoid using vinegar, window cleaners, or other acidic cleaners on a granite countertop because they can etch the surface over time. Most stains on granite can be removed with a baking soda paste, but granite surfaces should be sealed on a regular basis.

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Granite vs Solid Surface. Compare?

Maintenance

Solid Surface 

Solid surface countertops require almost no maintenance. The only maintenance-like requirement is to protect the surface from burns and scratches. The resins and epoxy resins form a non-porous surface that never requires sealing or polishing.

Granite 

Granite must be sealed once a year to prevent staining on its naturally porous surface. It's a good idea to keep it clean to avoid getting scratched. Granite does require some, but minimal, maintenance. All-purpose cleaners with harsh chemicals should not be used on granite countertops.

Design Choices

Solid Surface 

Solid surface countertops are extremely adaptable. Their ease of fabrication and man-made composition allows for seemingly limitless colour, shape, and style choices. Although the designs have previously been limited to single-color uniformity, this is changing as technology advances. Complicated patterns that resemble granite and marble are becoming more common in the market.

Granite 

Specific granite designs must be started by shopping for them rather than creating them. There are numerous patterns to choose from. The key is to find one that matches your vision. Every granite countertop is unique. They're generally available in a dozen common colours, but you may have to compromise a little depending on availability.

Lifespan

Solid Surface 

Solid surface countertops typically come with warranties ranging from 10 to 20 years. In practice, they should last 30 to 50 years before needing to be replaced. However, because they are easy to repair, solid surface countertops could possibly last the lifetime of the kitchen.

Granite 

Granite countertops are expected to last for 100 years or more. They haven't been around long enough to develop an average lifespan. Care and maintenance will be the major elements in durability. They are designed to last much longer than your kitchen.

Repair

Solid Surface

Although a solid surface top is a long-lasting product, it may require repairs. Chipping and staining are rare, but they can occur. Because the product is uniform and solid throughout, scratches can be repaired simply by leveling them out with abrasive materials or a scrubbing pad. Color-matching epoxy can easily fill chips and cracks. Some repairs can even be classified as do-it-yourself.

Granite

Granite's porous nature makes it prone to staining, especially if inadequately maintained. Granite cleaners, which are widely available, can be used to remove stains. Scratches, cracks, and chips are usually, but not always, repairable. To achieve high-quality results, repairs should be performed by a professional.

Water and Heat

Solid Surface 

Solid surface countertops simply do not allow moisture in due to their synthetic composition. These same materials, however, are prone to heat damage. Directly placing a hot pan on the surface can easily cause permanent damage. To protect the surface, use hot pads, trivets, and cutting boards.

Granite

A properly sealed and maintained granite top is highly resistant to moisture damage. When exposed to high heat, some sealers may lose their effectiveness. Keep new sealants away from the bottom of hot pans. The granite, on the other hand, is equally affected by the heat generated in a classic kitchen set - up.

Is New Kashmir Granite a Good Countertop?

The advantage of natural granite over other hard countertop surface materials is its hardness. Because of their hardness, materials like Kashmir White Granite are scratch resistant. New Kashmir Granite is also resistant to heat. Granite, unlike some engineered stones, can resist heat and does not burn or discolour.

Kashmir White natural granite is also one-of-a-kind. It is not only distinct from other stones, but also from other Kashmir White slabs. Because each stone differs from another, it is recommended that you select your own slab. We would definitely suggest New Kashmir Granite for your kitchen.

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