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

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

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

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")

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

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