Cambria, Zodiaq Silestone, Caesarstone, Hanstone

Corian, Living Stone, Meganite, Gibraltar, Avonite, Hi-Macs

Many different

Wilsonart, Formica, Pinoite

Various

Man-made: 93% crushed quartz witha resin binder

Man-made: Acrylic or Polyester Plastics

100% Natural stone quarried from the earth

Man-made: Printed colors/patterns on a fiberglass backing

Various species of 100% Natural wood

Can be affected by high heat (over 400F)

Hot pots can warp, melt, crack, or discolor the surface

Can be affected by high heat (over 400F)

Hot pots can warp, melt, or discolor the surface

Hot pots can burn the surface

Non-porous - Best resistance to bacteria

Non-porous - easy to clean.  Favored in hospitals

Very resistant to bacteria witd proper maintenance.

Non-porous — easy to clean

Initially good resistance to bacteria, but easily scratched

Best scratch resistance

Can scratch - can be sanded and repaired

Highly scratch resistant — small scratches can be professionally repaired

Can be scratched - not easily repaired

Scratches and abrasions can usually be sanded out

May require seams — various edge profiles available

Seamless - usually set on a wood sub-structure - various edge profiles available

May require seams - various edge profiles available

Sheet material is applied to a wood sub-structure - limited edge profiles

Wood blanks can be custom made into many shapes and edge types

Polished finish - consistent and uniform color and patterning

Matte finish — with consistent and uniform color and patterning

Highly polished finish — every piece is naturally unique in color and patterning

Highly visible seams — consistent and uniform color and cvpatterning

Can be oiled or vanished depending on the application and intended look

Strongest of all. Can be unsupported for 24".

Solid Surface — Medium strong, but highly resistant to cracking.

Very strong, but natural fissures and faults require very good and level support

Wooden substrate supports tde laminate which itself is quite flimsy.  If installed properly, very strong and crack resistant.  Seams can expand over time if not sealed.

Very strong, but cracks can form in dry climate.

None — ever.

Scratches can be sanded out

Requires periodic sealing to prevent staining

Oil finish needs reapplied approx every 6 weeks

$60 - $80 per sq/ft

$50 - $65 per sq/ft

$35 sq/ft and up
(20 sq/ft min.)  Rare or high quality granite can run $100/sq ft+

Inexpensive

Price various by species of wood