Appearance

Granite counters are made of natural stone. The counters sold as granite are actually what is known as “commercial” granite, or a group of stones comprised mainly of silica, feldspar, and quartz. Because of this, granite counters have a nearly endless number of colors and patterns. No two stones are ever the same because the mineral composition of each one can vary slightly from slab to slab, even when quarried in the same place. This variation is part of what gives granite counters their charm and beauty but can be a drawback for anyone who wants a more uniform appearance in their kitchen.

Granites can be polished, honed, or “flamed,” heated to remove weaker surface particles, to give them texture. They can have several edge designs, and sinks used with granite can be installed in several ways, including undermounted for a clean look.

Laminate countertops are made of a mixture of wood and paper products held together with glue and resin. On top of these, a plastic surface has been “laminated” or heat joined to the wood particle core. Laminates have a more limited color palette, dictated by the manufacturers of the brand you choose. Some laminates are designed to look like granite or other stones with a repeating pattern copied from real stone. Because the designs are printed, however, they are much more uniform and regular than granite. Depending on the manufacturer, you may be able to have your sink undermounted, but most lower cost laminates require a drop-in sink installation.

Costs

Granite is sold by the square foot, with additional costs for the edging and sink installation. Because it must be fabricated and installed by professionals, the cost of installation is usually added to the cost of the stone. Granite can cost between $30 and $500 a square foot installed, but most stones fall between $40-$75 a square foot. Edging is priced by the linear foot, with costs starting around $10 a foot. Sink cutouts are approximately $100 a piece. The average kitchen is around 30 square feet of counter, with one sink cutout, for an average cost of $3,500 installed.

Laminate may be sold by the foot, but is more often sold by the panel because they are usually pre-made. A 96-inch counter costs around $100. For 30 square feet of material, the cost would be around $200, plus installation at around $10 - $40 a foot gives you a total of $500-$1,200 installed. Keep in mind that luxury vinyl ³, such as that sold by Wilsonart, costs closer to $2,000 installed, with the material alone costing $1,000.

Hardness

Granite is a fairly dense, hard stone that is tough enough to withstand a lot of force. However, not all granites are created equally. Gabbros or black granites are amongst the strongest stones in the world, while some very light colored granites are weaker. All granite is rated from A to D regarding strength. A class D stone should not be installed without an underlayment ⁴ or used in an overhang, as it may break without support.

Laminates are made of a particle board ⁵ topped with a printed surface. They are not nearly as tough as granite, but you can use them without support on an overhang without fear of sagging or cracking.

Sinks

Any sink can be installed with a granite countertop, with undermounted being the most popular choice. Most laminate counters require a drop-in sink because the laminate does not have a finished edge. However, Wilsonart makes a laminate countertop that can be used with an undermounted sink. It requires professional installation but can give you a cleaner look.

Maintenance

Laminates are extremely low-maintenance materials. They do not require sealing or special cleaners. If they do become scratched, a kit can be used to repair them. They can be cleaned as needed with your preferred cleaner.

Granites may require more maintenance, depending on the type of stone. In addition to the oil and lemon test, a good rule of thumb is that the lighter the color, the more maintenance the stone will need. Many stones require periodic sealing to prevent stains. When water stops beading on the surface of the stone, it is time to reseal. Always wash your stone with a PH neutral cleaner made specifically for stones to avoid damage to the surface. If properly cared for, your granite will not require any additional work.