Comparison Charts
NATURAL STONE / MARBLE | QUARTZ | SINTERED STONE | SOLID SURFACE |
Refined and upscale aesthetic | Does not require sealing | Does not require sealing | Does not require sealing |
Naturally varied | Lack of porosity | Withstand heat and cold | Wide number of colours and designs
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Works well with a range of styles from modern to rustic | Can achieve a similar look to natural stone | Has a more natural, organic look | Homogeneous look and with competitive pricing |
Timeless | Consistent colour patterns | Durable owing toits water-resistant, stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant qualities | Can scratch, but scratches can be sanded |
Maintenance-friendly | Low maintenance and easy to clean | Versatile – can be used for floors, walls, and even furniture pieces | Low-maintenance and seamless in look |
VINYL FLOORING | LAMINATE FLOORING | |
100% polymers, no organic content | MATERIALS | Mostly high-density fiberboard made from wood |
Entirely waterproof | MOISTURE | Water resistant, not waterproof |
Plastic | CORE | Wood byproduct |
Wet mop allowed | CLEANING | Do not use wet mop |
Thick, quality vinyl flooring can last up to 25 years, with thinner vinyl flooring’s lifespan limited to less than 10 years | LIFESPAN | Laminate flooring can last between 15 and 25 years, though poorly maintained laminate may last only five to 10 years |
Entirely waterproof, from the top to the bottom and all edges
Can be dried out and it will retain its dimensions and appearance after soaked in the water Can be affected by heat, usually far higher (158 Fahrenheit) than one can expect during daily use |
WATER, HEAT AND ENVIRONMENT | Fragile when water comes into play
Core will not return to its original dimensions after soaked in the water Unaffected by heat, such as topwear layer may melt under extreme heat |
Care & Maintenance - Do & Don’ts
DO | DON’TS |
DO use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices | DON’T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, other general purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners or tub and tile cleaners |
DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware | DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers |
DO use place mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that may scratch your stone’s surface | DON’T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone |
DO place a small rug or mat at entryways to trap dirt and sand from normal foot traffic | DON’T put too much weight |
DO dust countertops, islands, vanities and floors frequently | |
DO blot up spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone | |
DO clean surfaces regularly with neutral cleaners designed for stone |