Which countertops materials are used to make kitchen and bathroom countertops? The following comparison chart maybe could tell you the specific differences of acrylic artificial stone and granite.
Properties
Acrylic artificial stone is nonporous and can be fabricated to achieve a seamless look. There are no spaces or nooks in the material to catch liquid spills or dirt, a fact that makes Acrylic countertops both durable and easy to clean. Moreover, the material is resistant to stains and often relatively easy to repair.Granite, a natural rock, is extremely hard and durable, despite being porous. Granite is more porous than the nonporous Acrylic, but it is less porous than some other natural materials, like marble.While granite is unlikely to ever go out of style, the choice for countertop surfaces extends far beyond granite and includes synthetic surfaces like Acrylic, natural rocks like marble, and engineered quartz like Silestone.
Durability
Acrylic is prone to scratches and minor nicks, most Acrylic can withstand heat, but it is not resistant to temperatures above 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures is likely to cause discoloration.
Granite is quite scratch resistant, enough so that food can be cut on the surface with a knife. However, acidic foods and spills are likely to stain the stone, especially if they are not quickly cleaned. The stone is also very heat resistant and will not crack if a hot pan or pot is placed on it directly from the oven.
Appearance
Acrylic can also be integrated with wood, glass, and stone, making it a very popular choice for residential and commercial projects. In general, Acrylic is a good choice for those who want to add a uniform, homogeneous look to their kitchens or offices.
Because granite is a natural stone, all granite countertops have unique colors and mineral speckles.
Maintenance
Acrylic countertops can be cleaned with soapy water or ammonia-based solutions. Once cleaned, the countertops need to be dried thoroughly to prevent hard water stains. Granite should be with soapy water on a daily basis.
Applications
Acrylic is used to make kitchen and bathroom countertops, as well as sinks, in residences and businesses like restaurants, hotels, and hospitals. Its nonporous and seamless designs make it a good choice for bar counters, tabletops, and solid surfaces in healthcare settings.
The strong, heat resistant, and sanitary qualities of granite, along with its elegance, make it ideal for classic kitchen countertops.
Other Uses
The use of Acrylic does not just stop at kitchen and bathroom countertops. It can be used in very creative ways to make furniture, lighting, flooring, and interior and exterior wall cladding.
Granite has been used throughout modern and ancient times. It is very popular as a material for gravestones or monuments in public places.