It starts to get a bit confusing, because at first glance, all materials appear to look alike. The main thing to remember is that solid-surface is about 2/3 natural minerals (the rest is composed of binding resins); quartz is mostly organic (quartz, with about 7% binding resins added); and granite is all organic (for slab granite).
Solid Surface, Quartz, and Granite Counter Comparison
| Countertop Material | ||||
| Features | Solid Surface | Quartz | Granite | |
| Brand Names | Corian, Silestone, etc. | Caesarstone | None | |
| Appearance | Dull, uniform. | Lustrous, three-dimensional. | Lustrous, rich, and crystalline. | |
| Must Be Sealed? | No. | No. | Yes. | |
| Requires Pro Installation? | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | |
| Durability | Can scratch and scorch (though scratches can be sanded out). | Hard, but can scorch. | Hard, but can crack. Will absorb stains if not sealed properly. | |
| Cost (Installed) | $35 and up. | $50 and up. | $60 and up. | |
| Visibility of Seams | Best "invisibility" of seams of all products. | Visible, though a good installer can hide seams well. | Same as quartz - visible, though a good installer can hide seams well. | |
| Man-Made vs. Organic Materials | 33% manmade (polymers); 66% natural minerals. | 7% manmade; 93% natural. | 100% natural (in the case of slab granite). | |
