ENGINEERED STONE

Granite

Best for most baths. More color choices than granite. Engineered stone needn’t be sealed.
But its uniform look isn’t for everyone. Edges can chip.
Examples Cambria, Silestone, Zodiaq.

Best for toughness with the appeal of real stone.
But it must be sealed periodically. Color and grain may not match store samples.
Examples Walker Zanger, local fabricators.

Best for those who want lots of choices at a low price. Many colors. Easy installation.
But it chips easily. Grout may stain and absorb water, though tinted grout helps.
Examples American Olean and Dal-Tile, among others.

stainless steel

laminate

Best for the high-tech look. Heat and stain resistance
are pluses.
But stainless steel dents and scratches easily. It also tends to show fingerprints.
Examples John Boos, Elkay, local fabricators.

Best for good, low-priced performance. Mimics high-end counter materials.
But it’s easily scratched and isn’t repairable. Most products show seams.
Examples Formica,
Nevamar, Wilsonart.

Best for versatility. Many colors, no seams, easy repairs for small nicks.
But it’s easily scratched.
Cost can equal granite.
Examples Corian, Gibraltar, Staron.

MARBLE

CONCRETE

Best for the traditional look. Sealed marble resists most stains.
But it chips and scratches easily. Must be resealed for stain resistance.
Examples Walker Zanger, local fabricators.

Best for exclusivity.
Can be tinted any color, can include marble chips.
But it chips and scratches easily. Custom-formed, so quality can vary.
Examples Cheng Design, local fabricators.

Best for stone styling in low-traffic bathrooms.
But it’s prone to stains even when sealed. Chips and scratches easily.
Examples Walker Zanger, local fabricators.