Whether it’s time for a kitchen remodel, a new bathroom vanity top, or building a new home, increasing numbers of homeowners and designers are considering a range of options, including solid surface countertops.

Certainly granite has gotten plenty of buzz in recent years, but people aren’t as quick to talk about its downsides. And some designers believe its popularity is already on the decline. Style-wise, granite might not go the way of shag carpet, but it’s arguably become more about “keeping up with the Joneses” than truly being a practical, real-world option for many homes.

In addition to finding a look you love, you’ll want to consider each material’s inherent properties and how each will fare under the demands of everyday living.

Naturally, we’re biased in favor of Formica® Solid Surfacing over granite, but we believe consumers deserve to know some material facts to help inform their remodeling ideas and decorating decisions.

Six good reasons to consider solid surfacing:

1. Solid surfacing is durable and easy to clean.

Granite is prone to cracks and chips with use over time – and breaks are not uncommon.

Heat-resistant and stain-resistant, solid surfacing is designed to endure many years of use. After all, there are good reasons why it’s a material of choice for many commercial environments: It’s both stylish and easy to clean. Solid surfacing often plays a starring role in restaurant interior design, hotel industry trends and beyond.

Not sure? Formica Solid Surfacing comes with a ten-year guarantee.

2. Solid surfacing is non-porous.

Because solid surfacing is non-porous, it does not require sealing – unlike granite, which must be resealed regularly to prevent stains and bacteria growth. Granite maintenance is a drawback for many busy families who don’t have time to worry about resealing their kitchen countertops at least once a year.

3. Solid surfacing is renewable and repairable.

Granite is rarely repairable. Whether it’s stains, chips or cracks, once damage is done to granite, the damage is generally done. Solid surfacing can be renewed, as small knicks and scratches can easily be buffed out. Learn more about refreshing solid surfacing.

4. Solid surfacing loves seamless integrated sinks.

Due to its material nature, granite doesn’t allow for the modern, streamlined elegance of seamless integrated sinks. Learn more about solid surfacing and seamless integrated sinks.

5. Solid surfacing goes easier on the environment – and on the budget.

Granite is a natural quarried material from mines. This allows the product to be unique, but that comes at a cost to the environment, such as consumption of natural resources and quarry waste.

Looking for green building materials? Formica Group is the first major solid surfacing manufacturer to create a range of recycled products that use both post-industrial and post-consumer waste: eSeries by Formica Group.

Our eSeries collection features 15 percent total recycled content, five of which is post-consumer in the form of polystyrene. Each sheet of eSeries contains an estimated 1000 Styrofoam cups.

Many solid surfacing colors feature decorative stone looks containing recycled content. And solid surfacing offers many design options that are both aesthetically pleasing and more affordable than granite.

6. Solid surfacing is decorative and offers many design options.

Granite can be shaped or carved, but a solid surface countertop can be:

• Routed
• Shaped
• Sculpted
• Engraved
• Sandblasted
• Backlit

In short, because color goes all the way through the surface, it allows for almost endless design, edge and inlay possibilities