1- SOLID SURFACE vs. GRANITE

* SINKS: Solid Surface sinks are chemically bonded to the countertop creating asmooth, one-piece look. No grout lines, no gaps, and no places to collect bacteria, moldand mildew. [Sinks mounted under granite will have visible seams. Edges and recessesareprone to moisture/ mold and bacteria growth.]

* SEAMS &: EDGES: Consistency of pattern and color, plus chemical bonding tofuse Solid Surface pieces provide very inconspicuous seams. No grout to clean or replace,and liquids cannot penetrate the surface. Countertop edges are clean and seamless. Edgestyles can be shaped and routed offering endless options. [Granite will have visibleseams that can become stained and dirty with time.]

* STAIN RESISTANCE: Solid Surface is nonporous. Stains will not seep into thesurface. Surface stains are easily wiped away with soap and water or buffed away forgood. [All granite is porous and stains easily. It must be properly and routinely sealed.}

* MOLD &: BACTERIA: Solid Surface meets FDA,ASTMand NSFstandards forcommercial food preparation, food contact and bacterial resistance. Solid Surfac~ is theonly healthy choice for Restaurants, Hospitals and other applications where bacterialresistance is important! [Granite has small surface crevices where bacteria can hide andis harder to keep clean. Routine sealing will help protect against these conditions - aslong as the sealant remains intact and is resealed on a regular basis. Granite currentlydoes not meet any of the above standards and is not approved for commercial foodservice or Health Careapplications.}

* HEAT RESISTANCE: Placing a scalding hot pan on any countertop surface is notrecommended and is not a normal occurrence. The use of trivets is recommended.However, if minor heat damage occurs to Solid Surface, it can usually be buffed away bythe homeowner. A certified installer can inconspicuously repair more severe damage.[Granite is very heat resistant" however the sealant used on the surface is not.]

* WARRANTY &: MAINTENANCE: Solid Surface is normally accompaniedwith long - transferable warranties. It is easy to clean and does not require any sealing.Minor scratches and burns can be buffed away by the homeowner, while certifiedinstallers easily repair more serious damage. [Granite requires routine resealing,polishing, and specialized cleaning products and methods. Chips/ scratches or breaks aredifficult to repair and are usuaJJyvisible. Granite products are typically not warrantied.Over time/ internal weaknesses inherent in stone (internal fissures/ natural cracks/impurities/ etc.) may affect performance.]