Begin by identifying how the room is used. Frequent cooking, children, rentals, outdoor exposure, and cosmetic use create different priorities. Review full slabs or large samples rather than relying on one small piece. Ask how the material handles hot cookware, acids, oils, dyes, impacts, sunlight, and cleaning chemicals. The fabricator's skill and cabinet condition are as important as the material. A high-quality surface can perform poorly when measured, supported, or installed incorrectly.
Key considerations
- heat resistance
- stain resistance
- repairability
- full-slab review
- performance comparison
- multiple materials