Do imitation granite countertops compare to the real thing?

Dear Contractors.com,

We are looking to put in new countertops in the kitchen, and we’re trying to decide between real granite and the new imitation granite. Do you have any thoughts that may sway us in one way over the other?

– P.H., Arlington, VA

Your question is one that comes up frequently among people in the market for new countertops. And that is probably because the new imitation granite countertops are so good that they may even have bested Mother Nature herself.

“I was reluctant to recommend the faux granites when they appeared years ago, but today I may even prefer the faux products,” says Dave Black, VP of Woodbridge, Virginia-based Blackwood Construction Group, Inc.

“From an installation standpoint, the product is very strong. There are no fractures or fissure lines that could crack the top during fabrication or transport,” Black continues. “And the synthetic granite can withstand high temperatures from hot pans, although it is never recommended to leave a hot pan on any countertop surface.”

Synthetic granite looks and feels like natural granite, although the color and pattern of the fake stuff is more uniform than is typical in natural stone. It shines just like a natural granite gloss surface – and imitation granite surfaces don’t require a sealant to prevent the absorption of stains, as many granites do.

The growing popularity of synthetic granite means that there are now many beautiful colors and patterns available from different manufactures to choose from.

Dave Black, whose company has over 25 years of combined experience in remodeling, advises that “although the price of the imitation granite can rival that of real granite, the faux products carry a very nice warranty from the manufacturer that Mother Nature cannot provide.”