Choosing restaurant table tops for your restaurant can be a headache. There are a lot of factors to consider and many options to choose from in terms of materials. When choosing between two of the most popular materials available on the market like granite table tops and solid surface table tops, there are a few things to keep in mind.

 

[1] Granite Table Tops

 

Granite is made of all-natural stone that has been mined, treated, and shaped for use as a table. It is coated in a protective seal and comes in a variety of colors. While it is a popular choice for many venues, there a few pros and cons to know before buying.

 

Pros of Granite Restaurant Table Tops

 

  • Handles heat without damage. Due to the seal and durable nature of the stone, granite can handle heat better than other solid surface options.
  • It doesn’t harbor bacteria. In fact, granite is one of the most sanitary options for table tops. The surface seal protects against bacteria and even if there is a breach in the seal, the stone is unlikely to harbor bacteria.
  • Granite is incredibly durable. It is highly scratch resistant thanks to the seal. If small scratches do occur, they can be easily repaired with a few simple steps.
  • It offers uniqueness other materials simply don’t have to offer. With granite, no two pieces of stone are the same in pattern or color which allows for a one-of-a-kind appearance.

 

Cons of Granite Restaurant Table Tops

 

  • Granite tends to be more expensive than solid surface table tops.
  • It may require more upkeep than solid surface tops. While they are easy to clean, caring for the seal may be an ongoing process. Most seals last for years without needing to any repairs. Even if your seal does require repairs, it is a relatively simple task.
  • Granite is limited in customizations. While the stone can come in many colors and swirl patterns, you cannot choose any color you want. You are limited to using the natural colors the stone comes in naturally. 

 

[2] Solid Surface Table Tops

 

Solid surface tops are made of acrylic or plastic materials that have been mixed and poured by man-made processes. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.

 

Pros Solid Surface Restaurant Table Tops

 

  • Solid surfaces restaurant table tops are more affordable than granite. In general, solid surface table tops tend to cost less due to how easy they are to make. With granite, the stones need to be found from natural sources. With plastics and resin, the materials can be easily made by man. This helps with the affordability.
  • It offers more options for color customizations to meet your décor needs. Unlike granite, solid surface table tops can be dyed to meet nearly any color based need from hot pink to emerald green.
  • Solid surface table tops make it easier to create a uniformed look than with the different variations of granite.

 

Cons Solid Surface Restaurant Table Tops

 

  • Heat can warp, damage, or crack solid surface restaurant tables. While solid surface table tops can be a durable option, they are more sensitive to heat which may be a consideration to keep in mind.
  • If there are deep scratches or gashes in the surface, bacteria can be harbored. Unlike granite, solid surface tables are more porous making them ideal for bacteria.

 

They are more prone to scratches than granite. While they scratch somewhat easily, they can be repaired by sanding.

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