Countertop Material Guide

Guidelines for choosing the countertop finish that's right for your application.

Learn about the benefits and maintenance of ceramic, glass, solid surface, and HPL so you can determine what's best for your project.

	Ceramic A fired clay surface sealed with a glaze, usually made as one integrated countertop and basin. Easy to clean with a damp cloth and mild cleaner, and needs no sealing. Non-porous, and several Alice Ceramica collections add an antibacterial glaze. Can chip from a hard impact, and chips can't be repaired. Best for: clients who put hygiene first and want a polished, integrated look.
	Glass Tempered glass shaped into an integrated countertop and washbasin. Wipes clean easily but shows water spots, so dry it after use in hard-water areas. Fully non-porous. Chips or cracks mean replacement rather than repair. Best for: a showpiece look in a primary ensuite or lower-traffic bathroom.
	Solid surface An engineered resin or acrylic composite with a seamless, stone-like finish. Cleans with warm water and mild soap. The only material here that can be repaired, since light scratches and some heat marks sand and buff out. It is softer, so avoid abrasive pads. Best for: households that want forgiveness built in, including homes with young children.
	HPL (high pressure laminate) Layers bonded under heat and pressure, the same technology used on exterior building cladding. Cleans with a damp cloth and mild soap, resists scratches and impacts, needs no sealing, and is light, so it puts less load on the vanity. Best for: busy family bathrooms and a stone-like look without stone's weight, cost or upkeep.

 

At a glance

	Ceramic	Glass	Solid surface	HPL
Non-porous	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Scratch and impact	Can chip	Can chip	Scratches more easily	Highly resistant
Repairable	No	No	Yes	No

Read the full countertop guide