Materials in Renovation

Properties​

HOMOGENEOUS / PORCELAIN​

CERAMIC​

Density​

More​

Less​

Hardness / ​Scratch Resistance​

More​

Less​

Porosity / Moisture Absorption​

Less​

More​

Stain Resistance​

More​

Less​

Durability​

More​

Less​

Cost​

Generally Higher​

Generally Lower​

Applications​

Indoor / Outdoor​

Better for Indoors​

Properties​

VINYL​

NATURAL WOOD​

Waterproof​

Yes​

No​

Scratch Resistance​

More​

Less​

Termites​

Termite Proof​

Susceptible to Termites​

Warping​

Less​

More​

Rejuvenate​

No​

Yes, by sanding​

Luxurious​

No​

Yes​

Cost​

Lower​

Higher​

Applications​

Indoor​

Indoor / Outdoor​

Properties​

WALLPAPER​

PAINT​

Maintenance​

Every 5 years​

Less​

Change Finishing​

More Difficult​

Easier​

Texture​

More​

Less​

Luxury​

More​

Less​

Cost​

Higher​

Lower​

Applications​

Consistent Patterns​

Less Consistent Patterns​

What’s the difference?​

Plywood​

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)​

Particle Board / Low Density Fibreboard (LDF)​

What is it?​

Engineered wood product made of thin wood layers. Wood layers are glued together to form a solid piece.​

Engineered wood composite made of wood fibres.​

Engineered wood composite made of wood chips.​

Moisture Sensitivity​

Good, Less susceptible to water damage​

Average, Susceptible to water damage​

Poor, Very susceptible to water damage​

Strength​

Good, Very strong​

Average​

Poor, Low strength​

Durability​

Good​

Average​

Poor​

Cost​

Most costly.​

Cheaper than plywood but more expensive than particle board.​

Low cost.​

What’s the difference?​

Laminate​

Wood Veneer​

PVC​

What is it?​

Typically made from decorative paper combined with a resin.​

Thin slice of wood.​

Thin layer of plastic.​

Appearance​

Wide Range​
Solid colours, patterns, textures wood/metal/stone/fabric​

Luxurious​
Real Wood​

Limited Range
Solid colours, wood​

Moisture Sensitivity​

Good​

Average​, Susceptible to water damage/mould​

Good​

Scratch Resistance​

Good​

Poor​

Poor​

Corners​

Edges at corners are obvious​

Edges at corners finish well​

Easily scratched at corners​

Durability​

May peel or chip over time​

May peel or chip minimally over time but looks presentable​

Peels and chips more; imperfections in carcass are obvious​

Cost​

Average​

High​

Low​

Applications​

External / Internal​

External / Internal​

Usually Internal​

Properties​

QUARTZ​

GRANITE​

KOMPACPLUS​

SOLID SURFACE​

What is it?​

Man-made Stone​

Natural Stone​

Kraft Paper with Resin​

Acrylic / Polyester Blends​

Appearance​

Stone, Granite/ Marble-like​

Stone​

Wood, Stone, Solids​

Stone​

Scratch Resistance​

More​

More​

Average​

Less​

Stain Resistance​

More​

More​

More​

Less​

Heat Resistance​

More​

More​

Average​

Less​

Luxurious​

Yes​

Yes​

No​

No​

Cost​

High​

Mid​

Low​

Lowest​

Profile​

Usually 20mm thickness​

Usually 20mm thickness​

Slim 6mm profile​

Odd-shapes and curves​

What’s the difference?​

TILES​

GLASS​

ALUMINIUM​

KOMPACPLUS​

STEEL​

Appearance​

Tile, Solid / Patterns​

Glossy, Solid Colours​

Similar to Glass​

Wood, Stone, Solids​

Industrial​

Maintenance​

Poor, Grout Lines​

Good​

Good​

Good​

Average​

Onsite Adjustments​

Yes​

No​

Yes​

Yes​

Yes​

Cost​

Low – Mid​

Low​

High​

High​

Low​