countertops Articles

Ready to replace your countertops? This is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make because your countertops are the center of your design and can add more value than you realize. There are so many materials available that the choice can be daunting. Granite, Quartz, and Marble are three of the best quality and sought-after stone countertops on the market. Granite is a popular choice due to its affordability and durability, while marble countertops have been the centerpiece of homes for centuries. Quartz on the other hand has become somewhat of a phenomenon recently with its marble-like features and unmatched durability. The question is which one is right for you? To help you decide, here is a guide comparing the similarities and differences between each material.

Granite Countertops

Granite is an igneous rock that consists of feldspar and quartz. Since many homeowners prefer a more natural-looking stone, it’s a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary homes.

Pros

Granite is one of the most durable stone countertops. It is scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, and stain-resistant. One of the best reasons to choose granite countertops for your kitchen is that the material is so durable that it resists chips and scratches under normal use. These are just some of the qualities that make it the perfect choice for many homeowners.

Granite is also a gorgeous material. Each slab is unique. It has a seemingly endless array of colors and finishes to choose from. Explore color options of white, yellow, gold, blue, grey, and black and its patterns of solid, marble, and speckled for a perfect focal point for your space. Granite’s finish options include polished, honed, leathered, and flamed.

Cons

Since granite is a natural stone, it is porous and needs to be sealed to maintain its beauty and longevity. It also has a more limited color selection compared to quartz. However, some sealants last for 25 years, and granite has much less maintenance than its other natural stone counterparts.

Marble Countertops

Marble is a metamorphic rock made up of recrystallized carbonate compounds formed with an immense amount of heat and pressure. Though it is available in an array color options, classic white marble is the most sought after choice of homeowners.

Pros

Marble is a classic choice for not only countertops but walls, flooring, and some of the world’s most famous statues and architecture. While there are numerous options for countertops, many feel that there are none comparable to the timeless beauty of marble. 

Cons

Like any other natural stone, marble is quite porous and needs a little more maintenance. It needs to be professionally resealed a few times a year to ensure its longevity. Acids will etch marble leaving a white mark behind. While it does have more upkeep, marble has unsurpassed beauty and can withstand a lot of heat because of how it is formed.

Quartz Countertops

Quartzite is the most widely distributed mineral on earth. It along with resins and recycled materials is used to engineer quartz countertops. Many manufacturers may have their own method to engineer quartz countertops with varying percentages of quartzite and added metallic flecks for aesthetic purposes.

Pros

Quartz countertops are gorgeous and add a luxurious feel to any space. Quartz kitchen countertops have become an increasingly popular choice, and it is not difficult to see why. Quartz countertops are more scratch and chip resistant than granite. They have the widest array of finishes and colors since it is an engineered stone. Quartz’s finish options include polished, honed, rough, suede, concrete, and volcano.

Since quartz countertops are a man-made product they are not only durable but sealed from any bacteria. This is a nice advantage over natural stones as those need to be sealed to prevent staining and bacteria from seeping down into your countertops.

Cons

While quartz countertops are durable and low maintenance, they are not entirely heat-resistant. If you overexpose quartz countertops to heat they will melt and leave a burn mark on your countertop. This is the only area where quartz does not surpass other options. Its durability, beauty, and affordable price point all lend itself to being the perfect option for many homeowners.

Which Should You Choose?

When choosing your countertops, you want to make a decision that will make you happy and add the most value to your home. The choice you make will depend on what you prioritize whether it be uniformity, organic movement, maintenance, affordability, or durability. While you have to make the final call, hopefully we will be able to help you make the final decision.

If you prioritize variability in colors, durability, and low maintenance, granite countertops are perfect for you.

If you prioritize timeless beauty, organic movement and heat resistance than marble is a great choice for you. As long as you don’t mind the added maintenance, marble is a excellent choice for homeowners who love to bake.

If you prioritize customization, low maintenance, uniformity and unsurpassed durability, quartz will be a great fit for you. Just be sure to be careful to avoid burning the surface.

Regardless of whichever material you choose for your countertops, we have everything you need with hundreds of slabs to choose from. When you’re ready to design the kitchen of your dreams, contact us for a free in-home estimate!