Granite, Marble or Quartz Countertops?
Here is the Info You Need to Find the Right Stone for Your Kitchen Surfaces
When building or renovating a kitchen, one of the hardest design decisions is selecting a counter surface.
Before you can even think about color, you need to pick the right stone that matches your aesthetics and lifestyle.
With so many options to choose from, the decision can be difficult. It is important to consider your design style, durability, maintenance requirements, cost, and ease of clean-up.
Below are the pros and cons of granite, marble and quartz as counter surfaces to help you decide what option will work best for your kitchen needs.
Granite – A Natural Stone
Pros
• Durable
• Heat resistant
• Scratch resistant
• Chemical resistant
• Stain resistant
• Low maintenance
• Ideal for preparing baked goods
• Unique shadings and striations
Cons
• Porous, so it needs to be regularly sealed to protect against stains, moisture and bacteria
Quartz – An Engineered Stone Surface
Pros
• Durable
• Heat resistant
• Scratch resistant
• Chemical resistant
• Stain resistant
• Low maintenance
• No sealing required
• Artificially colored, so more hue options
• Non-porous
Cons
• Hard to duplicate the veining and patterns found in granite and marble
Less resistant to heat than granite
• More expensive than granite
• Can discolor when exposed to strong sunlight
Marble – A Natural Stone
Pros
• Heat resistant
• Attractive veining
• Ages beautifully
• Large variety of colors and patterns
Cons
• Porous so it needs to be regularly sealed to prevent staining
• More porous than granite
• Sensitive to some chemical agents, so spills need to be cleaned quickly
• Not as durable granite or quartz, it can scratch and chip more easily
• Not heat, scratch, chemical or stain resistant