Contemporary lifestyle has given Granite, Marble, and Quartz a sticky name among home builders and families. Everyone wants to follow the trend, and following the trend means to know that Granite, Marble, and Quartz are possibly the best fit for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Granite, marble, and quartz are durable and long-lasting and are cut, crafted, and polished to add beauty to the home. Marble and granite countertops are made entirely of natural stone, while quartz countertops have partial additives.
Each material has its own grains, flecks, veins and color variations, style and color are important considerations. Even though all three are strong and reliable, they are not easy to repair if damaged.
Granite
Granite is known for its solid properties. It is also durable and stain-resistant. It can withstand heat associated with cooking or serving food and doesn’t show watermarks. It’s difficult to break, crack or scratch with normal wear and tear.
You can get granite in a variety of colors, such as tan, gray, yellow-gold, brown, off-white, taupe, peach, and blue-gray. However, granite cannot be compared to quartz concerning a variety of colors. Granite is a natural stone, has limited colors. In contrast, quartz, which has partial additives, can be seen in numerous color compartments.
Pros
- Sustainability is the first factor that thrills us about granite. Granite countertops have been proven to have the ability to last a lifetime, contains no harmful chemicals, and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses, they have a place in the green building movement.
- Heat Resistance is another factor to consider when choosing granite. Granite countertops will not melt or blister when exposed to heat, meaning if you take a hot pan out of the oven, you can place it directly on your countertop surface without damage it.
- Granites are scratch resistance. You can literally do all the cuttings you want to do on it and not worry about the scratch.
Cons
- Before getting all excited about granite, you should know that it is actually very expensive to acquire. It is costlier than many other materials. The installation cost is also worrisome.
- Apart from the fact that the installation is worrisome, the installation process is also very tricky and complicated. Many damages are usually being recorded during installation.
- If you are choosing granite, you better be ready to have it forever. Granite countertops cannot be undone easily. Once you decide to have it, you have to stay put with it. To uninstall, you may have to redo the whole counter. Also, not all counters will be suited for granite.
Marble
Marble is known for its structural soundness. Marble is the most porous of the three and is especially sensitive to acidic liquids and potent chemical cleaners. For example, wine can stain marble countertops if not wiped away quickly. A high-grade sealant is necessary to protect the surface.
Pros
- Marble materials are conspicuous. The naturally occurring stone can be found all over the globe, making it widely available in many varieties. They are highly durable, and they add sophistication to the color of your home.
- Marbles are not just durable and sophisticated; if they are properly maintained, they can actually add value to your property. If you are perhaps thinking of selling your property in the nearest future or letting it out, marble might be the best option for you because of the value that comes with it.
- The uniqueness that marble brings to the table is mind-blowing. If you want all-around uniqueness, marble is the best bet for you.
Cons
- If you thought granite was the most expensive, better have a rethink. Marble is actually insanely expensive because of its quality.
- Marble is too heavy. Marble stones are about the heaviest, so if you think marble countertop installation is something you can do on your own, you better have a rethink. Even in tile-form, you’ll still need to calculate the marble’s weight and ensure that your counter is sturdy enough to support it.
- It is sad to say that what litters the sophistication of marble is the fact that it stains easily. You will have to do a lot of stressful cleaning to keep it fresh and clean.
Quartz
You can also call it the colorful quartz, for its numerous color samples. Quartz countertops have all of the same benefits of granite, except they aren’t entirely natural.
I have to submit that color enhancement is the beauty of quartz, without the color enhancement, natural quartz is somewhat dull and unappealing. People who want fancy looks mostly go for the enhanced quartz because of its colorful feel that gives a perfect picturesque view in homes and properties.
Pros
- Quartz countertops are the newest breed in town, and they’ve grown in popularity because of their durability and attractiveness. Quartz stones are also called engineered stones because they are not natural stones; they are derived from the adding together of partial additives to their properties.
- Quartz allows a wide range of colors, and one can easily get varieties of colors to pick for one’s property.
- Quartz can stand up to juice, oil, wine, tomato, coffee, and other sources of stains in the kitchen, and it does not harbor bacteria or viruses.
Cons
- Quartz countertops do not have a natural feel because they are derived from engineered stones. If you are a lover of naturalness, quartz isn’t remotely the best option for you.
- Unlike granite, the longevity of quartz is not distinctly guaranteed. You can be sure to enjoy it while it lasts, but it is nothing compared to Granite and Marble.
- Quartz is not a good heat resistant as Marble and Granite. Exposing quartz to heat will only be a recipe for disaster; heat and quartz don’t go well at all. If you want to increase the lifespan of quartz, you have to be very cautious of the amount of heat it is being exposed to.
