Choosing Between Granite, Quartz, and Marble
Renovating your home can be as stressful as it is exciting. With so many decisions to make, you want to ensure you choose the best options that not only look great but function properly for years to come. One of the biggest factors to decide on during the renovation process is what countertops to choose! Whether you are renovating your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or bar you want to make sure you are choosing not only the right style for your space but also the right stone! Quartz, granite, and marble countertops all serve a different purpose and have their own set of pros and cons depending what room you’re renovating. Let’s talk about the differences!
Quartz
Quartz countertops are engineered using resin and crushed quartz stone giving them some qualities that other stones lack. Quartz countertops are known for being durable, hygienic, non-porous, water resistant, and easy to maintain. Quartz countertops don’t require sealing and can be easily cleaned. They are also quite stain resistant compared to other types of countertops due to their non-porous nature. Quartz also provides a lot of different styles and colour options as the countertops themselves are manufactured rather than naturally cut – this gives you the opportunity to find the perfect match for your space!
While quartz countertops do have many benefits, it’s important to consider a few things. While these countertops are stain resistant, they are not stain proof! As there is resin in the composition of these slabs, stains are a possibility so you should still be careful when using highly pigmented products like wine, coffee, food colourings, and vegetables like beets. Quartz countertops are also easily prone to heat damage so use caution if you are installing quartz in a space where you will be using extreme heat!
If you’re renovating practically any room in your home, quartz is a great option. Quartz’s resistance to stains, durability, and easy to maintain nature makes it great for bathrooms, bars, or kitchens! Just be careful installing Quartz in naturally very bright rooms or in the outdoors as the light may fade its colour overtime.
Granite
If you’re looking for a 100% natural stone option, granite is a great choice! Unlike quartz, granite slabs are not manufactured and are cut straight from the stone. Granite slabs are a beautiful option if you love the look of organic and natural stones. They are also heat resistant, durable, bacteria resistant, stain resistant, easy to clean, and are easily repaired if chipped or scratched. Granite slabs are also much more unique than quartz, each slab is different!
Granite, in many ways, is similar in benefits to quartz and is even resistant to extreme heat (which may give it a leg up depending on the space you are installing the stone in). However, granite countertops are not as easy to maintain. It requires sealing and re-sealing to maintain many of its qualities such as stain resistance. How often you need to re-seal your granite partially depends on use and the type of sealant used. It’s typically recommended that you re-seal every 1-10 years but it is advised you speak with your stone fabricator and keep note of which sealant was used. If your granite is not sealed properly or re-sealed often it regains the porous nature of the stone, meaning it is not only no longer stain resistant and more likely to hold bacteria. Despite this stone’s durable nature, it can also be cracked or chipped by heavy objects so use caution.
Granite countertops are a popular option for many different rooms in your home! These countertops are most often used in bathrooms and kitchens due to their heat and stain resistant qualities. However, these slabs can be used in any room in your home for a beautiful, luxurious look! Just ensure you keep up with sealing and this stone will look great for many years!
Marble
Like granite, marble countertops are natural and cut straight from the stone. Marble slabs have beautiful, unique veining in each slab. Marble is an elegant and luxurious stone that can be a great addition to whatever space you’re renovating. Countertops from marble are durable, resistant to cracking, and easy to clean. Marble countertops are also heat resistant and remain cool at all times (which can be helpful for bakers!).
While luxurious, marble is one of the more difficult stones to care for. Marble is very porous and therefore more prone to staining and holding bacteria. Similar to granite, it will need to be sealed frequently to maintain its beauty and function. Prolonged exposure to acidic things (i.e. citrus, vinegar, and wine) can also cause the stone to look dull as it removes the polish or seal on the stone. While marble is a natural, durable stone, you still need to be careful not to leave scratches or use extreme heat on these counters to avoid damage and discolouration.
If you are looking to install marble in your kitchen or bathroom, its heat resistant qualities and natural cool temperature make it a great choice! But these slabs are more delicate and require higher levels of maintenance, if you don’t have the desire to maintain these slabs you may end up with a countertop that looks less than luxurious. While they do require maintenance, the elegant and beautiful look of these slabs is timeless and will look amazing in your home if cared for properly!
Conclusion
There are many options to consider when choosing a countertop for your home. There is not one stone that is better than the others; it really comes down to your lifestyle and the type of look you want. Both marble and granite have great qualities for a kitchen whether you’re a chef looking for heat and stain resistance or a baker looking for a cooler slab, though granite is easier to care for than marble. Quartz is an awesome low maintenance, easy-care option for any room in your home, just be cautious of using these slabs with extreme heat! When choosing your slab make sure you assess what rooms they will be used in, how they will be used, the level of care you are prepared to take, and the style you are looking for and you are sure to pick the perfect slab for your home! We have a large selection of quartz, granite, and marble for you to choose from and our staff are knowledgeable and happy to help you choose the perfect slab for your space. Come see us for all your stone needs, we’ve got everything you need (and the kitchen sink)!
