You probably would have heard of these three rocks when choosing the appropriate material for your countertop. While they share some similarities because they are all different types of stones, each of them have unique properties and correspondingly, pros and cons when used for your countertop.
Finding the right
countertop material is one most challenging processes of your homeownership journey but hopefully this will help to shed some light on which stone might be the most appropriate for you!
Before we get into any differences between the three, we should first understand what exactly they are.
Granite
Granite is one of the more popular countertop materials, and is probably the first one you think of when you hear “stone countertop”. Granite forms when magma crystallizes. The natural stone is cut and then sealed. Each stone has a unique look because the natural elements present during the process affect magma’s crystallization.
Quartz is a subset of granite made up of only silicon and oxygen atoms. Unlike granite, quartz is made of real stone that has been processed with resin to create a solid material. This allows more control over their appearance, as you can alter the colour and pattern of quartz to your liking.
Marble
Marble is limestone that has been placed under immense pressure and heat. It gives your home an elegant and regal look.
Difference 1: Cost
Marble comes in at the most expensive of the three, followed by quartz then granite. Marble is a much more expensive material compared to the other two, hence, if cost is a big concern of yours, quartz or granite may be the better choice.
Difference 2: Durability
Granite is the most durable of the three. It rarely shows visible scratches and only require resealing once every few years, depending on your extent of usage.
Quartz is a close second as it may not be able to withstand heavy items being dropped on it but small knife scratches are forgivable.
Marble is the most susceptible to damage and should only be considered if you do not use your kitchen often.
Difference 3: Water and heat resistance
Quartz is water resistance because of the resin present in it. However, it can only withstand heat up to about 80°C.
Marble is not water resistant and will require water-resistant coverings when being sealed but is twice as resistant to heat as quartz.
Granite is water resistance only if it is sealed and is the most heat resistant of the three.
Summary
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Granite
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Quartz
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Marble
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Cost
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Least expensive
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Most expensive
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Durability
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Most durable
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Least durable
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Resistance
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Water resistant (if sealed)
Most heat resistant
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High water-resistance
Slightly heat-resistant
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Not water-resistant
Decent heat-resistance
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With these differences in mind, we hope you are able to make a better decision as to which countertop material is the best for you. Marble offers a unique and regal look but may not be suitable for heavy duty cooking. On the other hand, granite might be a more functional choice as it is more suited for intense kitchen usage.
Quartz is very similar to granite in terms of cost and function, so the choice really depends on personal tastes. Quartz has a more modern look whereas granite has a more traditional and rustic look. So, between the two, the choice is dependent on the overall theme of your home.
