Quartz, granite, and marble are the three main options you can choose from when building your kitchen countertop. All three add elegance to your home. But did you know that they have unique characteristics that can impact your final decision? We’re doing a benchtop material comparison to see how these three compare to each other, weighing the pros and cons of each so that you know which one is right for your kitchen.
Granite
Granite is one of the most popular options for countertops. They’re so popular that when people hear ‘stone countertops’, granite is the first thing that comes to mind. Granite is a rock made of several materials, including quartz, feldspar, and plagioclase. Granite is durable, difficult to damage, and well known for its longevity.
Benefits of Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are made from granite that is cut from natural stone and then sealed. They are either prefabricated or come in a slab, but both are natural stones. Benchtops made from granite are durable and scratch resistant – meaning accidental slashes and cuts won’t easily damage them. Granite countertops are also heat-resistant. You can put hot pots, pans, or trays on them without causing permanent damage. Granite countertops are also unique, giving you several options for granite colours. Because no two granite slabs are the same, your kitchen countertop will be one-of-a-kind.
Potential Drawbacks of Granite Countertops
Granite is a very tough material. However, it doesn’t mean it’s invincible to chipping or cracking. Granite slabs are incredibly heavy. If you’re planning to build a granite countertop, you need to consider having cabinets that can support their weight before installation. Granite also absorbs liquid. Therefore, you’ll need to seal them once a year to protect them from water and other chemicals, which is not a major inconvenience.
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone that is cool to touch, with colours ranging from pure white to black. Marble countertops add class and luxury to kitchens because of their timeless beauty and radiance. Many homeowners consider the beauty of marble unmatchable.
Benefits of Marble Countertops
Marble is one of the most elegant and beautiful countertop materials, offering numerous colours, styles, and sleek veining.
Potential Drawbacks of Marble Countertops
While relatively durable, marble requires a higher level of upkeep. Marble is more porous than granite, which means marble countertops are more susceptible to damage when exposed to acidic substances and harsh cleaners. Marble also requires re-sealing more often than granite or about a few times per year. Lastly, marble is one of the most expensive materials for benchtops in Auckland and is more costly than quartz or granite.
Quartz
While granite and marble are rocks, quartz is a mineral made of silicon dioxide. Unlike granite, which is cut from natural stone and then sealed, a quartz countertop is made from a real stone that has been processed and sealed into a protective resin. Generally, it’s made from a combination of 90% natural quartz and 10% polyresin.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops
Because quartz is an engineered stone, it is versatile in design. Quartz can imitate natural stones like granite and marble. It can also take on several patterns, colours, and styles not found in natural stone. And being an engineered stone, quartz is non-porous, making it stain-resistant and maintenance-free. Because it comes sealed in a permanent resin, no yearly sealing is necessary.
Potential Drawbacks of Quartz Countertops
While quartz countertops are stain-resistant, they’re not heat resistant. The resin can melt when exposed to high heat. Another potential con is that quartz countertops often offer a manufactured and altered look compared to the beauty of a natural stone.
What Countertop Material is the Best?
Every benchtop material offers unique benefits; your final decision will come down to personal preferences and budget. Our benchtop material comparison shows that granite countertops are a durable and low-maintenance option. But if you don’t mind maintaining or re-sealing once every few months, a marble countertop is the way to go. If re-sealing doesn’t’ appeal to you, quartz is always a great choice.
At Stone King, we offer quartz and granite benchtops and worktops that are durable, cost-effective, and available in various colours and designs. We are a reputable stone benchtop fabricator skilled at building stylish stone benchtops and surfaces fit for your space and lifestyle. To know more about your options, contact us today.