Discover the timeless allure of marble, the durability of granite, the fantastic versatility of quartzite, and the low maintenance of quartz in our latest blog.
The choice between which countertop material to pick can be a very hard one. This is a choice you will invest a lot of money and effort. Moreover, you will have to live with this decision for a long time as it is not easily reversed.
Therefore, gathering as much information as possible about different materials and their benefits is the best route before making this decision.
Table of Contents
1. Granite: Exceptional Durability
Granite is one of the hardest countertop materials and has a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is one of the most popular choices among all options as it offers high durability and natural beauty. Granite is created in the earth’s crust under immense pressure and heat.
These extreme circumstances cause it to be extremely hard and dense. Its coarse-grained texture sets it apart from the other options, resulting from the slow cooling process after the heat that allows larger mineral crystals to develop.
2. Marble: Luxurious Elegance
Marble needs no introduction. It is a timeless and captivating rock that has stood the test of time. Marble holds a special place in the hearts of every decoration or art lover.
One of marble’s most distinct properties is its unique appearance. Marble is adorned with intricate veins, swirls, and textures that give each piece of marble a one-of-a-kind character. These beautiful patterns result from the “impurities” mixed into it while it is still extremely hot.
The allure of marble is deeply intertwined with its significant historical value. It has been a favırite of sculptors for millennia, who have made some of the most iconic masterpieces in the world, such as Michelangelo’s David. As marble is considered a soft stone, it is easier to carve and mold into the desired shape compared to other alternatives.
This allows it to be easily shaped into the space in your house you were to install it in as well. This quality that could easily be seen as a negative is actually one of marble’s strongest suits because it gives marble unmatched workability and versatility.
3. Quartz: Ease of Maintenance
Quartz is referred to as a half-engineered stone. It is a modern and versatile option that has gained immense popularity for its low maintenance and durability.
Natural alternatives such as marble and granite are cut from quarried slabs that occur naturally in nature. On the other hand, quartz is created through a process that involves meticulous manufacturing. Quartz combines natural stone quartzite with engineered materials such as resins, pigments, and binders.
As pigments are mixed into it during manufacturing, quartz offers a broad spectrum of colors and patterns. Its appearance can be manipulated, resulting in consistency in appearance. Moreover, they can be created in whichever color you wish with a design of your choosing on top of it.
Although light and neutral colors are the most available options when it comes to countertops, thanks to quartz colors ranging from bright reds to muted blues can grace your house.
One of the most remarkable qualities of quartz is that it doesn’t require sealing or reasoning after a certain amount of use. Natural stones are porous and prone to staining and discoloration if not regularly and adequately resealed.
However, as resins are already mixed into quartz slabs, they no longer need to be sealed. This allows for a low-maintenance and easy-to-clean experience with your countertops.
4. Quartzite: Extreme Resistance
Quartzite is another incredibly captivating natural stone. It emerges from sandstone under pressure and high temperatures. This metamorphic process results in a rock that is known for its striking beauty, durability, and versatility.
One of quartzite’s most notable qualities is its appearance, similar to marble. Therefore, it is a fantastic option for those looking to incorporate the timeless elegance of marble in their house but would instead leave its fussy nature behind.
One of the other alluring aspects of quartzite is its strength. Among natural stones, quartzite is one of the harder ones. This makes quartzite an excellent choice in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms where resistance to daily wear and tear is essential. Moreover, it can also be used as flooring or accent walls due to its beauty and durability.
Furthermore, quartzite is highly resistant to high heat, so it is a very reliable option in areas with high heat, such as kitchens. On the other hand, materials such as quartz, although highly durable, are not heat-resistant and would melt under hot pans and pots.
If low maintenance is a must for you, on the other hand, you don’t care that much about heat resistance, then the quart is the one for you. On the other hand, if you think resistance to impact or scratches is the number one factor, then you should consider granite.
Work with a Trusted Stone Supplier
Keystone is a leading stone supplier, providing top-notch products and services for both residential and commercial projects in New Castle, Horsham, Columbus, and Lancaster. If you are in search of a reliable company that will help you realize your dream project, Keystone is a true partner, ensuring your utmost satisfaction.
Visit their page to learn more about countertop materials and get assistance to find out the one that will answer your needs perfectly: