The three types of stone that dominate the countertop “arena” are undoubtedly marble, granite and quartz. The first two on that list share something in common in that they are naturally occurring stones, while quartz is actually “engineered” (colorants and resins are added to natural quartz). “What’s the best material to have countertops constructed from?” is a question that the staff at Miracle Marble receive from homeowners in Toronto, Thornhill, Vaughan and Newmarket all the time, and if truth be told there is no single right answer. They all offer their own set of advantages and a lot of the time the best choice is down to your own personal preferences. However, when searching for new countertops, it certainly helps to investigate the pros and cons of each type of material that you could choose and that’s exactly what we’re going to do during this article.
Marble Countertops Vs Granite Countertops Vs Quartz Countertops
There are several factors that could push you in a particular direction with regards to the material that you select for your new countertops, including the design style of the rest of the room, the ways in which the countertops will be used and the conditions that they will be exposed to. The budget you have available could also dictate which option suits your situation the best. Nevertheless we are now going to lay some of the most important facts on the table for you.
Durability
Quartz, granite and then marble countertops would be the order if we were putting together a “rankings chart” for durability. Only topaz, sapphire and diamond are more durable than quartz, and providing you don’t subject quartz countertops to severe physical abuse, you can expect them to last for decades, if not longer. Granite countertops offer a similar level of durability and a high level of resistance to scratching and abrasions. While marble countertops are more durable than many other countertop materials (such as laminates and tiles), they are vulnerable to scratches and more care has to be taken to preserve their attractive appearance.
Affordability
If we take a look at costs, the roles are very much reversed. In terms of affordability, marble countertops beat both granite and quartz countertops, although if you really want a rare type of marble the cost would be comparable to that of the other two options. However, generally speaking if you’re looking for affordable, attractive stone countertops, marble is your best bet. Next comes granite and finally you have quartz countertops (the expression “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to quartz as the superior performance comes at a price).
Appearance
All three options can look stunning in their own right and are equally capable of enhancing the aesthetics of any property that they are installed in. There’s no real “leading choice” in terms of appearance; it really depends on your own preferences. Marble countertops are undoubtedly able to add a touch of elegance to any room they are installed in, while both granite and quartz countertops are able to add a clean, modern finish to your bathroom or kitchen.
Maintenance
Whenever you invest in a home improvement you should never just look at the amount you have to pay upfront; ongoing costs and time required for maintenance are a big part of the decision making process too. Quartz countertops are as “maintenance free” as it gets. It’s a non-porous material and doesn’t need to be periodically re-sealed like granite and marble countertops do. In fact, all you have to do is wipe them down with a soft dishcloth and some soapy water, which you have to do for all surfaces in your home anyway. Apart from regular resealing, granite countertops don’t really require any real maintenance either, but with marble countertops you do have to be more careful as not only do they scratch easier, but they can stain and be affected by acidic food too if not properly maintained.
If you live in Toronto, Thornhill, Vaughan or Newmarket and you’re not sure which type of countertops would be best suited to your home, give our experts a call. We offer a free in-home consultation and are available to answer any questions that you have.