Whether it’s in the bathroom or the kitchen, who doesn’t love the beauty and luxury of a great countertop as the focal point of the whole room? With the bright elegance of marble, the durability of quartz, or the unique natural beauty of granite countertops to choose from, making a selection can be mind-boggling.
To make it a little easier, here’s a look at some of the differences between these stones.
Quartz Countertops
While quartz is one of the hardest minerals found in nature, the countertops themselves are manufactured by adding flecks of glass or metal to create the look you want in a variety of colors.
It is a nonporous material that is resistant to bacteria and staining, making it very easy to clean. This type of material does not need to be sealed.
But quartz countertops can be more costly than other similar materials.
Marble Countertops
Marble offers a soft texture with a bright finish to your countertops. It can be much more affordable than the granite and certainly quartz. Because of its softness, great care needs to be taken, as marble can scratch and stain if not handled properly. This can take away from its natural beauty over time as it develops a patina. So marble is not the countertop that will stay perfectly shiny as you use it.
For specific uses in the kitchen, like chocolate or pastry preparations, marble’s cool surface works great as it does not conduct heat.
Granite Countertops
Granite is a very popular material for countertops. This natural stone is cut directly from the source, not manufactured. It is very hard and durable, takes heat well, and offers a unique countertop with every cut.
Its shine is polished into the stone and to keep its luster, granite needs to be sealed from time to time. However, granite countertops are very scratch and stain resistant.
No matter which countertops you choose, you’re sure to have a beautiful, long-lasting, and durable centerpiece to your kitchen or bathroom.
