Quartz, Granite or Marble Countertops ?…
When designing a new kitchen one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is what solid surface to use for your countertops, Quartz Granite or Marble ? There are other options but in my opinion these are the big three. I hope this helps you make the right decision, as you could be living with them for a very long time...
[caption id="attachment_889" align="aligncenter" width="639"]
The Clean Look of Quartz Countertops[/caption]
Quartz
Quartz countertops are by far the most practical and sought after countertops on the market right now. They make up approximately 90% of our countertop sales. Traditionally engineered quartz is made from crushed quartz crystals and mixed with resin or another binding agent. The patterns and colors that appear in quartz countertops are 100% artificial. The quartz itself is real, but everything else was designed by people.
Quartz Countertop PROS:
• Stainability - Probably the biggest advantage of a quartz countertop is that it is the most stain resistant because it's non-porous and it never needs to be sealed. Quartz countertops requires zero maintenance, which is a significant incentive for a lot of people.
• Cost – Quartz offers a large selection of simple tried and tested colours at a great price making it the most versatile choice for a kitchen with a budget. Also most of the major manufactures are constantly inventing new and exciting colours, typically the newer designs are in a mid to high price range.
• Beauty by design – With Designers developing colours for the major quartz companies, finding a quartz that works with your colour pallet is much easier than with granite or marble.
• Durability – Quartz tends to chip and crack less than granite or marble, and can also span larger unsupported distances without voiding manufacturers warranties. Being a man made product, there are no natural weak spots.
Quartz Countertop CONS:
• Man Made – a couple of the major quartz manufacturers have made some amazing colours that mimic a natural stone. But it’s just not quite the same as the real thing.
• Cheap knock offs – as with anything man made you must be aware of cheap knock offs. There are some quartz manufacturers that are not using the advertised amount of natural quartz in their Surfaces and the finished products are suffering in looks, durability and discolouration.
[caption id="attachment_587" align="aligncenter" width="517"]
The Natural Beauty of Granite Countertops[/caption]
Granite
Granite countertops are mined as monolithic blocks and sliced into large single sheets. Granite is 100% natural stone and for this reason no two slabs of granite are exactly the same. This appeals to many people because they can purchase a unique, beautiful, interesting and one of a kind product.
Granite Countertop PROS:
• Durability – Granite is the most heat and scratch resistant countertop surface out of the three. Chips are easy to repair and are usually completely undetectable when repaired by a professional.
• Natural Beauty – Granite is amazingly unique and beautiful, if you ever get a chance to visit a slab yard, do it! It really is like going to the most amazing abstract art gallery.
• Cost – Granite can vary in price from the least expensive to one of the most expensive solid surface countertop materials on the market. Typically, your simpler tighter patterns are less expensive and more durable, and your more exotic, wild patterns are more expensive and more fragile.
Granite Countertop CONS:
• Durability – Granite can have natural fissures, pits, and blemishes, that are unavoidable. These natural characteristics can also cause the granite to chip more than an engineered quartz.
• Staining – Granite can stain, but with regular sealing, and cleaning it is easily avoidable. Typically, it is only an issue when the lighter coloured stones come in contact for long periods of time with red wine, or oil.
• Maintenance – Granite countertops require you to seal them every one to three years.
[caption id="attachment_588" align="aligncenter" width="599"]
A Stunning Marble Island[/caption]
Marble
Find yourself wanting marble countertops in your kitchen? You’ve probably been called crazy more than once. But don’t let that stop you. I love the clean, fresh look of marble, as well as its natural color and almost silky veining. It is truly timeless, and adds an element of quality to a kitchen.
If you are OK with your countertops looking a bit scratched up, and developing a patina over the years, then marble may be for you. If you want them perfectly glossy all the time, then perhaps not. Honed marble countertops (the more natural matte, less shiny finish) can be much more kitchen-friendly.
Marble Countertop PROS:
• Beauty - Classic, timeless beauty, probably the most beautiful of all the countertop materials.
• Cost - While some types of marble are very expensive, the more common Carrara Marble can be very reasonably priced.
• Great for Baking - Marble is naturally cool making it wonderful for baking.
Marble Countertop CONS:
• Scratching - Marble can scratch very easily.
• Etching - Marble is a limestone so etching can occur when something acidic is left on the countertop for a long period of time. Even something as simple as some spilled orange juice left overnight can leave a mark duller than the surface around it.
• Staining - Marble is softer and more porous so it can and probably will stain, red wine, oil, and some fruits are infamous for leaving indelible stains on the marble.
• Maintenance – Marble countertops require you to seal them every one to two years, just to keep it stain resistant.
After hearing the Pros and Cons of Quartz Granite and Marble , you can now make a more informed decision and get the countertops that are perfect for you.
Matthew J. Pressey
-Sales & Solid Surface Specialist
Please visit the Fine Line Granite Ltd and EKKO Cabinetry & Design Showroom in Calgary and speak with one of our amazing and experienced design group. We are here to make your dreams a reality by providing a space that reflects you and your lifestyle.
Contact Us:
EKKO Cabinetry
32—4th ST N.E.
Calgary, AB T2E 3R7
(403)263-3556
Also visit us on our website www.ekkocabinetry.com
Fine Line Granite
32- 4th Street N.E.
Calgary, AB T2E 3R7
(403)282-5281
Also visit us on our website www.finelinegranite.com
