When you remodel your home, nothing makes more of a statement than new countertops in your kitchen or bathroom. Simply installing new countertops can give new life to your decor while you wait to do other remodeling work.

Quartz, granite, and marble are three of the most common materials you can choose from for this task. Each has its strengths and challenges, so you need to understand their differences before you decide which to use.

Granite

This natural stone comes in many colors, such as black, white, cream, red, and blue. While the technology does exist to manufacture it, these stone stabs are commonly mined straight from the earth which adds a natural elegance. This natural look can come as a double-edged sword though because, as with everything natural, each slab is unique, making it often difficult to match slab colors when installing in a large space, or making seams often visible which is unattractive to some and not preferred by designers and contractors.

To Granite’s credit though, the countertops do hold their value, positively impacting your home’s resale price. Granite is also a hard stone, allowing it to withstand any level of heat. It’s major downfall is its vulnerability to acids and its porous nature. The latter makes this stone high maintenance in that it requires constant cleaning and resealing – otherwise, bacteria will seep into the pores and seams making it a health risk specially in high traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Another downfall of granite is its weight. Being so heavy, it complicates installation and requires a strong support system for it not to collapse.

Marble

This natural, veined stone comes in various shades, including white, gold, blue, green, and pink. Marble has been a popular medium and is valued by many for the different tones that run through it. Though it looks good, it doesn’t do very well from a practicality standpoint as it is prone to staining, cracking and etching, and it does not endure heat. Similar to granite, it is also porous making it vulnerable to bacteria in high-traffic zones.

Given its qualities, Marble needs to be thoroughly cleaned and constantly re-sealed to minimize staining and bacteria, making it a high maintenance product that is unattractive to many homeowners.

Quartz

Quartz countertops have been gaining popularity among designers and homeowners for their elegant appearance and minimal maintenance. Made from a combination of stone chips, resins, and pigments, quartz countertops come in white, black, gray, blue and any color you can think of; the possibilities are endless. They are eye-catching and tough, able to withstand liquids of all levels of acidity, as well as moderately hot pots and pans without changing color or breaking.

Thanks to its resin finish, Quartz also repels stains without needing re-sealing or constant maintenance – install it and forget about it. This family-friendly material works well almost everywhere: kitchens, bathrooms, floors, walls and more. The best part is that certain quartz designs make it extremely easy to blend the edges well and seem seamless. When installed correctly, high quality quartz is extremely difficult to chip or break, making it an even more stress-free investment and a contractor’s preferred choice.

Quartz products and countertops range in price depending on the style and thickness. Karamaystone^® offers a wide selection of sizes and thicknesses to choose from. Their product’s quality and durability makes them the choice of many contractors, designers and homeowners. Visit our showroom to see for yourself.

Granite vs. Marble vs. Quartz Countertops: Which Is Right for You?

All three materials, granite, marble, and quartz, make beautiful countertops. Which type you choose depends on several factors, particularly appearance, durability and maintenance.

Granite is the toughest substance, but it comes with a higher price tag. Marble has been a more affordable alternative but requires constant maintenance and is more likely to stain. Quartz is an attractive choice because it’s attractive, durable and requires little to no maintenance.

Visit the Karamaystone^® showroom to see our full selection and feel the difference in products. We will be happy to visit your home or office to offer a free consultation and estimate. Contact us today for more information.