What is better granite countertops vs quartz countertops vs mable countertops?
There is no clear way to say what is "countertop material is better" in general. Its really what is important to you. How we define this is to go over the properties of each material and see what matches with your goals.
Quartz Countertops
Durability ***** (5 Stars - A leader in resistance to daily use)
Stain/chemical Resistant **** (4 Stars - very resistant but can scratch and discolor in some conditions)
Visual Appeal *** (3 Stars - mimic natural stone more and more - certain commercial applications consistency in color make this a better choice)
Marketability *** (3 Stars - some value for resale but not the leader in this area)
Price ** (2 Stars - for the quality material this price is very expensive. knock off quartz does not have the qualities listed above.)
Lets talk about "quartz countertops". Quartz countertops claim to be extremely durable , stain and heat resistant. They are but more and more companies are put out inferior materials. how is quartz countertops made. Basically take any material such as quartz, glass and other materials and mash it up into little pieces. Then compress this material down as tight as possible and inject a material to hold everything together.. I have heard this called resin, epoxy, polymer.. these are all fancy words for plastic. Basically these very durable materials quartz, glass, etc are all held together with a plastic material. The more plastic the more susceptible the countertop will be to fading, and bleaching. The original companies that built the reputation of quartz countertops are now faced with cheaper knock of products that don't have the same durability factors as other countertops materials
Lets talk about the look of quartz countertops. The first quartz countertops on the market were very uniform in color and appearance. Over time the process and product has become more sophisticated. Many quartz products now have attempted to mimic the looks of natural stone. The only way to do this is to change the manufacturing process and the material to control colors of the material by coloring the plastic material. This increases the amount of viewable plastic and requires clear material to construct the countertops.
If you are going to go with a quartz countertop I recommend one with a warranty and a long one. These are going to be pretty expensive but based on what is coming into the market today. You will see more and more people complaining of issues with these cheaper quartz countertops and that will affect the market for the more reputable provided.
Granite Countertops
Durability ***** (5 Stars - A leader in resistance to daily use)
Stain/chemical Resistant **** (4 Stars - very resistant but can scratch and discolor in some conditions)
Visual Appeal **** (4 Stars - Natural Stone - runner up to the visual appeal of marble.)
Marketability ***** (5 Stars - Always listed in for sale listing as a value add.)
Price *** (3 Stars - Supply and demand has reduced cost and made this product more access able to more people.)
Granite became populate for residential home back in the early 80s and has been a market lead ever since. Since the housing crisis of 2007 the demand in the new home market dropped and the market had to respond with a more attractive price point for the residential consumer. Demand grew to remodel existing homes. All materials for countertops try to mimic the look and appearance of granite countertops. Granite countertops will remain a leader for some time to come. Granite Countertops have the greatest perceived value when it comes to selling your home. All other materials do not have the same level of desirability to the general public.
Maintenance is low to once a year applying a sealing application. granite is extremely hear resistant and stain resistance but sealing your stone is important to its long standing beauty.
Marble Countertops
Durability *** (3 Stars - Marble is used for statues due to it properties and ability to last many life times but for kitchen use this material is not recommended without some kind of intense sealing application.)
Stain/chemical Resistant ** (2 Stars - not resistant can scratch, etch and discolor in most conditions)
Visual Appeal **** (5 Stars - Natural Stone - this is the most beautiful stone available.)
Marketability ***** (5 Stars - Always listed in for sale listing as a value add.)
Price ** (2 Stars - marble is still one of the most expense materials on the market and is fragile to work with so does cost more to fabricate.)
When it comes to beauty of natural stone nothing can quite match the look of marble and the veining for the whites, blacks, reds and greens. Marble is made from compressed limestone. This is not a very durable material to stand up to kitchen use but has been widely accepted in bathrooms and for fireplaces and other decorative areas. Limestone is porous and can stain pretty easily.
Maintenance is low in the appropriate setting.
Our mission is to provide you with superior products and services through our network of fabricators. We provide access to some of the best craftsman in the business. We help ensure that your experience with our providers exemplifies the Quality, Service and value that YOU expect. If at any time you have any questions please feel free to contact us during your granite countertop purchase and installation. Granite Countertops
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