Did you know that granite is the result of the cooling down of molten rock from the depths of the Earth? That process took millions of years to complete and granite is now used in almost all modern buildings, and as countertops in most modern kitchen designs.

At the same time, marble is another type of natural stone that can be used as backsplashes and countertops in bathrooms and kitchens remodel. Even the entire Taj Mahal monument in India is made out of marble!

However, there is a third material to consider – quartz. Although this material doesn’t share the same beauty as marble, people frequently buy quartz countertops to decorate their kitchens or bathrooms.

But which one is better and why? What are the properties of marble, quartz, and granite? Which one is more expensive and how can they be used?

Keep reading to find out answers to these and other questions related to marble, granite, and quartz.

Exploring The Beauty Of Marble Countertops

Marble countertops are some of the most beautiful and attractive ones money can buy today. This natural stone has a specific beauty due to mother nature’s affects over centuries.

Specialists say that there are no 2 identical marble tiles in the world, so if you go with this product, your kitchen will always look unique. One of the most beautiful aspects of marble consists of its rich veining. This process took place as a result of hundreds of years of pressure and heat in the belly of the Earth.

Another benefit of marble countertops is that they tend to look increasingly more beautiful with age. Marble tends to get darker as the years pass, but this will not take away from its characteristic beauty and elegant design.

However, marble doesn’t come without its disadvantages. It’s a porous material, meaning that it’s susceptible to mold and mildew. You can go around this problem by sealing the surface of the marble and making it more resistant to chemicals, heat, moisture, foods, and beverages.

Marble is also slightly more expensive than other materials. You’ll need a larger budget if you want to renovate your bathroom, kitchen or both. Still, marble countertops have a tremendous return on investment, and experts agree that marble countertops increase the value of your house!

Navigating The Durability Of Quartz Countertops

Quartz is another popular material for kitchen or bathroom countertops. That’s because it has numerous advantages and it comes at an affordable price. Although quartz is not a natural stone and doesn’t score the highest marks when it comes to beauty and design, it’s a practical material that can take decades of heavy use.

For example, one of the biggest advantages of quartz is its heat and scratch resistance. You can put hot pans over quartz countertops, they won’t be damaged by the heat. It’s also almost impossible to scratch quartz countertops and it’s stain-resistant too. Spilling wine or juice on your quartz products won’t take away from their pleasant design.

Homeowners also appreciate the fact that quartz countertops require little to no maintenance. These are non-porous items, so they don’t absorb moisture and don’t facilitate the development of mold and mildew.

Quartz countertops are usually made from a combination of crushed quartz and resins. Experts also add different colors to the mixture to create quartz countertops in various designs. These items don’t have the “veiny” look of marble, but they look great in any bathroom or kitchen, not to mention that they are more affordable.

Getting Acquainted with Granite Countertops

The last ones on our list are granite countertops.

These are also very popular for two reasons – granite is a natural stone and it’s very durable. It is believed that the entire core of the Earth is made from molten granite and this is what makes this material unique.

The advantages of granite are numerous. This material is heat and scratch-resistant, so it cannot be damaged that easily. It’s also resistant to harsh chemicals and stains, so spilling a glass of wine on your granite countertops won’t damage their design.

Granite is also available in a plethora of colors. You can go for lighter or darker nuances, depending on your preferences and needs. Granite countertops look great and have an eye-catching, abstract design, but they are not as elegant and luxurious as marble. Still, a lot of homeowners prefer it over other materials because granite is affordable and requires little to no maintenance.

With that being said, it’s important to mention that granite is a porous material, so when using granite, it’s important to have high-grade sealing to preserve its beauty. Sealing your granite countertops doesn’t cost a lot of money and it prevents the development of mold and mildew on their surface. Sealing the surface of the granite countertops protects them from spills, chemicals or stains as well.

Considering Your Options

As you can see, there are great products for every taste and budget. It’s up to you now to decide which material is more suitable for you.

If you’re all about luxury and aesthetics, even if it comes at a higher price, go for marble. If you want a practical and affordable solution that can last for decades, go for quartz countertops, if you want something in between, granite would probably be ideal for you.

Different companies quote different prices per square foot, so it’s important to talk with experts to determine what exactly fits your kitchen the best. Here are a few tips on how to choose the best general contractor for your residential property.

Take Action Today!

Now that you know more about marble, granite and quartz countertops, you can make a more informed decision. If you need more information, check out our article on the 5 secrets of a kitchen remodeling project. You’ll definitely get inspired and learn a plethora of interesting things!