likely come across the three most common stone materials used: granite, quartz, and marble. While there are significant differences between these three types of stone, we will confirm right away that there isn’t one that is substantially better than the others. In fact, it will primarily come down to what matters most for you.
In this article, we aim to provide you with a detailed guide to these different countertop surfaces, including the difference between them and the advantages and disadvantages of each. One thing is for sure – nothing helps the decision-making process quite like seeing these materials for yourself in person. So if you’re looking for custom countertops in the Fort Collins or Cheyenne, Wyoming area, come take a look at our showroom for yourself after reading this article!
Countertop Materials – Things to Consider
Countertops are one of the most important elements in your home – they provide stability and day-to-day practicality while enhancing your home’s aesthetic quality with a timeless, luxurious charm. Nowadays, there are a plethora of different countertop surfaces to choose from, all with fantastic qualities and looks. For those going for quality, stone is inevitably the top choice, but it still leaves you to decide between the likes of granite, quartz, and marble.
Before making this important decision, it’s wise to consider a few variables in order to ensure you get the perfect product for your needs. Namely, you will want to consider the layout, budget, materials, intended use, and color quality. As an example, if you’re considering a new custom countertop for your kitchen, you should think carefully about the size of the kitchen and the layout of the future countertop. On one hand, this will help you gauge the amount of material and relative cost, but it will also help you understand just how much stone material will be resting on the cabinet structure underneath and whether it will be able to withstand a heavy material such as granite.
Furthermore, you will need to think about the location of the countertop and the relevant design considerations such as the color of existing cabinets (how the countertop will match aesthetically) and whether you will require a sink cutaway or other modification. Finally, by considering the intended use of the countertop, you will more easily be able to choose a countertop that can meet your needs – but more on that later.
With these considerations in mind, it’s time to take a look at granite, quartz, and marble to see how they differ from each other.
Granite
Granite is a naturally occurring rock that is coarse-grained and normally appears in white, gray, tan, black, and even pinkish hues. At the heart of granite’s enduring popularity is its uniqueness and the fact that it can be used in so many innovative ways. Because of this, it is unlikely that granite will ever go out of fashion. This is a classic choice for custom countertops, and it has the advantage of being less porous and very strong. While it is impressively beautiful, some individuals discount it for having a slightly monotonous color appearance. It works fantastic in contemporary designs and its durability is a wise choice for kitchens, though it tends to need sealing at least once a year.
Quartz
Quartz is technically a man-made product that normally appears in white hues with natural black accents, but it can also come in many different colors due to its manufactured origin. Quartz countertops do consist of natural quartz stone (approximately 93%) which is one of nature’s hardest materials, but they almost always include added resins, colors, and other materials in order to enhance its strength and aesthetic qualities. The primary advantage of quartz is that it is incredibly durable and strong. It is fully non-porous, which means it’s highly resilient against spills and stains and it does not need to be sealed. This is particularly advantageous for use in the kitchen where spills are frequent. Finally, it is scratch-resistant, easily cleaned, and one of the most hygienic surfaces available – great for busy homes!
Marble
Marble is a naturally occurring stone that begins as limestone but is transformed under intense heat and pressure. This process creates a durable, hardwearing, and stunningly beautiful material for custom countertops. Its uniqueness is perhaps its biggest advantage – the classic, elegant marbling designs that are unique to every slab of marble make it very luxurious and quite aesthetically pleasing. It comes in hues of white, green, and black, and although it will never go out of style, it is not quite as strong as granite or quartz, mainly due to it being a porous material. Accidental spills of red wine or lemon juice can cause some damage if the countertop is not thoroughly sealed, and they can be expensive to fix. Finally, marble is somewhat susceptible to scratching, chipping, and cracks from heavy impact, and its porous surface can be unsanitary (again, if unsealed).
The Best Custom Countertop For Your Project
High-quality countertops are a significant investment, both in their cost but also their impact on the utility and aesthetic enhancement of your home. If you’re looking for the best custom countertops in Fort Collins or Cheyenne, look no further than the countertop experts at Castorena’s Granite and Quartz. We specialize in countertops of practically all materials, including granite, quartz, and marble. If you’re still unsure which is best for you after reading this article, stop by our Fort Collins location or come visit our Cheyenne showroom!