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What is the best countertop material? Quartz, Marble or Granite?
When it comes to countertops, granite, marble and quartz all have their pros and cons. In fact, in many ways, they’re all pretty similar, which can make it difficult for homeowners to choose which material they’d like to use.
What are Granite, Marble and Quartz?
Let’s start with granite. It’s a natural stone composed of a variety of different materials, including quartz, mica and more. It comes in a variety of colors and every slab is unique because it’s mined, not manufactured.
Marble, like granite, is a natural stone (limestone) and every slab is unique. In general, the coloration is more consistent with a more visible pattern than granite.
Quartz counters aren’t technically pure natural stone. While most slabs are at least 92 percent quartz, the rest is made up pigment and the resin used to bind the crushed quartz together. That’s why quartz is usually referred to as engineered stone.
Granite vs. Marble vs. Quartz
Durability
All three material options are known for their durability. Granite, marble and quartz can last up to 20 years or more with proper care. They’re also all heat-resistant.
Scratch & Chip Resistance
Marble is the softest of all three materials, which means that it can be scratched or chipped the most easily. Granite is the second softest, making quartz the most resistant to lasting damage.
Natural?
All three materials are “natural” in the sense that they’re stone. But only granite and marble qualify as “natural stone” because they don’t go through a manufacturing process - they’re mined as-is. Quartz is “engineered” because it’s crushed and mixed with pigment.
To some, this difference doesn’t matter much. To others, “natural” is the main point of differentiation. They wouldn’t choose laminate floors over hardwood, so why would they choose engineered stone over natural stone?
Stains & Hygiene
Granite and marble are porous materials, which means that spilled liquids can potentially seep into the counter and stain it. Marble especially is more vulnerable to acidic liquids like wine and juice. Those pores can also potentially harbor hard-to-reach bacteria and germs.
Quartz, on the other end, is non-porous. It doesn’t stain or harbor bacteria nearly as easily. That also makes it easier to clean.
Maintenance
One of the major downsides of marble and granite: maintenance. Since both are porous, both need to be sealed at installation. They’ll also need to be resealed every one or two years. Because it isn’t porous, quartz doesn’t need to be sealed like this.
Unique Look
Every single slab of marble and granite is unique because it is mined, not manufactured. That means you’ll never have to worry about someone else having the same counters as you do.
Quartz, on the other hand, is engineered in a certain way, which means that many slabs might look similar and won’t look quite as “natural” as granite or marble.
Variety
While every granite and marble slab is unique, they often have a similar feel because they’re formed in a certain way. And while there are many different colors and types of granite and marble available, the variety isn’t endless.
Quartz, on the other hand, can be mixed with a huge number of different pigments, which means there’s a larger variety of more consistent colors available.
Cost
If you want quality counters, then there’s no good “cheap” option. Neither granite nor marble nor quartz are cheap, though some slabs are less expensive than others.
The most affordable slabs of granite and quartz start at around the same price point (around $75 - $80 per square foot). Marble starts at around $100 per square foot.
On the higher end, quartz is the least expensivee (around $140 per square foot) followed by granite ($175 per square foot) and then marble ($200 per square foot).
So what’s the best material for counters? Granite, marble or quartz?
There’s no one “best” material. It depends on what your major concerns are.
Quartz is often the most affordable option. It’s also easiest to maintain and often more durable than marble and granite. But it doesn’t have the same high-end, natural look that marble and granite do.
Granite is usually more expensive than quartz but less expensive than marble. It’s also more durable than marble. But the coloration might not be as consistent, and it can’t match the luxurious look of a marble slab.
In the end, marble is marble, and if you’re set on the look of of marble, there’s no substitute. It might be a bit more expensive, but if you’re set on marble and it matches your kitchen or bathroom, it’s worth it for your countertop.
If you don’t have time for the TLC necessary to keep natural stone in tip-top shape, then quartz is a lower-maintenance option. Busy homeowners who have kids or who don’t want to worry about damaging their surface often gravitate toward quartz. It is a non-porous, germ-free product that doesn’t require sealing or waxing, and cleaning is a breeze with hot water, soap, and a sponge. Quartz also stands up extremely well against cuts, heat, and abrasions, and is virtually stain-resistant.
Marble also does a moderate job when it comes to resisting heat, but remember that it can stain if acidic materials are left on its surface. Marble also requires regular sealing, so you should factor that into the overall, long-term costs.
Overall, quartz is a more affordable alternative that can mimic the look of marble without the hefty price tag or required upkeep, but marble is…well, it’s marble!
Whether you want low-maintenance countertops or a one-of-a-kind instant classic, when you’re ready to upgrade your countertops, visit MSI for a large variety of quartz and natural stone products to choose from. In the meantime, check out our huge selection of Countertops and Slabs online, and see if anything catches your eye.
COVETED WHITE MARBLE LOOKS
COVETED WHITE MARBLE LOOKS
What is the secret to an endearing kitchen or bath? Discover your own answer in the clean, classic, and exquisite white marble looks of Q Premium Natural Quartz. Our sophisticated collection runs subtle to bold, giving countertops, waterfall islands, and backsplashes a touch of timeless luxe. Budget-friendly and worry-free, there’s no easier way to achieve your dreamworthy aspirations.
15 Clever Ways to Clear Off Your Counter Tops
Here is a great article recently published on HGTV.com with tips and tricks to clear off your counter tops. Click here for the whole article see our summary below.
- Install the simple shelving from IKEA
- Add a magnetic organization rack from Birch Lane
- Add a Vertical Layer over your sink
- Stack linens neatly out of the way with this corner shelf from Joss & Main.
For more ideas and pictures on saving space on your counter tops read the whole article on HGTV.com
Kitchen Update – Dallas Mid Rise Condo
The new owners of this 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo in The Terrace Condominiums , a luxury mid rise condominium building in Victory Park located at 2323 Houston St, which exemplifies Dallas luxury and style contacted Renowned Renovation to update their Kitchen.
Before Renovation
Renovation Overview
- Paint colors for the Master bedroom - Behr sparrow 780-4u (walls, trim, doors) the ceiling should be painted 50% of this color
- Kitchen, living room, entry, guest bedroom, guest bathroom, master bathroom, laundry room and all closets (everything except master bedroom) - Behr silver bullet N520-2u (walls, trim and doors).
- The ceilings should be painted 50% of this color.For all trim and doors, use the same color as the walls. All trim and doors should be semi gloss, all walls eggshell and ceilings flat. All ceilings should be 50% of the wall color.
After Renovation
Renowned Renovation also
- Installed Wood Floors
- Installed New Kitchen Counter-tops , Back-splash, and Lighting
- Changed the Master and Guest Bedroom Door Layout
- Changed all plugs switches and lighting in the home
Call Renowned Renovation for a free in-home consultation and estimate. (972) 232-7122
We worked with the original designer and he provided us the specs for the flooring, paint colors, silestone counter-tops, backs-plash, and lighting as you can see below.
Dallas Kitchen Face-Lift: Lights Up Older Kitchen
A Kitchen face lift might be best option of the three different ways you can bring new life into your home’s kitchen. You can give a kitchen a face-lift, renovation or a complete remodel. The difference between the three is time and money. A face-lift for your kitchen normally involve stalling new counter-tops and updating your cabinets with a fresh coat of paint or refinishing them to bring back the original luster.
Contact us for a free estimate today for a kitchen face-lift, a kitchen renovation and/or a full kitchen remodel. Renowned renovation is here to help you make the right decision. Will help your dreams come true for your kitchen!
Here are three pictures of a Dallas Texas kitchen that we recently gave a face-lift to.
As you can see the cabinet’s went from Dark Wood to a much more modern light color. New counter tops were installed, replacing the dark counter tops you see in the picture.
The Dallas homeowner wanted to keep all of the existing appliances sinks and faucets.
3 Simple Ways to Update Your Kitchen
With the popularity of renovation TV shows, you may be under the impression that your kitchen needs a complete overhaul. But many times, your kitchen can benefit just from a few simple tweaks to increase visual interest and functionality. Whether you’re introducing an easy change or want to explore total kitchen remodeling, these ideas will give you a jumping-off point in terms of re-imagining your existing space. Here are three simple ways you can update one of the most important rooms in your home: the kitchen.
- Countertop replacement
For many homeowners and home buyers, granite countertops are all the rage. While a well-maintained granite countertop can last for up to 50 years without so much as a scratch, you don’t need an expensive countertop installation to add value and interest to the space. For instance, quartz is a great option: your countertop maintenance will be virtually nonexistent because it’s such a durable material, and it’s not nearly as costly as granite or marble. If you’re looking to make your countertop into a statement piece, something unique like butcher block or recycled glass can be a great, eco-friendly idea. - Replace fixtures
Something as easy as replacing the knobs and pulls on your cabinetry can make a huge difference! Fixture styles can easily look outdated, so embrace your sense of style with new fixture options. Whether you like contemporary stainless steel or a vintage weathered look, you can easily add your personality into the space with this simple adjustment. - Add a backsplash
Trends in backsplash tiling come and go, so if you have an existing backsplash you’ve grown out of, swapping it out for something new can make you feel like you’re in a brand new room. Subway tile gives kitchens a clean, timeless look, but you can also opt for something unconventional like recycled materials or chalkboard paint. The possibilities are endless, and they’ll let you see your kitchen through fresh eyes.
Although you may be tempted to do a full kitchen remodel, sometimes little improvements will have a huge impact. Not only will your kitchen look fresh and new, but you can add a lot of value — and decrease the need for unnecessary updates and countertop maintenance — with small updates that your family (or potential home buyers) will notice and love.
What Countertop Material is Best for Your Kitchen?
Did you know that a small kitchen renovation can bring you an 82.7% return on investment? A recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders’ found that 69% of homeowner requests involve kitchen remodeling services. Modern, luxury kitchen features have never been more in demand.
Even if you don’t want to re-do the entire kitchen, there are still simple ways to upgrade. New countertop installation can be especially rewarding when it comes to selling your home or even just investing in kitchen remodeling for your own enjoyment.
It’s important to know that all materials aren’t created equal. Granite, marble, quartz, and quartzite are some of the most popular countertop materials, but they don’t all have the same durability.
Granite
This material is very hard and lasts around 50 years without a scratch when maintained properly. However, despite its hard nature, it is still a highly porous material that will stain without sealing. It is recommended to seal granite countertops yearly.
Also, because granite is designed by Mother Nature, the material isn’t uniform in coloring. This can be a pro or con depending on your tastes, but you can possibly expect different color variances than you originally ordered.
Marble
Similar to granite, marble are very porous and must be sealed regularly. Marble is softer than granite and is more prone to etching from knives and pan scratches. Acidic materials and colored liquids are more likely to erode and stain marble than any other materials, so great caution must be made in the kitchen to wipe up spills quickly. Cutting boards are also essential with marble.
The designs on marble are also much more consistent than granite (think gray veining streaks across the entirety of the material against a white or light gray body). Despite these minor drawbacks, marble is an bright luxury material that will be the focal point of any kitchen.
Quartz
This countertops are manufactured in a variety of different colors and patterns, and are more predictable in their composition. Quartz are made with plastic resin and are therefore not as heat resistant. They are just as hard as granite but are non-porous and do not require any sealing. They will not stain, but will discolor over time if exposed to direct sunlight.
Since quartz is manufactured, seams in the different slabs will be easier to hide than the other materials during countertop installation.
Quartzite
Known as a natural-forming rock and has a similar appearance to marble. It is the hardest of all four materials and is extremely heat resistant. Like the other two naturally-forming materials, quartzite must be sealed, as to prevent staining.
So which of these natural stone materials is best for your next kitchen remodeling project? Ultimately, when it comes to countertop installation, there are other factors at play, such as how the chosen material will match the existing kitchen design.
To find the option that works best for you, find experienced kitchen remodeling services who have worked with these materials before. And if you’re in the Dallas area, contact Renowned Renovations to start designing.
Richardson Texas Kitchen Remodeling
Before
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During
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After
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This Richardson Texas homeowner called Renowned Renovation seeking a qualified contractor to not only renovate their kitchen but to also help guide design and space planning. They had one other request; keep the floor.
It was an absolute pleasure working with the owner’s and we wish them well in their new kitchen!
Keeping the existing floor s alway an interesting challenge, but not to much for Renowned Renovation. After taking a look at the kitchen we quickly realized the traditionally framed pantry was a waste of space and building a fully functional cabinet pantry with pull outs and built in fridge box we were able to really utilize the space. We added all new cabinets and emphasized drawers on the lowers, a smaller island with trash pull, and added a breakfast table. The stainless steel appliances and Blanco Cascade sink blended beautifully with the paint colors selected by the Long’s. Add in the Arctic White matte 2×8 subway backsplash in a herringbone pattern and Calacatta Borghini Quartz and have contemporary elegance meets traditional home seamlessly.
Don’t Get Ripped Off on Granite Countertops This Summer!
Angie’s List has a warning out for anyone looking for new countertops. In a syndicated column appearing in newspapers around the country, Angie’s List writer Oseye Boyd warns homeowners to watch out for deals that are too good to be true.
For instance, if someone offers you a great deal on discount granite for $29.99 a square foot, then they may be hiding the true costs of the job in the labor costs. It’s easy to offer a low square-foot price when you’re actually charging $500 per hour for your time and labor.
That’s why you should always ask what exactly is included in the square-foot price, to avoid surprises down the line. For instance, some contractors might charge you extra for the granite countertop edge, driving up the price after you’ve accepted the job.
And if someone says they have some wonderful granite countertops left over from a previous job, run the other way.
Bathroom Remodeling Tips: How To Get a Fair Price on Granite Countertop Installation
Boyd writes for Angie’s List that entry-level granite countertops usually cost $55 to $65 per square foot, while luxury materials often cost more. But when asking for a quote from home improvement contractors, ask for a quote on the entire job, not just the materials.
One granite countertop expert warned, “Don’t worry about the square foot cost because that’s such a small part of it. Unless you know what’s included in the square foot, it’s so irrelevant.”
Whether you’re looking for new granite countertops for your kitchen, bathroom, or a really weird bedroom, there’s a reason this material is so popular. Not only is it an attractive surface that somehow looks both modern and classic simultaneously, but properly cared-for granite countertops can last for 50 years or more without a single scratch.
Compared to most other materials inside the average bathroom, that makes granite nigh indestructible.
In a survey from the National Association of Home Builders, bathroom remodeling was the #1 most requested job, and 78% of all home renovations included bathroom remodeling. And in a survey from popular home improvement site Houzz, 60% of users said they were planning to remodel the master bathroom.
Because bathrooms are some of the most used rooms in a home, and because they’re subject to high moisture levels, these rooms need renovation more frequently than most rooms. So long as you get a fair price from reputable bathroom remodeling contractors, granite countertops are in ideal choice for homeowners. They’re some of the most durable, attractive types of countertops available today.
North Dallas Kitchen Remodel – Prestonwood Area
Kitchen Remodel Dallas: Before Renovation
Another Kitchen Remolding and Renovation by your North Dallas Kitchen Remodeling Professionals – Renowned Renovation
The new owners of this 1980’s ranch style home in North Dallas’ Prestonwood neighborhood had the house they were looking for, but wanted their kitchen to have an open, modern feel. To open up the kitchen, we took out two walls and an outdated wet bar, and added three LVL beams to create a large, open space. The owners wanted their kitchen to have a centerpiece that would accentuate their modern space, and decided to go with a waterfall style island that would be large enough to serve as an informal dining area. With these custom cabinets, quartz counter-tops, glass tile back-splash, and light colors, the end product has become a focal point that the family can enjoy for years to come.