Comparing Countertop Materials: Granite, Quartz, & Marble

When planning your remodel, there is a wide variety of countertop materials to choose from. We will be discussing the pros and cons of the three most popular varieties: granite, quartz, and marble. Each material has its own characteristics, with a wide range of colors and care instructions to consider. Check out what materials we offer at our showroom here!

Granite 

Granite is arguably one of the more well known countertop options, and for good reason! It is a natural material which means that they are typically a more sustainable product for the environment. One quarry site can produce enough stone for thousands of projects, both residential and commercial. As a result of its natural, unique beauty, granite often needs minimal processing once it has been quarried. Unlike other materials, granite does not need any chemical treatment.

A kitchen peninsula featuring granite countertops by Kitchens By Design.

If you are looking for bright colors or solid patterns, granite is probably not the right material for you. While this stone can have more solid variations of color - such as black and white - typically it produces a wide array of colors and patterns. Some of them can be bright and colorful, however granite tends to lean towards natural earth tones. One slab of granite can have multiple colors with flecks of minerals, swirls of texture, and slight variations in the saturation levels. It is very important to choose the exact slab you want to install in person. Even if you find the "perfect" slab online and you are purchasing from the same quarry site, the characteristics on the slab chosen for install will be slightly different than the one you are looking at.

While granite is scratch and heat resistant, it is still a delicate stone. Due to its porous nature, once granite has been installed it needs to have sealant applied. Lighter colored granite is more porous, so it may need multiple layers of sealant and more regular upkeep than dark quartz. Dark quartz needs to have sealant applied typically every 12-18 months while lighter quartz needs to be resealed every 6-12. Once they have been sealed, however, you are good to go! Granite is much less likely to blister as a result of exposure to heat than other materials. While items that emit heat for longer periods of time - such as a crockpot or an air fryer - should be placed on a trivet during use, you can place pots and pans directly on the countertop. We do not recommend cutting directly on granite as it can dull your knives and leave a metal residue embedded that is practically impossible to remove.

Fantasy Macaubus granite countertop installed at one of Kitchen By Design's clients in Greenwich, RI.

Do not use chemical cleaners on granite and be extremely careful with acidic ingredients while cooking. As mentioned above, granite is still a delicate material even with its resistance to scratches and heat. Chemical cleaners such as Lysol or bleach, as well as cleaning vinegar, can damage your countertops. Only use microfiber cloths and soft sponges to clean! It is recommended to wipe off any crumbs or debris with a microfiber cloth, then use natural dish soap and warm water. Do not leave your countertops to air dry. Dry them with a microfiber cloth to protect the sealant and reduce the likelihood of damage due to granite's high porosity.

Quartz

Quartz is another common material chosen for countertops for a variety of reasons! If you have a high traffic kitchen or are slightly more accident prone, quartz may be the best choice for you. Quartz is an engineered material made with quartz crystals, minerals, and pigments that are bound with resin. Unlike naturally occurring stones, what you see is exactly what you will receive. If you find the countertop you love in the showroom and do not want to go walk through the slab yard, you will be purchasing the precise pattern and color that you see for your renovation. Below are images from a kitchen we blogged about previously that features Pental Quartz countertops.

Quartz is extremely durable due to its manufacturing process. It is scratch and chip resistant, so you can rest easy knowing your partner that always drops things most likely will not damage your countertops. Stains and water damage are less likely to occur, as well. You certainly should not let liquids sit as long term exposure or more corrosive materials can cause damage over time. It is NOT heat resistant, so all hot pots, pans, and machines that emit heat should have either a trivet or silicone mat placed beneath them.

When cleaning quartz countertops you can be a little more lenient with your cleaning solution compared to granite. You should not use anything highly corrosive. Choose a non abrasive, mild cleanser or a natural soap and warm water paired with a sponge or microfiber cloth.

Marble

Marble is another naturally occurring, popular stone. It has been highly sought after by home owners and artisans alike for centuries. It has a long lasting beauty that elevates any space and immediately adds to the resale value of a home. Proper maintenance will increase its longevity and value. Marble is a stone that is naturally cool, which makes it an excellent option for home bakers. This also makes it heat resistant, although you should not leave hot pans or machines directly on marble countertops for too long. Use trivets to prevent damage and preserve finish. The physical characteristics or marble are beautifully unique. It is naturally bright and reflects light, which can make a space feel more open and airy.

Marble produces an almost surprising array of colors, with a variety of veining patterns that compliment many design aesthetics. While most people automatically think of classic white, grey, black, or beige marble countertops, there are so many other colors to choose from! There are greens, reds, blues, and brown marbles that produce stunning visuals for your renovation. Since it is a naturally occurring stone with such diversity in appearance, we would recommend choosing your marble slab in person.

One of the main cons of marble is that it has an extremely energy heavy extraction process which is not environmentally friendly. New techniques are being developed to decrease its negative impacts, however quarrying marble still produces a high degree of environmental strain. It is also high maintenance compared to other materials. In order to increase the lifespan of your marble countertops, they need to be sealed every 6-12 months. Do not use chemical cleaners on marble! Mild natural soap and warm water are all that you need. Dry your marble countertops immediately after cleaning them to prevent water spots. Before you start cooking in your newly renovated kitchen, be sure to buy a poultice specifically made for marble to prevent stains.

There are so many options but each countertop material is uniquely suited to each homeowner's personal tastes and needs.

Hopefully we helped you decide what is best for you and your home! If you would like to chat with our designer Adrienne a little more about what you are looking for, we would love to hear from you. Stop by our kitchen showroom in Johnston, RI weekdays 9-5 to see what fun countertop materials we offer!

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