What’s The Best Choice for Your Home? - Granite, Marble, Quartzite, Quartz

You’ve finally decided to replace your countertops, so now it’s time to start thinking about what type of countertops you want. Granite, marble, quartzite, and quartz are four of the most popular and appealing countertops materials on the market. Each comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and all of them add lasting beauty to any home. But how do the four compare to each other? Here’s an overview of each material to help you make a decision.

Granite

Granite countertops are as beautiful as they are durable. You’ll find an almost endless array of colors to choose from, including tans, grays, yellow-gold, taupe, brown, off-white, peach, and blue-gray. No matter where you install a granite countertop, it’s sure to look stunning.

Its durability is one reason why granite is always so popular. Granite is a natural stone that can withstand heat from pots and pans, and it’s difficult to crack, break, or scratch with normal use. It won’t fade or discolor over time. Although low-maintenance, granite does need to be sealed to ensure its luster and longevity, especially the lighter colors.

Pros	Cons	Suitable Area
100% Natural	Requires sealing	Kitchen
Very durable	Color is a little busier overall	Bathroom
Large array of colors available		Fireplace
Heat-resistant		BBQ
Scratch-resistant		Bar
Low-maintenance (darker colors)		Table

Marble

Marble is a timeless classic that’s been used as a building material for thousands of years. Its elegant veining is extremely eye catching and adds a gorgeous contrast that’s complimentary with a large variety of interior styles. Like granite, marble is a natural stone and can be found in a variety of colors.

Although relatively durable, marble is less forgiving than granite. It’s typically more porous and softer, and can be more sensitive to acidic liquids and potent chemical cleaners. It can also be subject to staining and scratching. For this reason, it’s very important to keep up on the maintenance so your countertops remain in good condition; they need sealing.

Pros	Cons	Suitable Area
100% Natural	Requires sealing	Kitchen
Beautiful, timeless appeal	Can become stained, scratched, or chipped	Bathroom
Many color varieties	Sensitive to acidic substances, harsh cleansers	Fireplace
Relatively durable		Bar
Adds elegance to any room		Table

Quartzite

Quartzite is often confused with quartz because of the similar name, but the two are different. Quartzite is a natural stone that’s less dense than quartz. It looks very similar to marble, but it’s easier to care for and it is a lot harder than marble which makes it a great alternative if you love the look of marble, but don’t want to do a lot of maintenance work. Although there are quite a number of beautiful color variations to choose from, there are fewer color choices than what you’d find with granite or quartz due to the quantity and uniqueness. Quartzite can hold heat very well and is highly resistant to UV rays, so it can be used in areas near large windows or outdoors without fear of it fading.

Quartzite is susceptible to staining in high-use areas, so spills should be wiped up quickly. It does require sealing about, although some varieties are softer and will require sealing more frequently.

Pros	Cons	Suitable Area
100% Natural	Requires sealing	Kitchen
Has beautiful look as marble	Can become stained or scratched	Bathroom
Unique and fresh appeal	Sensitive to acidic substances, harsh cleansers	Fireplace
Various colors available		BBQ
Durable		Bar
UV and heat resistant		Table
Low-maintenance

Quartz

Quartz is an engineered stone that’s made from natural quartz mineral and high-quality polymer resins and pigments; Although engineered, quartz is very attractive and looks nearly identical to many types of natural stone, including granite and marble. It’s available in an incredibly wide array of colors and patterns, and unlike natural stone, is completely non-porous – which means there’s no sealing required. Since its non-porous, quartz is naturally resistant to bacteria and staining.

One important thing to know about quartz is that although it’s very durable, it can’t handle high heat. Hot pots and pans can cause scorched marks on the surface, so you should always use potholders or trivets. If you love the look of natural stone but don’t want to worry about sealing your countertops, quartz is an excellent alternative.

Pros	Cons	Suitable Area
A wide array of colors and styles	Can’t handle high heat	Kitchen
Modern Appeal	Polishing the face is difficult and not recommended	Bathroom
Highly durable		Bar
Non-porous; doesn’t require sealing		Table
Stain-resistant
Bacteria resistant
Scratch-resistant
Very low-maintenance

Which Material Should You Choose?

When trying to decide on which material to choose, think about which material meets your aesthetic, durability, and maintenance needs – now, as well as in the future.

If you want a material that has a wide variety of color options and styles, is durable and low-maintenance, granite is a great choice!
If you want elegant countertops that will have a timeless appeal, has a variety of color options, and don’t mind moderate maintenance and care, marble might be perfect for you!
If you love the look of marble but want a material that’s more durable with lower maintenance, quartzite is an excellent alternative! Keep in mind that some varieties may need sealing more frequently!
If you want the least amount of maintenance, high durability, and a wide array of color and style options, quartz is an ideal choice. Just remember that it’s sensitive to high heat, and to protect your countertops with trivets!

And if you’re still not sure which material to choose, contact us here at Artistic Stone! We can give you recommendations based on where you plan to install your new countertops, usage, and even interior design considerations. With our extensive expertise, you’ll be sure to find the best possible fit for your home!