You may know that you want stone countertops in your new kitchen but have you decided which stone is the right fit for your kitchen and your lifestyle?
We have some comparisons that may help you find the perfect stone for you.
Marble vs. Granite vs. Quartz:
1. Hardness
The Mohs Scale is used to measure the hardness of stone. Diamonds are rated at the top of the scale (10) because they can scratch all other stones but other stones can’t scratch them. Quartz is rated at a fairly hard 7 on the scale, granite (mainly because of its high quartz content) is rated at 6-7, and marble is rated at a soft 3. A piece of sand rubbed across a marble countertop will probably scratch it, as might a heavy glass.
2. Porousness
Because marble contains a good deal of calcite (similar to teeth), it’s highly porous and can be easily stained.
Granite comes in different degrees of porosity; the more porous varieties should usually be sealed yearly to prevent them from absorbing spilled liquids which might stain and could also promote the growth of bacteria.
Because quartz is made up of about 93% natural quartz aggregate bound together with colored polymer resins, it’s non-porous and impervious to stains.
3. Durability
Marble is soft enough to be easily scratched by a knife. It’s also susceptible to etching by acidic liquids such as wine or fruit juice. The veins and inclusions in marble are its weakest spots so, generally, the fewer there are, the stronger the marble.
Granite won’t usually be scratched by a knife but it might crack or chip if it’s hit hard enough. Both granite and quartz can withstand an occasional hot pot. Repeatedly setting hot pots on the same area might cause eventual damage to both surfaces, however.
Quartz is also tough enough to be cut on and is resistant to chips and cracks. However, if it does chip, it’s usually harder to repair than granite. It may also fade from exposure to UV rays so that may be a consideration where different areas of the same countertop receive varying amounts of direct sunlight.
Whatever stone you choose, it’s important to choose an edge that is resistant to chipping. Sharp edges are more likely to chip while rounded edges like bullnose and roundover are less likely to. They’re also usually less expensive.
Everyone has their own concept of beauty: are you looking for the timeless elegance of marble, the shimmery movement of granite, or the quiet uniform beauty of quartz? Whichever look you prefer, taking into consideration how that particular stone fits into your lifestyle and how willing you are to maintain it will ensure that you’ll love your new countertops for years to come.
Contact us when you’re ready for your new kitchen and we’ll help you choose cabinetry that will perfectly complement your new stone countertops.
