Granite, Marble, Quartz, Porcelain and More
Natural stone countertops are popular in kitchens for a reason. Granite countertops are often cited as the most durable material available and is known for resisting cracks and chips. Marble countertops the other hand, are very pretty, but delicate.
All granite, marble, quartzite, slate, onyx – you name it, stone choices are a purely natural stone that come directly from stone quarries, and then are cut into thin slabs, polished/honed/brushed/leathered, and fabricated into countertops. The one advantage that natural stone has over an engineered stone is that every slab is slightly different in mineral pattern and color, meaning that your countertop will be entirely unique.
What’s very beneficial most of the slabs come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes more than 70 inches wide. For comparison, quartz slabs are seldom larger than 65 inches wide. Wide slabs are a huge benefit for kitchens with sprawling angles since they usually mean fewer seams, which a really great thing about that.
NATURAL BEAUTY
IT’S DURABILITY AND AINTENANCE
When you look at the natural stone, you see the striations and slight color changes that make the stone unique. The color and design are real. It’s a natural material with great variety, depending on which species you select and how it’s cut. It creates a really lovely natural pattern, which you don’t get with a lot of artificial materials. Often customers ask for white granite countertops, and yes, you will be able to find those, but you won’t find anything as white in nature as white marble for instance. With proper annual re-sealing, granite or quartzite countertops are quite resistant to stains.
We are aware accidents happen–dishes fall out of cabinets, kids drop things on countertops, adults aren’t much better. Minor scratches or dings can be filled in with color-matching epoxy, and we can do it very professionally, but that does not mean you can abuse your beautiful natural workspace. Stone even though it’s “hard stone” need to cleaned/wiped dry after every meal preparation, or family gathering. Natural surfaces have a weakness, it’s the fact that it is susceptible to stains because of its composition. All natural stone because it’s a “natural” is porous, some more some less, and stains can be a real possibility unless you take 1-2 minutes out of your day to clean it, you will be just fine
We are aware accidents happen–dishes fall out of cabinets, kids drop things on countertops, adults aren’t much better. Minor scratches or dings can be filled in with color-matching epoxy, and we can do it very professionally, but that does not mean you can abuse your beautiful natural workspace. Stone even though it’s “hard stone” need to cleaned/wiped dry after every meal preparation, or family gathering. Natural surfaces have a weakness, it’s the fact that it is susceptible to stains because of its composition. All natural stone because it’s a “natural” is porous, some more some less, and stains can be a real possibility unless you take 1-2 minutes out of your day to clean it, you will be just fine
GRANITE
Renowned for its durability, granite resists cracks and chips, making it a popular kitchen countertop choice. Each slab is unique, providing a distinctive look for your home.
PROS:
Almost As Durable As Quartz
Limitless Color Options
Generally More Cost Effective
It Can Take The Heat Of A Pan
CONS:
Need To Be Sealed Annually
Not Easy To Remove Stains
Less Aesthetic (Personal Preference)
Quartz
Engineered stone countertops combine ground quartz with resins, polymers, and pigments, offering a durable, non-porous surface that is easy to maintain. Quartz provides a consistent appearance with various color and veining options.
PROS:
Durable
Non-Porous
Scratch Resistant
Impact Resistant
CONS:
Not Suited For Outdoors
Not Perfectly Heat Resistant
Quartz Has Less Natural Beauty Compared To Granite (Personal Preference)
Summary
Are you good about home maintenance projects including keeping up with regular granite countertops cleaning? Are you careful with juice or oil spills and similar events? If so, there is no good reason not to consider granite countertops. On the other hand, if you’ve got a busy lifestyle and would do better with a no-maintenance countertop, you’ve got plenty of good options there too. This is a personal choice only. Don’t let anyone else tell you which one looks better. There are some very beautiful brands that make great quality quartz like Caesarstone, Silestone or Cambria. Quartz countertops and granite countertops are also on equal footing when it comes to impact, neither is indestructible. The clean line most people prefer in countertops can be tricky to achieve with certain surfaces, especially when the material isn’t uniform. Each slab of granite, marble or quartzite is unique, it’s not always easy to cut it just so and line up multiple slabs for a streamlined effect. Because quartz is manufactured, the pieces are uniform. Almost always you can count on where the seams will be. Also, quartz offers an abundance of color choices and potential for marble veining, and designs are better and better every year, which appeals to many people now-days. Some people love the look of granite more than quartz because it has a natural earthy aspect to it. Others prefer the sleek uniform look of quartz.
Quartz Slabs
Are you good about home maintenance projects including keeping up with regular granite countertops cleaning? Are you careful with juice or oil spills and similar events? If so, there is no good reason not to consider granite countertops. On the other hand, if you’ve got a busy lifestyle and would do better with a no-maintenance countertop, you’ve got plenty of good options there too. This is a personal choice only. Don’t let anyone else tell you which one looks better. There are some very beautiful brands that make great quality quartz like Caesarstone, Silestone or Cambria.
Quartz countertops and granite countertops are also on equal footing when it comes to impact, neither is indestructible. The clean line most people prefer in countertops can be tricky to achieve with certain surfaces, especially when the material isn’t uniform. Each slab of granite, marble or quartzite is unique, it’s not always easy to cut it just so and line up multiple slabs for a streamlined effect. Because quartz is manufactured, the pieces are uniform. Almost always you can count on where the seams will be. Also, quartz offers an abundance of color choices and potential for marble veining, and designs are better and better every year, which appeals to many people now-days. Some people love the look of granite more than quartz because it has a natural earthy aspect to it. Others prefer the sleek uniform look of quartz.
Granite Slabs
Granite Slabs are gorgeous. Their classic elegance exudes distinction in the kitchen and bathroom, combined with outstanding durability. To quote a legend from the automobile industry, Lee Iacocca, “if you can’t find a prettier slab, buy it!” the Granite Slabs you select might be the last countertops your home will ever need.
Granite is a natural stone, quarried from large igneous stone found from all around the world. The stone is naturally quite rough and textured, but when it is polished during the Slab manufacturing process, it takes on a smooth surface with a rich luster.
PORCILAIN SLABS
Porcelain slabs have become the trendiest function of every design. Most people know that Porcelain is a durable and low-maintenance material ideal for a multitude of projects. It is available in a wide array of designs, colours, textures, and finishes to fit any style from timeless to trendy. With the innovation and creativity, designs are made to look strikingly similar to other non-porcelain materials such as marble, slate, fabric, or even wood.
Giving your home a way to achieve the beauty of these desirable materials with little to no maintenance. They are also available in various thicknesses in coordinating colours for ultimate design freedom. Each thickness is manufactured with a different application in mind such as floors, walls, fireplaces, furniture cladding, and countertops. This versatility allows you to create a modern, uniform flow throughout your space that is truly breathtaking.
MARBLE SLABLS
Marble is natural and historically a timeless and classic material suitable for a variety of applications from countertops to building facades. We source premium grade of material from the finest of quarries from all around the world. When sourcing Marble for your next project, consider and understand the natural characteristics and compare the qualities. Often you will find other materials with the same name, but their qualities may differ. You cannot find anything as white in nature as white marble, from Carrara, Italy. The Marble is dense and relatively nonporous which makes them durable and stain resistant.