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Granite VS. Quartz VS. Marble
Granite VS. Quartz
Pros: Granite and quartz surfaces are very durable and capable of lasting a very long time. They are both heat, scratch, chemical and stain resistant. Quartz surfaces are engineered from natural quartz while granite, in and of itself, is a natural stone. Both surfaces are very low maintenance. While granite is limited to the colors nature has produced, quartz is artificially colored throughout for a custom and unique look. While granite and quartz are in the upper tiers of cost, they will give you the longevity and durability associated with their price.
Cons: Quartz is a manufactured stone and it is hard to duplicate the veining and pattern look you get from genuine marble or granite. Quartz counters can discolor over time when exposed to direct sunlight. If you have a part of your counter that receives some of the UV rays from the sun while another part doesn’t, over time you will see a difference. Granite is porous, so staining is possible even with a quality sealer. Clean up spills right away.
Granite Countertops are the premium choice for fashionable families, and Carpetland now offers a variety of granite styles and colors. Our beautiful countertops will not only look great in your home, but will also stand up to heat, wear and tear, providing you with a lifetime of use and excellent looks. Granite is synonymous with elegance in both kitchens and baths, and it’s an investment worth making if you value the appearance and worth of your home. Come visit Carpetland and our exclusive Granite Showroom to see exactly what we have in store for you, and to experience the Carpetland USA difference When you think of granite floors, it’s likely that you envision some luxury floor in a fine hotel, museum or mansion. Just because these are, in fact, real uses of this particular flooring material however, it does not mean that it can’t be beautifully incorporated into your own home.
Cons: Quartz is a manufactured stone and it is hard to duplicate the veining and pattern look you get from genuine marble or granite. Quartz counters can discolor over time when exposed to direct sunlight. If you have a part of your counter that receives some of the UV rays from the sun while another part doesn’t, over time you will see a difference. Granite is porous, so staining is possible even with a quality sealer. Clean up spills right away.
Granite Countertops are the premium choice for fashionable families, and Carpetland now offers a variety of granite styles and colors. Our beautiful countertops will not only look great in your home, but will also stand up to heat, wear and tear, providing you with a lifetime of use and excellent looks. Granite is synonymous with elegance in both kitchens and baths, and it’s an investment worth making if you value the appearance and worth of your home. Come visit Carpetland and our exclusive Granite Showroom to see exactly what we have in store for you, and to experience the Carpetland USA difference When you think of granite floors, it’s likely that you envision some luxury floor in a fine hotel, museum or mansion. Just because these are, in fact, real uses of this particular flooring material however, it does not mean that it can’t be beautifully incorporated into your own home.
Granite VS. Marble
Pros: Both Granite and Marble are made of genuine natural stone which means each slab is unique and beautiful. Marble is famous for its veining, which has led to the term “marbling.” Marble also ages beautifully. Granite and marble come in a large variety of colors and the options and patterns are endless.
Cons: Marble is more porous than granite, so it more readily absorbs liquids and is susceptible to stains. That means that oil, wine, juice and other spills penetrate deeper into the stone very quickly and should have a quality sealer to help protect from staining. Staining with marble is a “not if, but when” proposition. Because the minerals that compose marble are sensitive to certain chemical agents, it is important to wipe spills away quickly. Anything acidic or basic will leave an etch mark if left on the stone for too long. Another concern about marble in the kitchen is that sharp knives can scratch the surface and heavy pots or mugs can chip or break the marble. These are primary reasons manufacturers won’t warranty marble countertops in the kitchen.
Difference: Although both are stones and quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s relatives – limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures. It is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, onyx – start out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus.
Cons: Marble is more porous than granite, so it more readily absorbs liquids and is susceptible to stains. That means that oil, wine, juice and other spills penetrate deeper into the stone very quickly and should have a quality sealer to help protect from staining. Staining with marble is a “not if, but when” proposition. Because the minerals that compose marble are sensitive to certain chemical agents, it is important to wipe spills away quickly. Anything acidic or basic will leave an etch mark if left on the stone for too long. Another concern about marble in the kitchen is that sharp knives can scratch the surface and heavy pots or mugs can chip or break the marble. These are primary reasons manufacturers won’t warranty marble countertops in the kitchen.
Difference: Although both are stones and quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s relatives – limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures. It is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, onyx – start out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus.
Should I use marble or granite for my kitchen countertop?
Although typical application of marble is for the bathroom vanity tops, Jacuzzi tops, and fireplaces, it is possible to use it in the kitchen. However, due to the fact that it is easy to scratch and is affected by acidic substances, such as vinegars, ketchups etc, we don’t usually recommend it. Moreover, the high-gloss of the marble countertop can be partially lost as many chemicals etch its surface. Granite, in turn, is considered the second hardest stone, its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives and pots and pans under normal use. It is also not affected by typical kitchen heat such as hot pans.
