Countertop materials are available in many different varieties. The most common ones are granite, marble, and quartz, but how do you know which one is which? Here is a guide to all things quartz, granite, and marble countertops.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a naturally occurring stone, but the quartz countertops you see are usually man-made. The manufacturers mix in different things like resins and polymers in order to give it structure and strength, which makes quartz a great competitor against granite countertops. It is a great material if you are looking for something which is durable but doesn’t cost a fortune like granite and marble. Here are some important things to keep in mind about quartz countertops.

• Quartz is similar in appearance to marble but the veining can or cannot be there. It is completely up to you whether you want a veined quartz countertop or a plain one. It is also glossy in appearance.
• They are heat resistant to a great extent, but if you want to avoid further damage, then using protective barriers between the countertop and the hot item is necessary. It will only add to the lifespan of quartz countertops.
• There is no need to seal it. It is quite resistant to stains and it is non-porous in nature. The manufacturers densely pack this material in order to make it waterproof.
• Quartz doesn’t add value to your house, unlike marble and granite.

Granite Countertops

Granite is the strongest and most durable natural stone. It is known for its asymmetrical looks and clustered appearance. It is made out of different stones and clumps of crystals which can be easily distinguished if you look at it. This is what adds to the beauty of granite countertops and people love it for that reason. Here is everything you need to know about granite as a countertop material.

• It is highly heat resistant. It is a rock that is found deep inside the Earth, so it is naturally quite resistant to high temperatures and pressures.
• The color range is amazing. You can find light colors similar to marble, or you can find a more vibrant color fit for your kitchen and style.
• You need to seal these countertops. As strong as they are, you need to make them last longer by preventing moisture and water from coming into the stone and because this stone is quite porous, sealing is almost inevitable if you don’t want to prematurely damage your countertops.
• It is not as maintenance heavy as marble and it only needs to be cleaned for making it look good as new again.

Marble Countertops

Marble is probably one of the most luxurious materials of all the stones which are used to make kitchen countertops. Marble has a unique style and veining which is unlike any other stone. It is usually quite light in color and the veining is also subtle, but the look is extremely beautiful and it makes for a perfect muted countertop. Here are some things you should know about marble before committing to buying it for your kitchen.

• It is a very soft stone, so it is prone to scratches, cracking, and staining. It is also identified by its light color and darker veining on the surface.
• It is not as heat resistant as other materials, so it’s best to use trivets if you want to work with hot pots and pans on this countertop.
• It has a muted color variety, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on what type of colors you prefer. Some people like and prefer the neutral color palette, while some people want a bit more pop of color for their countertops.
• It needs to be sealed, as it is quite porous and it can absorb moisture and water, which can lead to terrible stains on the beautiful and light-colored countertops.

Conclusion

There you have it! These stones are probably the most famous ones which are used in kitchen countertop manufacturing and for a good reason. Now you know everything about these three materials. This will help you in identifying and getting the right material for your countertop replacement NC. Be sure to consult a trustworthy natural stone and engineered stone countertop contractor for buying countertop slabs.