Marble V/S Granite V/S Quartz: The Best Option For Countertops?

Choosing countertops options can be fun. You can play with interior ideas and aesthetics to suit your taste. However, before choosing an option, it would be highly advisable to keep the quality and durability of the material in mind. 

People often choose a material based on looks only which is why they compromise with quality and choose beautiful but weaker options like tiles. However, fragile options like tiles and ceramics don’t have the capability to sustain for long.

With this in mind, interior designers suggest opting for natural stones for high durability. Countertops need to have a sturdy build along with style. Spaces like kitchens require highly sturdy material to sustain damage from cutting and stains, whereas bathroom countertops are often exposed to suds and water stains. 

Popularly, there are three natural stone options that people consider for the same. 

Marble

Marble is a metamorphic rock which is composed of natural minerals like calcite and dolomite. It is a soft stone that comes in various types and colours. For decades, Marble has been a popular choice for bathroom and kitchen.

Pros

• Marble is beautiful and unique. These stones are so gorgeous that it can compliment any kind of interior with its natural beauty
• Well maintained marble can increase property value 
• They are highly durable and can last for decades with the right maintenance
• Marble is unique, no two marble will look the same even if they are of the same type
• They are heat resistant
• Marble cannot harbour allergens and germs

Cons

• Since marble is a high-end product, they can be expensive based on the type
• Marble is very heavy, hence installation can be tiresome and tedious
• They are prone to stains and scratches and are highly vulnerable to acidic liquids like vinegar and citric acid

Granite

Granite is an extremely hard, igneous natural stone made from the crystallization of magma in Earth. They have a grainy surface and come with an array of colours. 

Pros 

• They are one of the hardest natural stones out there and they are known to be highly durable
• Granite is naturally heat-resistant, making it a top choice for kitchen countertops 
• They come in almost all colours imaginable 
• They are stain-resistant

Cons

• Granite is porous, hence it requires maintenance from time to time
• They are susceptible to cracking and scratches 
• They are naturally very cold, which isn’t desirable during winters as it can affect health
• They are great for kitchen countertops but that may not be the case for bathrooms, therefore, they may not be the best choice for a universal interior
• They aren’t as beautiful and natural-looking as other stones, for example, marble
• They are often relied on for flooring more than countertops

Quartz

Like marble, quartzite is a non-foliate metamorphic rock created from sandstone. Quartz is known as engineered stone since quartz slabs are man-made. They are very similar to marble in appearance but with better strength and durability.

Pros 

• If you love the look of marble, then you will surely adore quartz, this engineered stone can be found in almost any colour imaginable
• It isn’t as porous as marble or granite, so it’s a great option for both kitchen and bathroom
• Requires low maintenance and is easy to clean 
• Quartz is durable and strong in nature

Cons

• Quartz is hard, but it isn’t resistant to damage and stains 
• It is heat resistant but it can’t stand high heat
• It is a rare stone, which makes it more expensive than granite and marble combined
• Some varieties of quartz need more sealing than others, making maintenance a hassle 
• It has a tendency to bend after a few years of usage
• Since its an engineered product, it doesn’t carry a natural aesthetic like that of marble or granite and it can look fake at times. 

Conclusion

These natural stones have their own pros and cons, but all three of them are often preferred as countertop choices. We would highly recommend marble as a great choice due to its longevity and beauty. Marble for home is extremely safe and can be taken care of in the long run. They are a luxury product that can make your home look like a high-end castle. Although marble has its own set of problems, they can be overcome with the right maintenance. 

However, in the end, you need to make the right choice based on interior requirements, durability, usage of space and budget in mind. 

If you’re looking for imported marble then opt for Sipani’s luxury marble collection. 

For enquiries, please get in touch with us at +91- 9900022355 or sales@sipanisoftstones.com