When you’re going about remodeling your home, there are certain materials that you gravitate towards for your countertops. Certain materials have stood the test of time and remain popular options. There’s no denying the elegance and allure that a brand new granite, marble, quartzite, or quartz countertop can add to your Bucks or Montgomery County home. While these materials are both appealing and functional, it might be hard to decide which one is the perfect option for your interior décor.
At Suburban Marble, Granite & Tile, we can help. We offer an extensive selection of materials for you to choose from in our newly-renovated showroom and feature a team of friendly experts who can help you select the ideal material for your home. Let’s examine the differences between marble, granite, quartz, and quartzite and their distinct benefits:
Marble
As a metamorphic rock, marble originates from limestone and takes millions of years to form. It’s most often associated with Italy, where much of the world’s supply is mined in the Carrara region around northern Tuscany. Our owners travel to Carrara twice a year to hand-select the finest marbles in the world for our inventory.
Marble’s Characteristics
The colors of marble can range from black to pure white. It’s cool to the touch and is soft, especially when compared to other materials like granite. While marble can offer some of the unique veining and colorations, it’s porous, making it sensitive to acidic liquids such as wine or some cleaners. Marble can be prone to etching or staining if left unprotected — however, these issues can be easily fixed by sealing your marble countertops and an additional layer of protection. Marble ages well and has a timeless appeal for homeowners.
Granite
Granite is a type of igneous rock formed deep within the Earth. It’s made from a range of minerals, including feldspar, plagioclase, quartz, and more. Granite remains one of the oldest and most durable naturally occurring materials in existence.
Granite Characteristics
With its status as a hard and durable material, granite can withstand heat from cooking and serving food. Since kitchens are one of the highest-trafficked areas in your home, you’ll want a countertop material that can handle a little wear and tear. Granite’s durability means that it is difficult to scratch, crack, or break.
Granite comes in a broad scope of hues, like blue-gray, peach, gold, brown, white, and more. Although it requires a sealant now and then to ensure its luster, it can be the perfect choice for a gorgeous and low-maintenance countertop.
Quartz
Whereas marble and granite are rocks, quartz is a mineral made from silicon dioxide; it’s also the most prevalent mineral found in the Earth’s crust. While pure quartz is clear, impurities present in it lend it its variety of beautiful colors. Some of the highest quality quartz is used in jewelry and even sculptures. And the best part: no sealing is necessary, and it is resistant to scratching, etching and heat.
Quartz Characteristics
Quartz has two distinct advantages as your countertop material of choice: it is a strong, yet flexible stone that is non-porous in nature. Quartz also possesses a degree of flexibility, which adds to its resistance to chipping, breaking, or other damage.
Quartzite
Another metamorphic rock, quartzite is created when sandstone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure. Because of its veining and coloration, it can often be mistaken for granite or even marble.
Characteristics of Quartzite
Quartzite is durable and withstands heat well. Quartzite is one of the strongest materials out there and can withstand years of repeated use. With the right sealant and maintenance routine, quartzite counters can be extremely moisture resistant. However, quartzite typically requires re-application of a sealant once every several years. Once it’s adequately sealed, though, quartzite cleans up easily. If you’re looking for a hard material with the look of marble, this is the countertop for you.
Want to see for yourself which of these materials is the right choice for you? Please stop by our newly-renovated showroom today and take a look! For all other questions and information, or to purchase a granite countertop in Montgomery County, contact Suburban Marble, Granite & Tile today!