Quartz VS Granite VS Marble

One of the most asked questions of a kitchen and bathroom remodeler is ”what is the difference between Granite and Quartz when using it as a countertop surface? How about Marble?”

Our answer is usually another question… “What is most important to you? Color? Design? Durability? How about your personal habits that may affect your overall satisfaction with the product you chose?”

Many times after discussing surface options with clients, we find that they want all those features that were mentioned above.  Each option can give you some of those features, but usually not all. The best way to discover which product is best for you is to break down the Pros and Cons of each material.

Let’s start with Marble. Marble is a natural stone with several variations of color with large veining running through it. The most commonly used is Carrara White because of price and availability. Marble is known for its gorgeous appearance and it is heat resistant, though care should be used with hot pots and pans or hair dryers. It is a porous product that is much easier to scratch or stain than Granite or Quartz and should be resealed every 6 months. Therefore, it is usually recommended that Marble is used in less high traffic area such as a bathroom countertop or even bathroom walls.

Marble for kitchen countertops is NOT recommended unless the homeowner doesn’t use their kitchen a lot. (I know, hard to believe) or is well aware of the maintenance requirements.

Now to the tough guys. Granite is also a natural stone product but is more durable and more resistant to stains and scratches. You can find literally hundreds of color variations of beautiful Granite at many stone suppliers preferred by your kitchen and bath expert. Even though Granite is striking in appearance and the gold standard in any modern kitchen and bathroom, it is not as popular as it once was. Because it is a natural product excavated from a mountain it is also porous and will require sealing once a year. Although heat and scratch resistant, even with resealing the product customers still complain of stains that cannot be removed, which brings us to Quartz.

This product is made up of about 95% natural Quartz and 5% Polymer Resins. What is so unique about Quartz? Manufacturers have found a way to make the product look like real Granite and Marble without the maintenance issues experienced with natural stones.  Quartz does not need to be re-sealed because of the manufacturing process and it is actually stronger than Granite. Quartz is impervious to stains, scratches, and cracking. Many times clients will tell me that they have had some other surface before and did not want the same maintenance issues that they once experienced. So, with modern manufacturing techniques and new design elements, Quartz is dominating sales throughout all of the United States. All the surfaces above can be a wonderful choice for your home, just know how you are using them and contact your Kitchen and Bath professional on where to use them.

Premier Kitchen & Bath Is Among the Top-Rated Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Company Serving Metro Phoenix & Surrounding Areas. To see for yourself why Premier Kitchen & Bath stands out from other kitchen and bath remodeling companies in Metro Phoenix, and surrounding areas, contact us or stop by our showroom in Mesa today. One of our designers will be glad to assist you. 

Written by: Bill Bahling – Talented Premier Kitchen and Bath Designer