Countertop Comparisons
With the wide variety of materials, and the even wider selection of colors and designs, choosing the right countertop for your kitchen or bath can seem almost impossible. With so many choices available, it’s often hard to narrow it down and find a countertop you’re truly happy with and not question your selection once it’s been installed. Thankfully, our experts are here to help with this handy countertop comparison guide that should make your decision process a lot easier.
Quartz vs. Granite Countertops
Granite and quartz are both very durable and can last up to 50 years if properly maintained. Both are heat, scratch, chemical, and stain-resistant and require little maintenance but are made with different materials. Granite is a tone itself, making the color options limited to what mother nature has produced, while quartz surfaces are engineered from natural quartz with artificial colors. Thus, quartz gives you more design options with the variety of color choices available. This array of color does coma at a cost though – quartz is less resistant to high heat, whereas a granite countertop can handle a hot pot with no issue. Because of the durability, granite and quartz are both on the more expensive end in terms of cost, with quartz being anywhere from 20% to 40% more expensive than granite. Another drawback with quartz is the fact that, as a manufactured stone product, it can be difficult to replicate the natural look found in granite.
Granite vs. Marble Countertops
Granite and marble are the two materials most alike in this countertop comparison guide. Like granite, marble countertops are made of natural, genuine stone. Marble is famous for the grey and black “veins” running through it that will make each slab a unique piece of art that ages beautifully. Because marble is more porous, installing a marble countertop has a few extra steps and you’ll want to use a quality sealer to reduce staining. Marble is also far more sensitive to certain chemicals than granite, meaning you’ll have to be careful with anything acidic and wipe up any spills immediately to avoid staining. This makes marble countertops a little more care-intensive than granite.
Corian vs. Granite Countertops
Unlike granite, Corian is an entirely man-made material that combines different minerals and acrylics. Corian countertops also offer the opportunity for integrated sinks coved backsplashes. Thus, Corian countertops are great for those looking to customize every bit of their kitchen and have a wide array of colors and styles to choose from. The drawback to this variety of options? – Granite is far more heat, scratch, chemical, and stain-resistant and requires significantly less maintenance. Cracks and scratches are inevitable with a Corian countertop and they’re more susceptible to damage caused by heat.
We hope this countertop comparison guide has been helpful, but if you’re still left with any questions Pebbles’ dedicated experts are here to help! We’re Colorado’s premier stone slab provider and offer a comprehensive purchasing experience you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us today!