Just like your cabinetry, your countertops are both a longer-term investment in your home as well as a statement-maker. Whether for a remodel or a new build, when choosing the right countertops you must weigh all your options along with their pros and cons. For the last several years, we’ve seen our clients consistently choose either granite, marble, quartz or quartzite.
All are very durable materials with a few key differences:
GRANITE
A natural igneous stone, an easy go-to for many projects.
Pros:
Comes in a variety of colors and hues
Mostly heat and stain resistant (No stone is completely heat resistant and we always recommend heat pads)
Cons:
Porous and must be sealed - about 1x per year
Fun Fact: Mt. Rushmore is carved from granite.
Granite: Eurocraft Granite & Marble
MARBLE
A natural sedimentary stone, a timeless classic.
Pros:
Comes in a variety of colors and hues
Elegant veining that is larger and typically more consistent than granite
Mostly heat resistant (No stone is completely heat resistant and we always recommend heat pads)
Cons:
Porous and must be sealed - about 3x per year
Although very durable, because of its porous nature, it can be affected by stains and spills especially acidic liquids. Also, harsh cleaners are a no-no.
Fun Fact: The Taj Mahal is constructed of marble.
Marble: Eurocraft Granite & Marble
QUARTZ / QUARTZITE
Although similar in name, these two countertops are quite different. Quartz is an engineered stone made from approximately 90% ground quartz & 10% polyresin while Quartzite is a natural stone that starts as sandstone and after a process of heat and pressure is fused with quartz crystals.
Quartz
Pros:
Comes in a variety of colors and designs
Non-porous - no need to seal & does not harbor bacteria or viruses
Stain & scratch resistant
Unlike natural stone, all samples are true representations of what you will order and will be consistent throughout your project.
Low maintenance
Cons:
Direct sunlight can cause it to fade. It is definitely not recommended for outdoors.
The least heat resistant of all. (No stone is completely heat resistant and we always recommend heat pads.)
Quartzite
Pros:
Has delicate veining much like marble and coloration and patterning like granite
Cons:
Comes only in a limited amount of colors/hues
Susceptible to staining in heavy use areas
Very porous and requires sealing
Quartz: Eurocraft Granite & Marble; Right: Quartz, Left: Quartzite
COST
Cost, of course, is always a factor of any element you decide to use in your remodel or new home. However, regarding countertops, it’s hard to pin down an exact cost range. Your cost will depend on a variety of factors including your contractor, quality of the stone, quantity your purchasing, colors, thickness, etc. whether you choose granite, marble, quartz or quartzite.
Here’s a rough estimate of current costs:
Granite: $35-75 per sqft
Marble: $40-100 per sqft
Quartz: $50-120 per sqft
Quartzite: $80-100 per sqft
FINAL THOUGHTS
Ultimately, as with all elements of your project, you’ll need to weigh what fits best with the character of your home, your budget and the end goal of your project. We’ve seen it all and with these four materials, it’s hard to go wrong!