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Granite vs Marble: Which is more expensive?

Granite vs Marble: Which is more expensive?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both granite and marble are excellent choices for countertops. Granite patterns are more varied in colour. The small specs within stone are often in hues of blue, green, orange, pink, red…etc. Marble has a more consistent colour in a larger pattern, with darker “veins” running through it.

 

Comparing Durability: Granite vs Marble

 

Because both materials are porous, liquids can penetrate them easily. However, if properly sealed every 1-2 years, both can be quite durable and liquid resistant. They also both have good heat resistance qualities. Where they differ is in their ability to resist chips and scratches, and stains. Granite is a harder stone so it’s a better choice in that department. Marble requires more upkeep as it can stain easily if acidic foods and liquids are not cleaned up immediately on unstained countertops.

Of the two materials, granite is easier to maintain, and because marble requires closer attention to proper, and regular, sealing, it’s considered a more high-maintenance stone.

 

Maintenance of  Granite vs Marble

 

Of the two materials, granite is easier to maintain, and because marble requires closer attention to proper, and regular, sealing, it’s considered a more high-maintenance stone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Granite or Marble More Cost-Effective?

 

You’ll generally find that granite will cost less per square foot, than marble. But that shouldn’t be your only consideration when evaluating the cost differences. Depending on the size you need, type and number of unique cuts and corners, finishing, and installation, your costs can vary widely depending on who you work with.

If you’re interested in incorporating granite or marble in your kitchen or bathroom renovation, we are the team you need! Check out our Inspiration Gallery for samples of our previous installs, or contact us for a granite or marble countertop quote.

 

 

A Visual Difference Granite vs Marble

5 tips for choosing new countertops

5 tips for choosing new countertops

Quartz Vs Granite

Choosing new countertops

Here are 5 tips for choosing countertops for your next kitchen or bathroom renovation:

Tip #1: Match countertops to your colour scheme: What is the current (or soon-to-be) colour scheme in your room or home? Make sure you choose a countertop colour or pattern that doesn’t clash with your existing decor and colour schemes. Also consider how your countertops will complement any hardware, plumbing fixtures, or lighting in the room. Another trick is to choose lighter and neutral colours in smaller rooms to help the room feel bigger or brighter.

 

Tip #2: Consider how your countertops will be used: Is your countertop in a high traffic area and could get scratched? Will there be liquids on or near by (like sinks or food prep areas)? When choosing countertops consider how durable you need the material to be. Ask about countertop materials that are scratch or stain resistant. If needed, you can often add a sealant on top to help prevent liquids or oil from seeping into the material.

 

 

Tip #3: Be aware of different maintenance requirements: Ask how you can keep your countertops looking like new. Do you need to use a special cleaning solution? What about reapplying of any protectant seals?

 

Tip #4: See your countertop options in a showroom: If you need to see and feel before you buy, ask to see the countertop material up close in a mock room showroom setting so you can see how it looks in a real life scenario. Some companies may have software where you can digitally mock-up your room to see how different countertops would look in your space.

 

Tip #5: Weigh all costs, not just materials: While the “sticker price” is important, you’ll also need to consider customization costs (to cut your countertops to your exact specifications), transportation (how will you get your countertops from the warehouse to your house), and installation costs (unless you’re an expert DIYer).

 

Pro Experience Half our clients go with granite, and half go with a quartz surface. Most who want modern kitchens, choose quartz for its consistency. Using a dramatic marble backsplash 

Why choose Quartz? from Exotic Stone on Vimeo.

The Differences Between Quartz and Granite Countertops.

The Differences Between Quartz and Granite Countertops.

It is challenging to know what to pick a countertop. Today we are talking about Quartz vs Granite. We’ve all been there. You think you know what you like but as you dig in it gets more confusing. Buying a countertop and hiring a countertop company might seem daunting. We know you are researching and learning. When we talk with our clients we hear their questions. Some of the answers to those question are below. If you’ve got questions. Reach out. We’re here and we love talking countertops.  Let’s take a look at the differences between quartz and granite countertops.

 

Quartz Countertops:

 

Made from Silicon dioxide, also known as silica is an oxide of silicon with the chemical formula SiO2, most commonly found in nature as quartz. Pure quartz is clear or transparent and gives ordinary stones their sparkle, but comes in a variety of colors, depending on other elements in the mix. Manufacturers bond it with resins, granite, pigments, recycled mirror, or color glasses to enhance the material’s appearance. Antibacterial chemicals are added to make it suitable for applications like countertops and bathroom tiles. Once bonded, the result is a hard, durable material low in porosity. Polished to a glossy sheen, the final product is beautiful in appearance and may be cut to size for installation.

Quartz Vs Granite

Granite Countertops:

 

Granite is cut from shallow quarries. Small holes are drilled and carefully planned explosives separate the block of granite from the bedrock without breaking the block itself. Huge raw blocks of granite are transported to countries like Italy, India, and China where facilities with advanced machinery cut them into slabs.

To cut the block into even 2-3cm thick slabs, it is run through giant saws that make many slices into the stone at once. Then it is polished with progressively finer pads to get a quality finish.

After the slabs are polished, they are put into bundles in the order they were cut to preserve consistent patterning and color.

 

Differences Between Quartz and Granite

 

Quartz is crushed, mixed and baked into slabs whereas granite is mined, cut and polished. Quartz is actually harder than granite thus, more durable in our opinion… In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn’t porous like granite, it’s easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Did you know Granite countertops are quarried naturally from the earth as enormous chunks of stone? Quartz countertops contain a crushed quartz mixed with resin in a ratio of 93% quartz to 7% resin.

 

Granite pros: Granite will take a hot pot and is resistant to high heat. Genuine marble and granite have unique veining and patterns and are less expensive.

Given that these materials have differing properties, you may want to consider the utility and aesthetics that best suits your needs.

Quartz pros: Quartz is non-porous and resists staining better than granite, marble and concrete. It stands up to juice, oil, wine, tomato, coffee and other sources of stains in the kitchen. The non-porous surface will not harbor bacteria or viruses. Quartz countertops offer the beauty of natural stone with the additional benefits of modern construction: style, brilliance, durability and low maintenance. It requires no sealing or polishing to keep its brilliant shine.

Why choose Quartz? from Exotic Stone on Vimeo.