Granite, marble, and quartz are today’s most popular countertop materials here in the Philippines. The first two are natural materials, while the last is engineered stone. And although there are other countertop materials out there, these three types have been tried and tested over the previous decades.
While there is no such thing as a perfect countertop material, each has its pros and cons. So before you decide to get one for your kitchen, check out this in-depth guide to buying countertop materials for your home:
Granite
Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials on the market, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a highly-durable stone that easily resists heat and scratches, making it an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
In addition, each granite slab is unique, making your kitchen countertop genuinely distinct. It is also easy to clean and maintain, so it’s an excellent choice if you want your countertop to be beautiful, durable, and hassle-free.
Advantages
- Granite is a highly-durable natural stone.
- It resists heat and scratches, making it an ideal countertop material.
- Each slab has a unique appearance that you won't find elsewhere.
- Granite is easy to clean and maintain.
- It increases your home's resale value.
Disadvantages
- Some granites require sealing.
- It has natural pits, fissures, cracks, etc.
- Granite countertops require seams on expansive kitchens.
- It is heavy.
- Difficult to D.I.Y.
Marble
Marble has been used for centuries in creating beautiful works of art and architecture. Today, it is a popular countertop material for high-end spaces.
Apart from its elegant appeal, marble is heat-resistant, making it ideal for baking and confectioneries. If you are considering this countertop material for your home, be sure to consult with a professional to ensure that it’s the right choice for your home.
Advantages
- Marble brings an elegant and sophisticated look to any kitchen
- It is heat-resistant.
- Marble is an excellent surface for pastry-making.
- It increases your home's resale value.
Disadvantages
- Marble countertops need to be sealed regularly.
- It has natural pits, fissures, cracks, etc.
- Marble countertops require seams on expansive kitchens.
- It is very costly.
- It can easily chip or crack by a heavy blow.
- Difficult to D.I.Y.
Engineered Quartz
Quartz countertops are a beautiful and durable option for your kitchen. It has a more consistent appearance than granite or marble, so you can be sure that your countertop will look more uniform.
Quartz is incredibly durable and resistant to heat and scratches, making it an ideal choice for busy kitchens. Moreover, it is easy to clean and maintain, so you can keep your countertop looking new with minimal effort.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and practical countertop material, quartz is an excellent option.
Advantages
- Quartz has a consistent appearance, unlike granite or marble.
- It does not require sealing.
- Quartz countertops are highly-durable.
- It resists heat and scratches, making it an ideal countertop material.
- It's easy to clean and maintain.
Disadvantages
- It lacks the natural beauty of granite or marble.
- It requires seams on expansive kitchens.
- Quartz can turn "yellow" when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight.
- It cannot be exposed to direct heat.
Conclusion
Choosing the right countertop can make all the difference in your kitchen. By weighing which features matter most according to your needs and lifestyle, you can ensure that the countertop of your choice provides the necessary benefits to make your kitchen experience enjoyable and worry-free.
If you’re looking for high-quality countertop materials at an affordable price, check out Stefistone Granites and Marbles. We are a direct importer of granite, marble, and quartz, so you’ll definitely find here the best deals for your project.
Visit our showroom today!