"Which countertop should I get?" is the question we hear most in our showroom. There's no single right answer. Granite, quartz, marble and quartzite can all look beautiful for years. The best choice depends on your style, your budget and how hard your countertops work every day.
Granite is a natural stone cut from the earth, so no two slabs are exactly alike. It's hard, resists scratches well and handles heat better than most surfaces. It's also naturally porous, so most granites benefit from a sealer that slows down stains. Re-sealing is quick and easy, and how often you need it depends on the stone.
Quartz is an engineered surface made mostly of ground quartz bound with resin and pigments. Because it's non-porous, it doesn't need sealing and resists stains very well. Colors and patterns are consistent from slab to slab, which many people like. The trade-off is heat. The resin can scorch or discolor if you set a hot pan directly on it, so trivets are a must. Most manufacturers also don't recommend quartz for outdoor use, because long sun exposure can fade it.
Marble has a classic, soft look that's hard to imitate. It's also the most delicate of the four. Marble is softer than granite and reacts with acids, so lemon juice, vinegar, wine or tomato sauce can leave dull marks called etching. Some people love the lived-in patina that marble develops over time. Others would rather not worry about it. It's often a great fit for bathroom vanities, where it sees less wear.
Quartzite is a natural stone that often looks like marble but is much harder. It's a good option if you love the marble look but need something tougher for a busy kitchen. Like granite, it's porous and should be sealed. One tip: some stones sold as "quartzite" behave more like marble. We'll help you check that before you commit.
Here's a simple way to narrow it down. If you cook a lot and want natural stone that handles heat, look at granite or quartzite. If you want consistent color and the least upkeep indoors, quartz is hard to beat. If you love the look of marble and are fine with some patina, marble can be beautiful, especially in a bathroom. For outdoor BBQ tops, natural stone like granite is usually the better choice.
The best way to decide is to see and touch the slabs in person. Visit our showroom at 4490 Stelton Road in South Plainfield, or call (732) 881-7911 for a free estimate. We'll walk you through the options in English or Spanish and help you find the right stone for your home or business.