Understandably, the Kitchen Warehouse team get asked a lot of questions. And that’s great – we’re always happy to help and give advice. It’s important to us that you make the right decisions for you. We want you to end up with your dream kitchen. But, if we were to think of the questions that we get asked the most, this one would be very high up on the list: What’s the best for a kitchen countertop: marble, granite or quartz?
So, without further ado, let’s get straight down to the business you need to know and give you some answers.
Best Kitchen Countertop: Granite?
The case for choosing granite for a countertop is a compelling one. As an extremely resilient and strong material, granite is a winner as it is sure to be able withstand wear and tear and pretty much anything you could throw at in the kitchen. Granite gives you a richness and elegance that is hard to match. Granite is as practical as it is pretty too. It is highly heat resistant and doesn’t scratch or stain easily.
Costs can be expensive when it comes to granite. However, most people see it as a worthwhile investment. Granite is really strong but it’s also porous. It needs to be sealed when installed and does require regular re-sealing to continue its protection from stains.
Best Kitchen Countertop: Quartz?
For a clean, streamlined design quartz countertops take some beating. Whereas, each slab of granite is a unique piece, with quartz you get a neat and uniform look. This is a result of the blend of resins and natural stone. Most colour options are available with quartz. Another bonus is that quartz is a non-porous material. Unlike granite, there is no need for any special treatment or sealing. In fact, as it is very resistant to stains and scratches, it’s fine to use an everyday mild detergent for cleaning purposes.
Again, the price tag that comes with quartz can be prohibitive for some homeowners. However, again, it’s a investment that few regret once they have taken the plunge. Quartz is ideal for contemporary, ultra-modern kitchen looks. It isn’t the most obvious choice for a classic, traditional design. Installation seams can be noticeable, so bear that in mind. It’s also worth remembering that quartz isn’t as resilient to heat as granite.
Best Kitchen Countertop: Marble?
Last but not least from our trio of classy countertop materials is marble. This is the ideal choice for anybody that wants to bring a touch of the spectacular to the kitchen. For a look of absolute sophistication, marble countertops are the ultimate. You’ll find a fantastic array of colour choices with marble, from classic neutrals to the likes of yellow, rose and gold. Marble is tough and resistant to heat and will withstand the day-to-day wear and tear of hot pots and pans.
Of course, nothing is perfect and marble countertops do have some potential downsides. Marble is very porous and will absorb liquids quickly. This means that spills can be costly. Stains can be very difficult to remove. Naturally, there are steps you can take to lessen the risk and to prevent the worst happening. Sealants can be applied on installation and if the process is repeated on an annual basis, then the marble surface will retain its protection against spills and stains. Marble is very strong and durable. However, it is liable to scratches and chips from utensils and crockery.
Making your mind up with materials
As is the case for all rooms throughout the home these days, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to materials. When you weigh up the various pros and cons of granite, marble and quartz, you realise that the strengths outweigh the weaknesses for each of these stunning materials. Really it comes down to a balance of personal choice, personal preference, and a careful consideration of a range of factors: maintenance, cost, care, ease of cleaning, and durability.
There is no right and wrong. One material is not clearly better than another, but it is important that you choose your countertop material wisely. The best kitchen countertop is the one that meets your practical needs and your aesthetic needs.
For more advice about the best kitchen countertop choices, get in touch for a chat with the Kitchen Warehouse team. We’ll tell you everything you need to know when it comes to marble, granite or quartz.
