When you are overwhelmed with choosing the right marble for your home, knowing which material would work best can be challenging. One thing is sure. Marble and granite installation is an investment as it adds unparalleled high-end elegance and classic beauty to your countertops. Whatever you decide, we want you all to have enough knowledge to be comfortable with your decision!
5 Factors You Should Consider
1. Origin
Countertops made of marble and granite come from all around the world, and your taste may significantly affect the country of origin of your countertop. Although marble has traditionally been mined in Italy, it is also extracted in Egypt, Spain, China, Turkey, and Greece.
On the other hand, granite is found in India, Brazil, Canada, and China. The greater the distance, the higher the price, but this is not always the case.
2. Appearance
Each of these natural stones has its charisma; choose the one that speaks to you. To begin, explore the marble colors, patterns, and types available on the market. Determine your tastes and preferences. However, reserve judgment as you examine various marble slabs.
3. Cost
Marble and granite countertop installation covers an extensive area, so check the price and consult stone professionals about the budget. The installation costs typically range from $1,000 to roughly $10,000. Installing a top-quality surface, such as a marble or granite countertop, gives an excellent return on investment as it increases your home’s resale value.
4. Durability
Marble and granite are highly durable. You can cut your vegetables and place hot pans directly on your countertops. However, even though these natural stones are highly resistant to chips and cracks, they can still occur.
5. Maintenance
Marble and granite countertops need regular sealing to maintain their resistance to water and other liquids. Bright shades may require more extensive sealing than darker ones. You can patch up extensive damage, and in some circumstances, you may be able to do it yourself with a hardware store tool kit.
You must hire a professional for significant repairs, though. Refurbishments on granite may be less recognizable than on marble due to the striations of the slab.
Selecting The Type
Marble
Nothing overpowers the appearance of marble kitchen countertops, and marble has a luxurious charisma to them that others don’t have. Usually, the veining is what draws people to marble countertops. Marble is naturally cool, making it an excellent surface for baking. However, because it is not completely heat resistant, you should not place hot pots and pans directly on marble countertops.
Additionally, marble countertops require routine maintenance to extend their life. This includes sealing them after installation to avoid stains from settling. Sealing should be done at least once a year or every six months if your kitchen is frequently used.
Granite
Granite is a naturally derived stone excavated and then cut into small slabs, refined, and manufactured into countertops. While it is not ideal for working on because it dulls knife blades, it will withstand ordinary wear and tear. Granite is also heat resistant, making it ideal for use near a range or cooktop.
When you need to set down a hot pan quickly, granite can withstand the heat without being compromised or weakened. One edge of granite is that each slab is unique in mineral accents and colors, resulting in a one-of-a-kind countertop.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are crafted surfaces of approximately 90% ground organic quartz and 10% polyresin. These percentages may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but they will still be in the same area.
Because quartz countertops are engineered, they come in various patterns, mimicking natural stones such as granite and marble. The surfaces are non-porous, distinguishing them from granite and marble. Quartz countertops, unlike granite and marble countertops, do not need sealing.
One factor to consider is minimizing exposure to quartz countertops to extreme heat. High temperatures can dissolve the resin, leaving an irreversible burn mark on the surface. It would be best never to place hot pots and pans on a quartz countertop.
Quartzite
Quartzite is commonly related to granite in terms of tensile strength and durability. However, these two types of natural stones are not the same. Granite and quartzite are extremely hard, but quartzite has a clear edge on the Mohs scale of hardness, from 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest. It’s approximately 7 in size, whereas granite is about 6 to 6.5 in size.
It’s a renowned countertop preference in today’s neutral-toned kitchen designs because it appears in monochromatic colors, such as light gray and white. Quartzite also resembles marble, which many consider the pinnacle of glamour when it comes to natural stone countertops.
Exotic
Exotic marbles are characterized by their structure, including varying limestone levels that morph into more porous rock. They usually become more resistant and have incredible colors, and stains such as acid can penetrate any marble. As a result, exotic marbles are only indicated for indoor use that does not receive sunlight or rain, including bedrooms and bathrooms.
A good sealant can turn exotic marbles into something far more durable. Then again, using it in the kitchen or other areas where it will directly deal with grease and utensils is never advised.
Porcelain
Porcelain is vitrified pottery that can be opaque or translucent. It’s created by heating a mixture of finely ground china stone and kaolin, white china clay at approximately 1450°C. The high temperature causes the china stone to vitrify into a thick, sturdy material, while the kaolin helps the element keep its shape.
Some impurities found in the clay are feldspars, mineral oxides, and silica. Rather than deviating from the quality of the porcelain, these impurities add to its durability and color.
Depending on the manufacturer, you may have various color options due to natural pigments. Since porcelain is an engineered stone, you can incorporate patterns and color combinations during fabrication. You can get a porcelain countertop in a neutral shade or one with a marble-like surface. Additionally, porcelain is non-porous, easy to clean, and stain-resistant.
Conclusion
Ascar Granite has something perfect for you, no matter what your preference is. From quartz and marble options that will create a luxurious atmosphere to natural stones with various finishes, such as matte or polished, for added beauty! Call now and book an appointment.