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By Guila Lopez

Favorite Kitchen Countertop Materials

So, you just moved to a new home, a new place to stay, and you may be wondering to yourself: what is the best slab for your kitchen countertop? Should you go with the classical Granite, Marble, Quartzite, or maybe choose the new, innovative Quartz slab countertops that many homeowners love today?

We at Mega Marble believe in excellent customer service, high-quality materials, and true professionalism. Hence, we wrote this detailed article for you. After reading this article, you’ll be able to understand the differences between the various types of kitchen countertop slabs available for your choosing. You will be able to come to a wholehearted decision when selecting your kitchen countertops, without any second doubts haunting you afterward.

Before choosing a slab for your kitchen countertop, there are a few important ground rules you must know. First, you must understand the different types of stones that are available for your choosing. There are three main types. One, natural stone countertops, more commonly known as Granite, Marble, or Quartzite. These stones are just like their name—natural. They are stones that haven’t been engineered by a human hand.

This natural stone, mined from quarries around the world and presented to us at a manageable size after being polished and well-prepped, offers a few unique benefits that make natural stone countertops extremely popular for kitchens.

Granite Countertops

Firstly, Granite stones, as we mentioned beforehand, are natural slabs mined directly from the earth. Because of that, each granite slab has its own distinctive pattern, color variations, and unique traits. You will never find two granite countertop pieces that are truly the same, making granite a favorite choice for homeowners looking for one-of-a-kind kitchen countertops.

Secondly, granite stones are very durable, rated as a seven on the Mohs hardness scale; you won’t have to worry about scratching your kitchen countertop surface. Your granite countertop may even dull your knife because of its impressive hardness and strength.

Thirdly, when your granite slab is sealed correctly by a professional team, it won’t soak up liquids. In other words, granite countertops become stain-resistant and ideal for kitchens.

The natural stone granite also has a couple of disadvantages you need to take into consideration. One, granite, as we mentioned beforehand, comes in its own unique pattern; you might not necessarily like the exact tone, texture, or movement that a specific slab has to offer. Second, if the granite slab isn’t sealed properly, it may absorb liquids, resulting in stains.

At Mega Marble, you won’t have to worry about these disadvantages. We offer a wide variety of granite patterns and colors. Furthermore, our professional countertop installation team will seal your granite countertop correctly, taking your worries about stains completely away.

Marble Countertops

Marble is another natural stone that has many variations, veining styles, and elegant patterns. Marble countertops are a timeless beauty and are known for their luxurious appearance. The most popular marbles include Calacatta Gold Marble and White Carrara Marble; not only are they unique, but they also complement almost any kitchen or home design style.

There are some disadvantages of marble countertops, and one is that marble is a very sensitive stone. It stains and scratches easily when compared to granite countertops. However, many homeowners still choose marble for its unmatched beauty and classic appeal.

There are so many different colors and styles in marble countertops that it can make your head spin, but we are here to help and narrow down which marble countertop is best for your specific kitchen project.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite is also a natural stone, making it an excellent option for homeowners who want the look of marble with more durability. Quartzite is not as durable as granite but is more durable than marble, making quartzite countertops a popular middle-ground choice.

Most clients who want a marble look without the softness of marble go for quartzite countertops. Quartzite slabs come in many different patterns and colorations, and of course, since it’s a natural stone, each quartzite slab is unique and not completely uniform.

The most popular quartzite countertops include Super White Quartzite, Calacatta Quartzite, and White Macaubus Quartzite, which imitate the elegant marble look of Carrara and Calacatta Marble.

Quartz Countertops

The second type of slab that you can use as a kitchen countertop is Quartz. Quartz countertops are engineered stone countertops made from a mineral that is abundant in the world. Quartz slabs are typically made of 93% Quartz and 7% resin, making this stone exclusive to many unprecedented perks and benefits.

Quartz stone slabs offer many advantages, including easy maintenance and long-lasting durability. Quartz countertops are non-porous, meaning they don’t harbor dirt, bacteria, or stains on the surface, making them an excellent choice for busy kitchens.

One downside of quartz countertops is that after a certain degree of heat, the surface may burn. The reason for this is the 7% resin used in the manufacturing process. For example, placing a hot pan directly on top of a quartz countertop surface may damage it. The heat can burn the resin, resulting in a burnt surface.

The easy solution for this downside is placing a hot pad or trivet underneath hot cookware. This simple act can prevent damage and help maintain the beauty of your quartz countertop.

A few examples of quartz slabs you can choose from include White Quartz, Caesarstone Quartz, Silestone Quartz, and Cambria Quartz.

Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain countertops are worth mentioning as well. Porcelain stones, a very popular material for countertops in Europe, less common in America but have become in recent years more in demand. These slabs offer a new variety of colors for designing your kitchen. Moreover, these slabs are stain-resistant. One thing to take into account, because it is less popular in America, repairing may prove problematic.

Finding what fits best your preference depends on a few factors. While there is a large variety of slabs to choose from, you need to find the one that is your ideal. A stone that will make your counter-top the gem of the house and in order to do that you need to take all into consideration. Firstly, do you want a unique pattern from mother-nature? If yes, then think maybe going with a natural slab. For example, Granite or Marble. Are you somebody that doesn’t want to waste your time and energy on countertop maintenance? If yes, then you’re better off choosing a Quartz countertop. At this stage, you need to take into account your personality, design “taste” and your budget. These are the few essential questions you should ask yourself.

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After reading this article, hopefully, you have a better and deeper understanding of the types of slabs you can use for your counter-top. We at Mega Marble will gladly support and help you with further questions regarding the perfect countertop for you. You can call us today at 1-800-634-2315 or alternatively send us an email to megamarble@gmail.com.