Granite
Granite is used in buildings, bridges, paving, monuments, and many other exterior projects. Indoors, polished granite slabs and tiles are used in countertops, tile floors, stair treads and many other design elements. Granite is a prestige material, used in projects to produce impressions of elegance and quality.
Frequently asked questions about Granite
Granite is such a hard stone that scratching it isn’t a concern, you may actually dull your knife blade. But it is porous, so definitely don’t put raw meats on it. Basically, you can cut directly on granite without damaging it but we still recommend using a cutting board.
Yes. Granite has a threshold of 2800 degrees. It is multiple times more durable to heat than other stones. You can set a hot pan directly on the surface. However, excessive exposure over time can break down the sealant and may even cause discoloration, so it’s best to use a trivet or a potholder to protect your stone.
While the honest answer to this questions is Yes, it is possible to stain any stone countertop. But don’t let that scare you away from using them in your home. Every one of our granite stones arrives to your home with a 15 year sealant applied. Once sealed, granite is virtually impervious to stains with reasonable cleaning habits.
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock that naturally forms when limestone is heated to extreme temperatures. This process makes the natural stone harder and less porous—ideal qualities for a kitchen or bathroom countertop. It also has attractive veining, typically caused from impurities like iron oxide.
Frequently asked questions about Marble
Marble is much softer than granite and can be easily scratched or marred. If you use your kitchen countertops for heavy-duty cooking and food prep, and love the look of marble, quartz might be a better option.
Marble is not easily damaged by high temperatures. However, hot pots and pans can damage the sealant that protects marble, which could lead to discolorations and stains. You can protect your marble by placing a hot pad on your counter before putting any hot pots and pans on its surface.
Compared to granite, marble is more porous and softer. You should choose marble if it matches the aesthetic quality you seek, but be aware that marble does require regular sealing and will need regular cleaning to prevent it from staining.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces. They combine the best of natural stone with modern manufacturing processes. This results in a surface that’s comparable in beauty to granite and marble while offering greater durability.
Frequently asked questions about Quartz
Quartz countertops are known for their remarkable hardness and scratch resistance. It is an incredibly durable and tough surface that is less likely to scratch, even when in contact with glass or metal objects.
However, it is still recommended to use cutting boards and avoid direct contact with sharp objects to preserve the countertop’s longevity.
Quartz countertops are engineered to be heat resistant, but they are not entirely heatproof. While they can withstand moderate heat without any issues, placing hot pots or pans directly on the surface may cause damage over time.
Sudden temperature changes, such as placing a boiling pot directly on a cold quartz countertop, can lead to thermal shock and potentially cause cracks or discoloration. To maintain the beauty and integrity of quartz, it is advisable to use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from extreme heat.
One of the most significant advantages of quartz is its stain resistance.
Quartz countertops are engineered to be non-porous, meaning they do not absorb liquids like unsealed natural stones such as marble or granite. This non-porous nature prevents stains from setting in, making it highly resistant to common household spills such as coffee, wine, or juice.
However, it is still essential to clean up spills promptly to maintain the pristine appearance of the quartz surface.
