Here at Tonstone, we install and work with four main kinds of countertops: quartz, granite, quartzite, and marble. But which is the right choice for your space? Take a look at our guide below to learn about each material and see which one might fit your needs.
Quartz
Generally the least expensive material, it is made from crushed quartz stone held together by a high-strength epoxy. It is very durable, chip and scratch resistant, and highly resistant to stains since it is non-porous. It can be a great choice for families with children or anyone looking for a low maintenance countertop. However, since it is made from epoxy, it can be easily damaged by hot pans and also discolored by UV light over time. Despite these drawbacks, it is still a great choice for lower budgets and comes in wide variety of colors and patterns that mimic real stone while being much more affordable.
Granite
One of the most popular counter choices, granite countertops are made from slabs of natural stone. Rated between 6-7 on the Mohs hardness scale, granite is highly durable and resists chipping and scratches. However, like most stone, it is porous so it needs re-sealing every 1-5 years to keep it water resistant and prevent staining. Overall it is a classic, affordable and well recognized choice that adds great value to your home.
Quartzite
Not to be confused with engineered quartz countertops, quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that can give you the look of marble at a lower price. Landing between 7-8 on the Mohs hardness scale, it is harder than granite and even more resistant to chips and scratches. It is somewhat porous so it does require sealing to prevent stains and it is generally more expensive than granite. However, it is a very durable and reliable countertop choice, and is one of the only countertop choices that comes in vidid blues and greens.
Marble
Associated with luxury design, marble is a beautiful natural stone that adds a lot of value to your home. It is also a great choice for avid bakers and cooks since it stays several degrees cooler than room temperature, which keeps dough and butter cool while working. However marble is a much softer stone, falling at around 3-4 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it is more prone to scratches it and needs regular sealing to prevent stains. It is generally the most expensive countertop material but is considered a classic, elegant choice that adds a feeling of luxury to your home.
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Looking to remodel your home or install a brand new kitchen, bathroom, cabinets or flooring? Tonstone is here to provide you quality service at competitive prices. If you’re curious how much your project may cost or you’re ready to get started on your project, click the button below to send us a message or call us at (503) 772-1995.