GRANITE AND QUARTZ STONE COUNTER TOPS

Granite has a rich beauty that few other counter top materials can match. It is a natural product with a timeless look and appeal. Granite counter tops take a high-quality kitchen to the next level visually becoming the centerpiece of the room. With ever changing colors and patterns, you’ll find one that blends perfectly with your kitchen cabinets, flooring and walls.​

Granite is a very hard substance and is not susceptible to scratches. While not ideal to work on because it will dull knife blades, it will take normal wear and tear very well. Granite resists heat too, installing granite near a range or cook top is ideal. When you have to set down a hot pan fast, granite can take the heat without being damaged or weakened. In the bathroom, placing a hair tool on it that is still warm won’t be a problem.​

Granite can be very resistant to stains and won’t absorb liquids when it is properly sealed. The pros at Granite Heroes will explain proper sealing and care, or offer plans to make it worry free.

Quartz is a manufactured product that is attractive and elegant. This material has become the hot item for designers when creating custom kitchens. The manufacturing process allows a much wider range of colors than you’ll find in natural stones such as marble or granite.

Quartz has the same durability as concrete and granite, but is quite a bit more forgiving, so it won’t chip or crack as easily. It doesn’t have the same hardness in the feel that some people find unpleasant with concrete counters.​

Like other hard surface counter top materials, quartz counter top is non-porous so it resists staining much better than granite, marble and concrete. It stands up to juice, oil, wine, tomato, coffee and other sources of stains in the kitchen. Quartz is a non-porous surface so it will not harbor bacteria. You can be confident that your family is safe from these hidden dangers.

Quartzite is often confused with quartz, but it’s a separate, naturally occurring stone that is quarried in a similar way to granite. ​

It has the look and natural brilliance of marble, but it’s much easier to care for. Quartzite tends toward the hard side of natural stone, so that means it won’t wear down or develop problems in the short term. Quartzite is best cleaned using simply soap and warm water. There is no need for unusual cleaners.

It’s hard to match the classic elegance of richly veined marble counter tops. When combined with new cabinetry and fresh decor, marble will transform your ordinary kitchen or bathroom into an extraordinary piece of art.

Marble is a timeless and beautiful natural product, however it is a material that requires regular maintenance and constant care. It is a softer material in nature and will scratch and etch very easily if not properly sealed and cared for. While not overly burdensome to most homeowners, it does mean you’ll have to diligently and quickly clean up spills of oil, liquid soap and acidic foods and liquids. While more difficult to maintain, marble counter tops produce a classic and stunning look wherever installed.

Limestone is an attractive and heat-resistant choice for counter tops. Limestone does require significant upkeep compared to options like granite and quartz. It is more porous than other stone, and usually light in color, so is more easily stained. 

Limestone is best suited for fireplaces and outdoor kitchen areas. While limestone does regular maintenance and sealing to keep from staining, it can be sanded/polished out easier than other natural stones. 

SOAPSTONE COUNTER TOPS

Travertine is similar to limestone, and can be used for a variety of applications. Travertine typically comes with a dull finish and tends to have pits and holes resembling a weathered look. The best applications for Travertine are bath room showers, vanities, fireplaces, and many tile options as well.