What Are the Best Alternatives to Marble Countertops?

mathieu begin February 7, 2024

Marble countertops are a classic, timeless choice for any kitchen or bathroom. With its beauty and durability, it’s no wonder many homeowners opt for marble countertops.

However, marble has its drawbacks due to its porous nature. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to marble countertops that you must consider if you’re looking to update your home décor without sacrificing quality or aesthetic appeal.

Let’s explore the best alternatives to marble countertops.

Ceramic or Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain, ceramic, and marble countertops offer distinct benefits, making them both suitable options for any kitchen or bathroom. However, porcelain and ceramic countertops are easier to maintain and less prone to damage than marble.

Their impermeability stands up to heat, as well as significantly cutting down on bacteria-causing residue. You can choose a marble effect porcelaine/Dekton if you still want that marbling aesthetic for your kitchen countertop.

Engineered Quartz Countertops

Engineered quartz is one of the most popular alternatives to marble countertops, as it offers both beauty and durability in one package. Quartz is a composite material made up of natural quartz combined with resins and pigments, giving it an array of colors and styles from which to choose.

Because engineered quartz is non-porous, it does not require sealing like natural stone, making it more resistant to staining than marble. Additionally, quartz is much more durable than traditional stone materials like granite or marble and requires very little maintenance.

Granite Countertops

Granite is another option for those who want the look of natural stone but with better durability. Granite also comes in a variety of colors and styles, so you can easily find something that fits your aesthetic tastes while still providing improved durability over marble countertops.

Granite is known for its eye-catching natural beauty, making it a great option for any kitchen design project. It's also relatively heat-resistant, so you don't have to worry about hot pots and pans damaging your counters like you would with other materials, such as laminates or even other types of tiles.

Finding the Right Tiles for Your Kitchen Countertops

No matter what style or material you choose for your kitchen counters, there are plenty of alternatives for those looking for something different from traditional marble countertops. Make sure to pick the right tile for your backsplash. Do not pick a tile marble-imitation for your mosaic.

Engineered quartz offers an unbeatable combination of beauty and durability, while granite allows you to get all the benefits of natural stone without having to worry about staining or maintenance issues.

Whatever material you decide on will depend on your preference. It’s always best to research each one carefully before committing.

Sources:

What Are the Best Alternatives to Marble Countertops? (accentcountertops.com)

What are Some Alternatives to Marble Countertops? | Lesher Marble

Porcelain vs. Marble Countertops | Westchester, NY & Bethel, CT (academy-marble.com)

5 Interesting Things About Quartz Countertops

mathieu begin October 28, 2022

Some homes look great with natural stone countertops like granite or marble, while others achieve a more modern look with quartz. If you're considering switching to quartz countertops in your kitchen or bathroom, you should know a few things about this increasingly popular material.

1. Quartz Countertops Aren't 100% Natural Stone

Quartz countertops are made of ground quartz, which is a natural stone, but the countertops themselves are not 100% natural stone. It is a combination of resins and pigments to create the finished product.

But don't let that fool you. While it may not be pure natural stone, quartz countertops still have the durability and style most homeowners look for.

2. Quartz Countertops Are Super Easy to Clean

For most countertop materials, you must be careful about what cleaners you use and how you clean them. But you don’t have to worry so much about this with quartz countertops—they are one of the easiest materials to keep clean.

All you need is the right cleaner and a soft cloth on quartz, and you won't have to worry about damaging the surface. There's no sealing required, either, so you can save time and effort in the long run.

And because quartz is nonporous, it's resistant to stains and bacteria. So, if you're looking for a low-maintenance countertop that's easy to keep clean, quartz is a great option.

3. Quartz Countertops Are Scratch-resistant

In addition to being easy to clean, quartz countertops are also scratch-resistant. So, if you're worried about your counters getting scratched up from daily use, quartz is an excellent choice. Plus, even if you do happen to scratch your quartz countertop, the damage will be very minimal.

Quartz countertops can stand up to daily wear and tear, so you don't have to worry about being too careful with them.

4. Quartz Is an Environmentally Friendly Countertop Choice

Quartz is a sustainable material that doesn't need much energy to produce. And because it's so durable, it lasts a long time without needing replacement.

Plus, because quartz doesn't need sealing like other natural stone countertops, it doesn’t require toxic chemicals for maintenance. So, you can feel good about your countertop choice without sacrificing style or function.

5. You Have a Lot of Style Options With Quartz

Quartz comes in various colors and styles, so you can find an option that fits your home's design. Whether you want something classic or bold, a quartz countertop is perfect for your kitchen or bathroom.

These days, there are quartz countertops that resemble other materials, like marble or granite. So, if you love the look of natural stone but want quartz's durability and easy maintenance, quartz countertops are the way to go.

Quartz Countertops: Where Durability Meets Style

Quartz is an excellent countertop material that's beautiful, durable, and easy to care for. And here at Granite Au Sommet, we offer a wide selection of quartz countertops so that you can find the perfect pattern and style for your home. Contact us today to learn more about our quartz countertops or to schedule a consultation.

Why Granite Is the Perfect Stone for Bathrooms

Stephanie Couture October 11, 2022

Granite has surged in popularity in recent years because of its appearance and easy-to-maintain characteristic. Many homeowners don’t think much of using granite in the bathroom because they are used to seeing granite in kitchen countertops and backsplashes. But using granite for bathrooms gives a luxurious aesthetic seen in hotels and spas.

Is Granite Good for the Bathroom?

Yes, granite is good for bathrooms. However, many people assume that granite can only be used in relatively dry places, such as the kitchen or living room. They don’t consider using granite in areas like the bathroom, thinking that it would make the space even more high-maintenance than it already is.

Granite’s characteristics actually make it perfect for use in bathrooms. It’s durable and stain-resistant, with a non-porous surface. It is also easy to clean. Just soap and rinse with water, and it will be good as new.

Waterproof

Bathrooms are always susceptible to molds, mildew, rotten walls, and other problems related to moisture. Granite is considered waterproof because it is non-porous. Water vapor in the air and splashes of water from the shower, faucet, and tub will not penetrate through granite tiles or countertops. Since granite comes in slabs, granite surfaces will have fewer seams and opportunities for water to seep through.

Easy Maintenance

Usually, tiles are hard to maintain because the seams and grouts collect dirt and molds. Granite, being non-porous, will not absorb water, dirt, soap residue, bacteria, and odors. These elements simply rest on the surface of the granite and are easily wiped off.

Granite surfaces in bathrooms can be easily cleaned using soap and water and wiped dry. Cleaning these surfaces twice a week is enough to keep your bathroom smelling fresh and looking nice.

Durability

Granite is said to be one of the most rigid natural materials in the world. In fact, cutting granite slabs require special equipment. Granite doesn’t chip, break, or crack easily even if you drop something heavy on it. This durability makes granite ideal for kitchen countertops where heavy work is usually done.

Longevity

When choosing materials for a home, builders recommend those that will last a lifetime. Especially when it comes to a house’s finishings, long-lasting materials are ideal.

Granite lasts for decades because of its durability. Even when used in heavy traffic areas, such as the bathroom, granite will still last long.

With the right care and maintenance, granite can last a lifetime. Because it doesn’t fade, it will still look good after decades.

The Takeaway

Choosing waterproof material for your bathroom is essential to keep it looking fresh and clean. Granite’s characteristics make it an ideal choice for bathroom surfaces. Because it is such a reliable material, the money you spend on granite will go a long way. By choosing granite for your bathroom, you invest in beautiful, high-quality material that you can enjoy for a very long time.

Quartz Or Granite For Your Kitchen Countertops?

Stephanie Couture June 25, 2019

Designing your dream kitchen comes down to a lot of decisions but perhaps the biggest choice you’ll have to make is deciding between quartz or granite for your kitchen countertops. You want your kitchen to be warm, bright, and inviting. Which countertop material is going to be best when it some to design and functionality?