Calacatta marble is one of the most luxurious countertops materials in the world, making it highly coveted and expensive. This exquisite marble is quarried from the Apuan Mountains in Carrara, Italy, and is renowned for its striking beauty.
While granite is usually cheaper, some high-end options can be pricier than quartz. Your choice often depends on your style and lifestyle. Think about the long-term costs when deciding. Granite can last over 30 years with the right care, and quartz is just as durable but easier to maintain.
Granite is usually regarded as one of the top kitchen countertop materials as it balances a mid-range cost with amazing performance against heat, scratches, and wear & tear.
Can You Put Hot Cooking Utensils On A Quartz Countertop? The quick answer is no, you should aim to not place a hot pan on a quartz kitchen worktop as the heat from the pan will cause the quartz to burn. The resin that is in the quartz material can only withhold 150 degrees in heat before it reaches its maximum.
If other homes sold in your area have quartz countertops and sold at or under your home's value, granite doesn't make sense. In this case, quartz adds the most value. Buyers will pay extra for upgrades but not if they can purchase a home similar to yours for a lower price without them.
You can put hot pans on granite with no worries if you place something underneath them. A trivet, pad or potholder will absorb the heat from the pan before it reaches the surface, preventing damage to your countertop and preserving its beauty.
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Quartz countertops do have a certain level of heat resistance. However, it's not as heat-resistant as granite countertops. The same thing that makes quartz countertops so strong also makes them weak when you put heat or hot cookware on them.
Granite is durable, beautiful and would be uniquely yours. But you can't' beat quartz if you want the classic beauty of natural marble without the headache and heartache of keeping natural marble looking good.
Cost Comparison of Countertop Material
Corian generally has a lower overall price tag, averaging $60-140 per square foot installed. Natural granite countertops span from $70 on the low end to over $200 per square foot for premium stone.
White marble was her countertop of choice to lighten up the room and ground the bold shade. If you want the sleek and cozy style of dark cabinets without the gloomy claustrophobic feel, then do as the expert designer and pair them with white marble countertops.
Quartz is the most durable countertop material. A perfect choice for any kitchen or bathroom, quartz countertops contain a mixture of crushed quartz and resin. These materials create diverse appearance options that range from vibrant, customizable colors to the tried-and-true natural finish.
The cost of kitchen countertops varies by material, with options like quartz ranging from $105-$185 per square foot, granite at $95-$225, and laminate at $20-$50.
As with any natural stone, certain exposure to heat may cause cracks due to thermal shock. We do recommend that you always place them on a trivet or cutting board to protect your countertop. (Review your electric appliance manual as a reference.)
Your granite countertop is sealed when installed, and it is recommended that it be resealed one year after installation or sooner if you start to notice water stains that evaporate slowly in a given area. You might also consider sealing granite if you are selling your home.
Granite is heat-resistant but you should still place hot pans on pads or trivets rather than directly on the surface to be safe. Use coasters for cups, glasses and bottles.
Marble. Marble countertops exude sophistication and luxury, making them a timeless and popular choice for homeowners. The natural veining patterns and soft color tones create a stunning visual impact that elevates any space. Marble has long been associated with luxury and refinement.
Corian (designed by DuPont) was the first solid surface material to appear on the market. It was first sold in 1971 in only one color. The brand still exists and now manufacturers more than 100 colors. The material is stain-resistant due to its non-porous nature, a useful characteristic for a kitchen counter.
For cost-efficient, long-term countertop options, consider granite and other natural stone materials. Sheets of granite are smooth, durable and heat-resistant, making this the perfect material to use in your kitchen.
Quartz worktops are durable enough to withstand the heat generated by most kitchen appliances, cookware, and crockery. But, anything that comes off the stove or out of the oven should be used on a trivet or heat-resistant mat because anything over 150C (302F) can damage the worktop.
Which is more expensive, quartz or granite? Both quartz and granite maintain their value for many years to come, and the materials cost approximately the same, with quartz being slightly less expensive. However, luxurious quartz products can be as expensive as granite slabs.
It's best practice to place a barrier of some kind between a slow cooker or pressure cooker and your quartz counter. While these things may not cause immediate damage to the surface, they could cause fading of that area with continued heat exposure.