In comparison to marble and granite, slate is much more affordable. Per square foot, you could get slate slabs from between $50 to $70 per sq ft. You might find this quite hard to believe, but slate, of all the countertop types, still remains the only material with minimal disadvantages.
Finally, slate countertops are quite a bit more affordable than their pricier cousins like granite and marble. They cost less than most concrete, quartz or crushed glass countertops too. Slate countertop prices are $50-$65 per square foot.
Granite is more porous than slate and requires non-abrasive or acidic cleaners that can take down the sealant. Slate doesn't absorb stains easily and is easier to clean than granite. The surface of slate is also ready for wear and tear and doesn't require periodic sealing like granite does.
The material is very heavy and should not be handled by any homeowner. Whether it is a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel or any other home improvement project, granite and quartz are two of the top choices on the market. In general, quartz is the more expensive material, although some overlap in pricing exists.
Overall, you will find that the most expensive types of the stone are blue granite. Various types of blue granite, like Azul Aran and Blue Bahia granite, are in the high-end of the price range. The most expensive type of granite is Van Gogh granite. This is because these slabs are highly desirable, yet very rare.
Marble tops the most-expensive list due in large part to its elegant looks. The good: It will instantly lift your kitchen or bathroom to another level. The bad: It requires some regular maintenance to ensure its legacy. Plan on $75-$250 or more per square foot.
One of the biggest factors that affect the cost of granite is the sheer size of the slab. The larger the slab, the more expensive it will be. Hence, it is a lot more affordable to opt for smaller pieces of granite, such as tile. However, the smaller the slabs, the more seams it will have.
Granite is less expensive than marble, starting at roughly $75/square foot installed and $100 more than that for higher-end stone. Installed marble countertops start at around $100/square foot and can go over $200.
Quartz is generally less expensive.
But with the exception of the cheapest granite, quartz is generally less expensive—$70 to $100 per square foot installed compared with granite's price range of $60 to $270 per square foot installed.
Quartz and granite countertops are priced similarly per square foot, with granite counters having the wider variation in price. Granite can be more expensive than quartz at times, based on the availability of a color and pattern.
Interestingly, slate is a choice you can make based on this feature. Although, it's not as heavy as granite countertops, which could weigh a minimum of 10 to 13 pounds per square foot, it's still a very durable material. Slate is also heat resistant.
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
Laminate countertops are the easiest kitchen countertop to maintain. Once installed, all you will need to do is clean them with mild soap and water. No additional maintenance is required.
Soft slate usually costs between $10 and $20 per square foot. Hard slate is typically between $20 and $30 per square foot. And the price range for synthetic is normally between $3 and $16 per square foot.
Slate can be used for outdoor kitchens countertops, but it can be a little tricky. Slate is potentially one of the strongest materials for usage in an outdoor kitchen. However, the durability and other aspects of this stone can vary because no two slate slabs are alike.
Clorox, whether it is Clorox wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones.
Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.
No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on quartz countertops. Disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient and are not diluted in any way. When you use these wipes to clean your countertop, they will weaken the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to discoloration.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.
Price: Per square-foot, marble is one of the most expensive countertop materials you can buy. It's far more expensive than butcher block, and even pricier than quartz or granite.
All three countertop options are more expensive than most laminate, wood, tile or concrete alternatives. According to Great Lakes Granite and Marble, quartz is slightly more expensive than granite.
Modern Quarrying and Fabrication Methods
Granite material prices have come down because of adoption of modern technology in quarrying and fabrication methods. Since ancient times, granite has been used in homes. Large blocks of granite were removed from quarries then cut into thinner slabs.
Hardness and longevity: Granite is comparatively harder and stronger than marble. It is mostly known as the most durable natural stone and compared to marble. It is resistant to heat and can easily withstand hot cookware therefore it is perfect for kitchen tops.
Cost. Marble and quartz are comparable in cost. Marble countertops cost $100 to $200 per square foot installed. Quartz countertops cost $115 to $200 per square foot installed.