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QUARTZ
Quartz countertops are a mixture of natural quartz – one of earth’s hardest natural minerals – and resin. It is also nonporous, which means that it’s almost impossible for stains and bacteria to penetrate the surface. Quartz is an extremely durable choice, PLEASE NOTE because of its resin, heat can cause permanent discoloration, white spots and damage to quartz surfaces.
Quartz is available in a variety of colors and features subtle veins and patterns throughout the surface to mimic natural stone. This material has a shiny, polished finish, making it a beautiful but expensive option for countertops. You can install your own quartz countertops, but it would be best to ask a friend for help given the heaviness of the material. Cleaning should be done with a mild soap and soft cloth or glass cleaner for tougher stains. Although stain resistant, quarts countertops are not stain proof.
Tip: Quartz and quartzite countertops are not the same. For a countertop that’s harder than granite but has a glassy, marble-like finish, choose quartzite.
GRANITE
Known for their natural beauty and durability, granite countertops are a top choice among homeowners. This material is available in a variety of colors. Since it’s naturally sourced, each rock slab features a unique design, granting you a one-of-a-kind finish. The surface can be honed, leather or polished.
Granite has a porous surface, so it’s recommended to seal this type of kitchen countertop every 1 to 2 years to prevent bacteria from penetrating the surface. Granite is one of the more affordable types of natural stone countertops, and is stain resistant. Avoid using harsh chemicals and opt for a mild detergent and a soft cloth for cleaning your countertops.
MARBLE
Marble countertops add timeless elegance to a kitchen. No two slabs are alike, which makes marble a unique choice. As a natural stone, marble is durable and heat-resistant, but it etches and stains easily. Its polished finish can be compromised by common kitchen staples like lemon juice or tomatoes. Chips and cracks are also common. Use a sealer annually to help protect the surface. Marble comes in a honed or polished finish. To clean your marble countertops, use a mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge.
Marble countertops are a more expensive option than most other stones. However, marble’s timeless style is sure to keep your kitchen on trend year after year. If you choose to install your own marble countertops, it can be done with basic tools.
QUARTZITE
Quartzite is a unique and naturally occurring metamorphic rock. DO NOT mistake it with Quartz (man made product mentioned above) It is created naturaly over thousands of years when sandstone is exposed to extremely high heat and pressure, caused by tectonic plate movement and compression inside the earth. Quartzite is quarried and sawed into amazingly beautiful slabs which are then shipped around the world (primarily from Brazil). The tops are polished and sealed, creating an extremely durable and stunning product.
SOAPSTONE
Soapstone is made from quarried stone. Its milky appearance is because of the amount of talc within the stone. Talc also makes soap stone a softer material than granite, but makes it more pliable. By being less brittle, it reduces the chance of it cracking from stress or weight. If you’re looking for a classic appearance that blends with a wide variety of decor and styles, this is the one. Soap stone is a fairly expensive countertop choice, but its classic looks and charm can make it worth the splurge.
PORCELAIN
Porcelain is a vitrified pottery material that can be opaque or somewhat translucent. Even though the first porcelain is claimed to have been produced during China’s Eastern Han Dynasty, the earliest versions, known as “primitive porcelain,” came into existence during the Shang Dynasty, over a millennium earlier. However, it’s only during the Tang dynasty, between the sixth and ninth centuries, that methods of porcelain making truly matured.
Porcelain is made from heating a mix of powdered china stone and white china clay, also known as kaolin, at about 1450°C. The high temperature causes the china stone to vitrify into a dense, highly durable material, while the object retains its shape thanks to the kaolin. Impurities such as silica, mineral oxides, and feldspars exist in the clay, but rather than detracting from the porcelain’s quality, they add to its strength and colour.
When porcelain slabs are manufactured for use in countertops, they’re coated with a pigmented glaze. This is to give them an aesthetic appeal similar to that of natural stone or even marble.
| MATERIAL | Stain Resistant | Scratch Resistant | Heat Resistant | Impact Resistant | Cost per Sqft. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QUARTZ | EXCELLENT | EXCELLENT | GOOD | GOOD | $$-$$$$ |
| GRANITE | EXCELLENT | EXCELLENT | EXCELLENT | GOOD | $-$$$ |
| MARBLE | FAIR | POOR | GOOD | POOR | $$$-$$$$ |
| QUARTZITE | VERY GOOD | EXCELLENT | EXCELLENT | GOOD | $$-$$$$$ |
| SOAPSTONE | FAIR | POOR | GOOD | POOR | $$-$$$ |
| PORCELAIN | EXCELLENT | VERY GOOD | EXCELLENT | GOOD | $$-$$$$ |