The Pros and Cons of Granite, Quartz, and Marble Countertops

Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your kitchen, you’ll have to make a decision about your countertops. If you’d like to go with a natural stone—as opposed to laminate countertops, for example—you can opt for granite, quartz,...

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Oct 22, 2023 - 21:03
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The Pros and Cons of Granite, Quartz, and Marble Countertops

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Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your kitchen, you’ll have to make a decision about your countertops. If you’d like to go with a natural stone—as opposed to laminate countertops, for example—you can opt for granite, quartz, or marble.

The next step is determining which stone is the best fit for your budget and your household needs. Here are some of the pros and cons of granite, quartz, and marble countertops to consider when making your decision.

Granite countertops

A popular choice since the 1990s, granite is a combination of interlocking mineral crystals that comes in a variety of colors with natural wave-like or speckled patterns.

Pros:

Very hard, dense, and highly durableCan withstand cuts and doesn’t scratch easilyHeat resistantNo two granite slabs look exactly alikeNot as pricey as when it first became mainstream

Cons:

Stone is brittle and has the potential to chip or crackPorous, so if the stone is unsealed (or the seal has worn off over time), it can stainExtremely heavy: Not all counters and cabinets can support it

Quartz countertops

An alternative to granite, quartz is stone (90% quartzite) that has been processed and sealed into a protective epoxy resin (the remaining 10%). Though specific prices depend on the variety, generally speaking, quartz costs roughly the same as granite.

Pros:

Harder than granite and highly durableSet-it-and-forget it: No need to resealNonporous, so it’s more hygienic, water-resistant, stain-resistant, and easier to keep clean

Cons:

Not heat-resistantDoesn’t hold up as well outdoors as it can be damaged by extreme sun exposure

Marble countertops

Considered the most luxurious of the natural stones, marble is known for its distinctive veining and classic look.

Pros:

High-impact design that can elevate an entire roomThe softness of the stone makes it easier to buff out scratches and stains
Heat resistant

Cons:

ExpensivePorous: Needs to be sealedSoftness of the stone means it can scratch easilyCertain cleaning products and methods can cause damage

If it turns out that natural stone isn’t the right fit for you after all, there are still plenty of other countertop options to consider, including butcher block, concrete, and tile, among others.