Kitchen Countertop Material Comparison

Granite Dude is not only the premier installer of granite countertops in the greater Phoenix area, but can also help our customers in installation of countertops in a wide variety of other materials. Below we have a list of the top materials that we install, as well as the unique pros and cons of each application:
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Granite Countertop

As the most popular rock for countertops, granite is often considered to be the premier slab type for kitchens and bathrooms. As a hard, natural igneous rock that is formed of quartz and orthoclase or mica, granite has the following strengths as well as some weaknesses:

Pro's

  • Granite countertops, as the most currently popular style, will add value to your property
  • Granite is a unique, one of a kind natural surface that features (when polished) an almost luminous look
  • Granite is easy to clean, simply use soap and hot water
  • Granite countertops tend to hold their value over other slabs
  • Granite is not adverse to heat, and can withstand the touch of a hot pan
  • Granite is a sanitary material, in fact it does not cultivate or host bacterial contamination
  • If treated properly, granite countertops can potentially outlast even the structure of a current home.

Con's

  • As a purely naturally occurring rock, granite is not always uniform in look. Since every piece is 100% unique, obtaining a completely uniform look is impossible
  • High-end granite, and particularly rare pieces can be expensive
  • Granite is a very heavy material, and can sometimes require additional support when added to cabinets

Marble Countertop

Marble is another popular application for kitchen and bathroom countertops. As a hard, crystalline metamorphic rock resulting from the recrystallization of limestone, marble is a common alternative to granite and has the following strengths and weaknesses

Pro's

  • Marble is one of the most beautiful and highly sought after materials for both home and commercial application
  • As it has a high tolerance to heat, marble is perfect for fireplace surrounds

Con's

  • Marble is quick to scratch and stain, and has a higher probability of chipping than granite and some of the tougher substances

Engineered Stone Countertop

As a material that is becoming increasingly popular for countertops, engineered stone is a high-end quartz composite that comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. As with any other high end material, Engineered stone has some pro’s and con’s:

Pro's

  • Engineered stone is non-pourus, and as such, does not stain
  • Engineered stone is harder than granite, and will suffer from less accidental chipping
  • Periodic sealing is not required of engineered stone
  • It is available in a wide selection of colors and styles.

Con's

  • As a high end material, engineered stone is typically 10-20% more expensive than granite
  • It is an engineered product, so is not completely natural like granite or marble
  • Can not be cut to have unique, decorative edges like granite

Travertine Countertop

As a natural stone that is similar in many ways to marble, travertine is a very popular material for both kitchen and bathroom countertops. It is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, and has a few inherent pro’s and con’s:

Pro's

  • Travertine is an extremely durable material. In fact, the Coliseum in Rome is made of travertine and has withstood 2000 years
  • The durability of travertine lends itself to both indoor and outdoor applications
  • Travertine lends itself well to backslashes and, fireplace panels, and sinks, as it is extremely easy to cut and shape
  • Travertine is available in a wide assortment of colors and textures

Con's

  • Travertine is a highly reactive substance that can easily be damaged by acidic based compounds such as oranges and lemons
  • Travertine countertops are difficult to maintain due to the fact they can require specific cleaning products and can be stained easily
  • The application of travertine as a kitchen countertop is not recommended for those who plan to use their kitchen in an everyday fashion

Onyx Countertop

Onyx is a very beautiful and cryptocrystalline material that is popular for use in both kitchens and bathrooms. Although often thought of as black, onyx comes in a wide variety of natural earthy colors that when polished can provide a radiant sheen that is difficult to obtain from other stones. Onyx has the following pro’s and con’s when applied to countertops:

Pro's

  • Onyx is extremely durable, and with care can last longer then other stones
  • Although Onyx is a high end material, it does not usually incur the same cost as some comparable materials such as granite or marble
  • The natural colors of Onyx make it a great finish for workshops and other earthy places
  • Onyx can be polished to a slightly translucent appearance that is particularly impressive under the correct lighting

Con's

  • While Onyx is durable, it is not as tough as marble or granite and can be scratched by knives or other sharp objects
  • Onyx lacks the stain resistance of some of the other higher end materials
  • Like travertine, onyx can be susceptible to acid based compounds like oranges or lemons
  • Onyx can be difficult to maintain and repair if damaged