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Natural Stone Countertops: Know the Pros and Cons of Granite, Tile, and Marble
By Sally Clark
sally.clark@homeimprovementideas.net
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
As you probably know, countertops come in a variety of colors and materials. Some of the most popular countertops are made of natural materials, such as granite, tile, and marble. These materials have different properties, which influence how they hold up under various circumstances. Knowing these properties can help you figure out whether marble, tile, or granite countertops make the best sense for your home.
Countertops made of natural materials have always been classic choices for the home. While they are more expensive than laminates and often more difficult to care for and install, they are beautiful and durable, especially if maintained well.
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- Granite Countertops. Granite countertops are beautiful, hard, and durable. Granite can withstand heat and is resistant to staining and scratching, making it a good choice for kitchens. Granite countertops require routine application of a stone sealant due to its porous nature.
- Marble Countertops. Marble countertops are known for their glossy, elegant finish. While beautiful, they are vulnerable to breaking and scratching, making them best suited for use in bathrooms and around fireplaces. Like granite countertops, marble countertops are porous, requiring routine application of a surface sealant. Marble countertops are also marred by acids found in coffee, citrus juice, and wine, so exercise caution when using these substances around marble.
- Tile Countertops. Tile countertops are available in limestone, marble, quartz, porcelain, and other nonmetallic materials. Tile is durable, beautiful, and resistant to heat. A couple drawbacks of tile is that it is not scratch proof and requires a fair bit of maintenance. With tile, there's a risk of water leaking through hairline cracks in grout, leading to damage of the substrate. As such, grout around the tile must be cared for fastidiously.
This summary is not comprehensive so be sure to talk to a trusted home improvement specialist before making a final decision about which material - granite, tile, or marble - will make the best countertop for your home and lifestyle.
About the Author
Sally Clark is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Virginia who regularly writes on topics related to home improvement.
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