SOLID SURFACE COUNTERTOPS COMPARISON - GRANITE, QUARTZ AND MARBLE Selecting A Solid Surface Countertop For Your Kitchen The three most popular solid surface countertops for kitchen countertops are granite, quartz and marble. When comparing different types of countertops, you should keep in mind the style of your kitchen, color theme and functionality. We created this resource to help you review and compare solid surface countertops to help you make a better decision. If you need assistance to select colors and patterns for your solid surface countertops, we invite you to make an appointment with one of our designers and bring a paint swatch, cabinet drawer and/or cabinet door with you so we can provide you with color suggestions for your countertops. Marble Color Options And Pattern Variations Marble slabs come in many different shades of colors, patterns and veianing. From the subtle to the exotic, marble counter tops can really make a statement in a kitchen or bathroom. Because marble is more susceptible to staining and scratching, its use is better suited for bathroom countertops. Durability Marble is a fairly durable natural stone, but not as durable as granite. Scratch Resistance Marble is prone to scratching so you should be weary about using marble for your kitchen counter tops. However, marble countertops are sometimes used in kitchens as pastry slabs because their cold, and smooth surface is ideal for rolling out dough. Heat Resistance Marble countertops are heat resistant and scorch resistant. Porosity Marble countertops are porous and will stain if acid or oil is spilled on them. We do not recommend the use of marble as kitchen counters because their surface is vulnerable to household cleaners and acids found in wine, vinegar and other foods. Care And Maintenance Marble countertops require more maintenance than granite countertops. Learn more about marble countertops Marble countertops edges selectio GRANITE Color And Pattern Variations Granite is a natural stone that is massively popular among homeowners. There are many colors of granite to choose from and each granite slab is unique in colors and patterns. Because there is such a large selection of colors for granite counter tops, matching countertops with cabinets, floors and wall colors is fairly easy. TIP: when selecting to upgrade your counter tops with granite, be sure to plan ahead of time since no two granite slabs are alike. Read more about granite counter tops. Durability If you want a natural stone for your counter tops, granite is your best choice based on durability. Granite is a great choice if you will be using the counter top surface everyday.Granite is the most durable natural stone and is well suited for high use areas like kitchen countertops. Scratch Resistance Granite is tough; it’s one of the hardest natural stones in the world and you’ll dull a knife blade trying to cut it. The fact that granite is scratch resistant does not mean that it cannot be chipped. Heat Resistance Granite countertops are highly resistant to heat. Putting hot pots on granite countertops won’t cause damage. Porosity Granite is water-resistant, but not 100% water-proof. Liquids spilled on granite countertops should be wiped off promptly. Granite countertops should be sealed on a regular basis. Care And Maintenance Cleaning granite countertops is easy. Soap and water or approved granite counter top cleaners are recommended. Learn more about granite countertops Granite countertop colors and levels Granite countertops edges selection QUARTZ Color Options And Pattern Variations Unlike granite and marble, quartz countertops are man made. Also called engineered stone countertops, quartz countertops come in various colors and can have a speckled look to them. Quartz countertops are made of natural quartz and bind resin. The result is attractive and proven to be very popular among home buyers. Durability Quartz countertops are extremely durable (more durable than granite). They are well suited for a variety of applications including kitchen countertops. Scratch Resistance Quartz countertops are scratch and scorch proof! This in itself makes this engineered stone a winner for kitchen countertops. Heat Resistance Quartz countertops are heat resistant, but some precautions should be taken prior to exposing quartz counter top surfaces to extreme heat. Porosity Quartz countertops are non-porous and highly resistant to stains from food, including wine and coffee. Quartz countertops simply do not absorb liquids. Care And Maintenance Quartz countertops are very easy to clean and maintain and do not require sealing like granite and other natural stone countertops. Learn more about quartz countertops Quartz countertops colors Quartz countertops edges selection Quartz care and maintenance PRO-TOPS INC. 4001 Van Dyke Ct. Monroe, NC 28110 Telephone: (704) 821-3731 Fax: (704) 821-6366 Email: receptionist@pro-tops.com **THIS LOCATION IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC** HOURS Monday – Thursday: 8am – 5pm Friday: 7:30am – 4pm Saturday: 9am-3pm Sunday: Closed SERVICES AREAS Our services are available to customers located in the metro Charlotte area, Triad, Raleigh, Charleston and other areas throughout North and South Carolina. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES View Career Opportunities Website Development & SEO by Marketing Elements Inc.