When it comes to use of stone in homes, three types especially chisel out from the rest, with opinion split over which amongst granite, marble, and quartz makes for the best kitchen countertops.

For every granite lover, there is a marble or quartz enthusiast. Granite fans are usually quick to point out that this is as natural a stone as stones come, an argument also put up by those firmly in the marble camp.

True that may be, but just because quartz is an engineered counter stone doesn’t make it less appealing. After all, when it comes to “manmade” stones, none can sit at the same, er, counter with quartz.

All in all, these three stones remain the go-to choices for kitchen and bathroom countertops for a reason.

That said, when it comes down to it, why should you opt for one over the others? The best way to approach this would be to list the strengths and downsides of each, so without much ado…

Granite

Looking at it from multiple aspects, granite seems like the perfect countertop material. And to some, it just is. It is naturally beautiful, there are a whole range of colors and patterns to choose from, it is almost indestructible, and it can increase your home’s resale value.

If selling your home in future is on your mind, granite is a good investment when remodeling your kitchen.

Whether installed in the kitchen or bathroom, granite counters are perfectly suited for heavy usage. They can even be installed on the patio or other outdoor space, and this also goes for those areas where temperatures dip below zero.

Being a heat-resistant material, granite makes for a perfect choice for countertops with a cooktop, or even an outdoor surface with a fire feature.

With proper care and maintenance, this stone can last for decades. It does require some sealing, though. This is necessary to fend off bacteria that may hide beyond the surface, as well as make it resistant to mold and moisture.

This sealing comes as a downside to those homeowners who may not be looking forward to doing it once a year as is required.

The hardness of granite may be one of its strongpoints, but cutting directly on its surface can make it etch (scratch) and stain over time, not to mention chipping on the sides and edges.

This is made the more unappealing when you consider the fact granite can be more difficult to remove compared to other slab materials.

And, of course, the cost.

Marble

Everyone would admit marble is one of the most beautiful construction stones there is, especially given its ability to serve as a standalone natural finish without the need for any more embellishments. It has an inherent elegance and timelessness that is hard to match.

Indeed, marble does add a natural luster to bathrooms and kitchens, and in the case of the latter, it comes with the added bonus of being able to withstand hot objects without the risk of damage.

However, there are those who fault it for its susceptibility to scratches, a limiting aspect in the kitchen given you have to be careful when cutting or placing knives on. When damaged, you have to replace the entire countertop, rather than just a segment of it.

Likewise, just like granite, marble requires sealing due to its porosity; otherwise it has an ability to scratch and stain over time, even faster than granite.

It is especially susceptible to acidic substances, including something as simple as laying down a slice of lemon on a polished countertop overnight. Red wine can also leave indelible marks stains on marble.

Quartz

Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone countertops, have quickly amassed a legion of followers due to their positive aspects such as an appealing look, durability, and the absence of some of the shortcomings associated with natural stone.

The fact that quartz is made by man does not mean it is synthetic per se; this is still a natural mineral, albeit it does undergo a manufacturing process. The upside of this is it has been made available in a wider array of colors found in natural stones like granite and marble, which otherwise wouldn’t be possible.

It boasts the same durability as granite, quartz, but it won’t chip or crack as easily. Despite this, it is not so hard on the feel as some people may find unappealing.

Another upside over its natural counterparts is that quartz is highly resistant to acids and stains: a quick wipe after use does it. This makes it an ideal material especially for kitchen countertops.

But quartz is not without its downsides.

Being a manmade product, the seams on quartz countertops can appear engineered, unlike granite or marble, and this can be a deal breaker for folks who prefer the more natural look of granite, marble, or other naturals like wood or slate.

Quartz is also not as highly resilient to heat as, say, granite, so caution needs to be exercised when dealing with hot pots and pans in the kitchen, or probably hot hair tools in the bathroom.

So, What Should you Go for?

This is not an easy question to answer, given tastes and preferences vary from one individual to the next.

Weighing up the pros and cons of each should help you arrive achoot a more informed decision depending on what you want, and experts will also tell you to consider other factors like price, maintenance, stain resistance and so on.

At the end of the day, the choice is yours to make, and given the durability of these stones, that choice may live with you for quite a while.

Opt for a material you think best fits your home style and personal tastes, and enjoy it!