Granite is metamorphic or igneous made up of silica mica feldspar and quartz generally with a packed granular surface.
Compare granite quartz and marble countertops.
Commercial graniteis an igneous or metamorphic stone that is mainly comprised of silica feldspar mica and quartz.
Read on to find out which countertops are the cheapest and which are the most expensive.
The price differences depend on the style chosen as well as on the type of edging treatments requested.
In the case of slabs sold for countertops there are many different minerals and stones sold as either granite or marble because they contain similar composition and characteristics.
In fact quartz is nearly indestructible and because it isn t porous like granite it s easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria free.
Both granite and marble are natural stones.
Quartz countertops range from about 80 to 140 per square foot installed.
Marble countertop slabs are more expensive than quartz depending on the quality chosen.
Marble costs approximately 60 to 100 per square foot.
Granite countertops cost 80 to 175 per square foot installed.
How do the costs compare.
While quartz can closely compare with granite and marble it is of better quality than solid surface countertops.
The table below displays the positive and negative qualities of quartz.
Each surface material ranges in price some being more dramatic than others.
Some marble is quartz based while others are composed of serpentine a greenish mineral.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus more durable.
Marble countertops are well made and structurally sound but are less forgiving than their granite or quartz counterparts.
However the labor cost for quartz is higher due to the complicated installation.
Be careful with cooking pans though.
Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat so use heating pads at all times.
These include granite marble quartzite soapstone porcelain butcher block quartz solid surface and laminate.
Homeowners often turn to quartz as an alternative to not only granite and marble but materials such as solid surface as well.