Granite vs. Marble vs. Quartz

FEBRUARY 18, 2019
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Which is the Best Dining Table & Countertop Material in Singapore?

When it comes to counter-tops & dining tables in Singapore, granite, marble and quartz all have their pros and cons. In fact, in many ways, they’re all pretty similar and this can make it difficult for homeowners to choose which material they’d like to use. If you’re not sure what the difference between granite, marble and quartz counters is, we’ve laid it out for you below.

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What are Granite, Marble and Quartz?

Let’s start with granite. It’s a natural stone composed of a variety of different materials, including quartz, mica and more. It comes in a variety of colors and every slab is unique because it’s mined, not manufactured.

Marble, like granite, is a natural stone (limestone) and every slab is unique. In general, the coloration is more consistent with a more visible pattern than granite.

Quartz is not technically pure natural stone. While most slabs are at least 93 percent quartz(Greyhammer’s quartz are made in Italy & Spain), the rest is made up pigment and the resin used to bind the crushed quartz together. That’s why quartz is usually referred to as engineered stone.

*Greyhammer’s granite, marble & quartz are from Italy, Spain, Greece, Tunisia, Brazil & India.

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Granite vs. Marble vs. Quartz

Durability

All three material options are known for their durability. Granite, marble and quartz can last up to 30 years or more with proper care. Marble & granite are heat-resistant. However, due to the content of resin & pigment in quartz, it is less heat-resistant compared to others.

Scratch & Chip Resistance

Marble is the softest of all three materials, which means that it can be scratched or chipped the most easily of the three. Granite is the second softest, making quartz the most resistant to damage. That’s why granite or quartz are more suitable for kitchen counter-tops where high and heavy traffic is expected.

Natural?

All three materials are “Natural” in the sense that they’re stone. But only granite and marble qualify as “natural stone” because they don’t go through a manufacturing process. They’re mined as it is. Quartz is “engineered” because it’s crushed and mixed with pigment.

To some, this difference doesn’t matter much. To others, “natural” is the main point of differentiation. They wouldn’t choose laminate floors over hardwood, so why would they choose engineered stone over natural stone?

In Singapore, marble or granite dining tables are a popular choice by families with good dining habits after the meal.

Stains & Hygiene

Granite and marble are porous stone, which means that spilled liquids can potentially seep into the counter and stain it. Marble especially is more vulnerable to acidic liquids like wine and juice because it is mainly composed of calcium-carbonate fossils.

However, Greyhammer always applies impregnator sealer onto the surfaces of marble and granite table tops. We leave it on for 3-5 mins before cleaning it off with a microfiber cloth. Marble and granite impregnator sealers will not form a hardened layer on the surface instead, it is absorbed about 2-3mm deep into the stone.

Quartz, on the other hand, is non-porous. It doesn’t stain easily. That also makes it easier to clean because it is a non-porous surface. No impregnator sealer is needed as it can’t be absorbed into the quartz surface.

Thus with this in mind, quartz is more suitable to be used for kitchen counter-tops and dining tables.

Maintenance

One of the major downsides of marble and granite is maintenance.

Since both are porous, both need to be sealed at installation. They’ll also need to be resealed every two to three years. Quartz on the other hand, as we pointed out in the previous point, doesn’t need to be resealed since it’s non-porous.

Unique Look

Every single slab of marble and granite is unique because it is mined, not manufactured. That means you’ll never have to worry about someone else having the same marble table & counters as you do.

Quartz, on the other hand, is engineered in a certain way, which means that many slabs might look similar and won’t look quite as “natural” as granite or marble.

Variety

While every granite and marble slab is unique, they often have a similar feel because they’re formed in a certain way. And while there are many different colors and types of granite and marble available, the variety isn’t endless.

Quartz, on the other hand, can be mixed with a huge number of different pigments, which means there’s a larger variety of more consistent colors available.

Cost

If you want quality counters, then there’s no good “cheap” option. Neither granite nor marble nor quartz is cheap, though some slabs are less expensive than others.

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So what’s the best material for table & counters? Granite, marble or quartz?

There’s no one “best” material. It depends on what your major concerns are.

Quartz for a dining table or kitchen counter is often the popular option in Singapore. It’s also easiest to maintain and often more durable than marble and granite. But it doesn’t have the same high-end, natural look that marble and granite do.

Granite is usually more expensive than some marble and quartz. It’s also more durable than marble. But the coloration might not be as consistent, and it can’t match the luxurious look of marble.

In the end, marble is marble, and if you’re set on the look of marble, there’s no substitute. It might be a bit more expensive, but if it matches your kitchen or bathroom, it’s worth the investment for your countertop and dining table.

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Greyhammer Furniture Singapore offers customisable dining table, coffee table, consoles in premium marble, granite, quartz & ceramic stone material. Greyhammer’s tables are made for everyday living.

To view Greyhammer’s full collection of dining tables, head down to their showroom for visit greyhammer.com.sg/categories/dining-room

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