The Different Countertop Types We Offer

Granite

Granite is definitely the most popular natural stone, so it’s likely that you’ve heard about it before.

This stone is sourced from shallow quarries near the earth’s surface, and it’s made up of orthoclase, albite, feldspar, and quartz particles. You can thank all of these minerals for the unique patterns that show up throughout granite, along with its wide array of colorations.

Since granite is a natural stone and the earth is best at creating materials that are 100 percent unique, you will never find two granite slabs that are completely alike. Every slab is different, which essentially means that if you decide to go with granite, you will have a one-of-a-kind art piece right in your very own kitchen or bathroom.

Granite isn’t just something pretty to look at, though. It’s also known for its extreme durability and the way that it can hold its own against heat, stains, and chemicals. It’s also a decently low-maintenance countertop—all you need to clean it with is soap and water.

Granite is a worthwhile investment that can increase the resale value of your home if you ever decide to sell. But even if you don’t sell your home, granite is still a countertop that keeps on giving, and it’s worth every penny.

Marble

Marble is the height of sophistication when it comes to stone countertops. It’s been around for centuries, and for all that time it’s brought an air of luxury with it. The reason this stone has been a staple for so long is not only its looks (though we can’t lie—that does play a large role!), but the way that it can brighten a room and tie a remodel together.

This stone is well loved because of its one-of-a-kind veining that gives it its unique aesthetic. Some people also enjoy the way that it ages naturally—they think that this gives the stone more personality, and they like to see the memories that they’ve made around their countertop.

Marble is a great choice for people who have time for a little extra maintenance. It is a softer stone, meaning that it can be sensitive to staining and etching, and it should be cleaned with care. In a low-activity home, it can act as the beautiful centerpiece of any room.

Quartzite

Quartzite is known as one of the toughest and hardest natural stones. It’s extremely dense (because it’s made of sandstone), which makes it very durable. It can withstand almost anything. It’s one of the most resilient stones that you can find.

It can withstand heat, chemicals, stains, and liquid damage. If marble does especially well in a slower-paced home, quartzite is the choice for those who live hectic, bustling lives with a lot of people everywhere at once. You won’t have to worry about any of those people damaging your countertops amid the flurry of activity, and the countertop will still look beautiful while remaining tough. When certain minerals are present in quartzite, they can take on very bold and striking colorations.

Quartz

Quartz is our engineered stone, and it qualifies as engineered because of the 5 percent of polymers and resins that it contains. While it’s made up mostly of natural quartz (95 percent), these additives are included in order to seal the pores that natural stones come with. Because quartz’s pores are sealed, it does not need to be resealed by its owners in the way that granite, marble, and quartzite do. This makes it easy to maintain and impervious to damage—and you will probably never need to replace it.

We can’t recommend quartz enough if you’re someone who likes a strict pattern. Natural stones are known for their unpredictability, but quartz is the exact opposite. Since it’s a man-made material, its patterns are more uniform and seamless.

Our Different Countertop Types

At Washington Marble Works, we know our way around a stone countertop. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect material for your remodel, we would love to introduce you to the world of granite, marble, quartzite, and quartz. Give us a call at (253) 891-1823 for a consultation.