The news has been out for a couple of years: quartz has finally overthrown granite asking of the kitchen countertops. However, this appears to be a tenuous position, as most homeowners agree that quartz manufacturers have yet to succeed in mimicking the look of true granite. This is ironic, as the original goal of quartz stone makers was to offer a manmade alternative to granite without anyone being the wiser.
That said, it is not such a big deal, as there is not a lot to choose between quartz and granite when it comes to durability and stain resistance. People that do choose quartz over granite do so not. Because the quartz stone looks like granite, but because it does not. In other words, homeowners choose quartz stone designs for their own sake, not because they look like granite.
Interestingly enough, several brands of quartz stones have successfully mimicked the look of another natural stone: white marble.
This is good news, as many homeowners have a problem with the relative softness of marble and the perceived amount of maintenance needed to keep marble countertops in good heart. While this perception is greatly exaggerated, it is undeniable that marble does require a bit more care than granite. Many would rather not risk the trouble, and avoid marble for kitchen countertops as a result.
Quartz stone provides a viable alternative to marble for kitchen countertops. They are extremely durable, readily available, cost about the same as marble. They look enough like it to fool all but the most critical. Homeowners longing for the elegance of white marble, but not its weaknesses, now have a few options. Here are some fascinating facsimiles of marble by way of quartz countertops.
Silestone Calacatta Gold
Calacatta marble is one of two of the most recognizable white marble types. The other is Carrara marble, which has a uniform linear veining. Calacatta has a more dramatic look, with darker and larger veins, and it is rarer. All Calacatta marble comes from one quarry, located near the city of Carrara in Italy. Between the two marbles, Calacatta is the more expensive, and therefore more desirable.
Part of the Eternal line, Silestone Calacatta Gold mimics the look of one of the most popular marble varieties to a nicety. Calacatta Gold is a natural stone; Silestone Calacatta Gold is not. In appearance, however, they may as well have come from the same source. Both have a white background with thick gray veins and occasional streaks of yellow and gold, hence the name.
Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo
Another reasonable facsimile to Calacatta marble is Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo, although the grey veining is slightly wider and the background is a brighter white than the natural stone. Since this is a quartz stone, you can use it for walls, floors, backsplashes, as well as kitchen counters without worrying if enough slabs are available.
Supply is always a big problem with natural stones, especially a rare and luxury stone like Calacatta marble. Even if you are willing to wait until the quarry produces more slabs, there is no guarantee it will be forthcoming, or that you will get the slab you need. With Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo, it is only a question of when and where you want it delivered, and few people will realize it is not natural stone.
Cambria Torquay
Drama is fine, but nothing is more relaxing than the quiet elegance of milky white stone with delicate veins often associated with marble. Cambria Torquay quartz primarily exudes a soft and gentle ambiance, which makes it ideal for use in kitchens and bathrooms.
Despite its name, Cambria does not attempt to duplicate the look of Devon marble for its Torquay quartz. It does not look like a particular marble, actually. But, it is more a mash up of the best features of white granite. The reference to the English resort village, also known as the English Riviera, is to the many beaches for which Torquay is famous.
Silestone Lyra
The more delicate veining of Carrara marble has also come to the attention from the folks of Silestone, who have produced Lyra. Part of the Nebula collection, it is a more durable, practical option to this lovely marble from the quarries of Carrara in Italy. Ideal for kitchen countertops in elegant white kitchens, Silestone offers a 25-year warranty for this marble look-alike, ensuring it will be a good investment for many years.
Silestone Lagoon
The most recognizable type of marble is white, although they also occur in many shades of white of white. Silestone Lagoon, also part of the Nebula line, has an off-white background with scattered veins of gray.
Silestone Lagoon is a more robust design than Silestone Lyra and Calacatta Gold, but it is no less elegant. It retains the softness and subtleness of the best types of marble, provides a neutral backdrop for many color palettes and décor.
Silestone Lagoon is a good option for a wide number of kitchen styles, from modern to transitional. It is also a good choice for different styles of bathrooms.
MSI Carrara Grigio
MSI also has its own offering, choosing the softer look of feathery grays and less than brilliant white background that has unexpected warmth. The Carrara Grigio offers such a look, imparting an airy and inviting ambiance to any kitchen or bathroom. It looks fantastic as kitchen countertops, backsplashes, and accent walls.
Conclusion
Purists insist that quartz stones do not come close to the depth and feel of natural stones, and in the case of granite, that may be true. However, marble is another matter. The quartz stones above do a good job at approaching the quiet elegance and regal simplicity of natural marble.
Whether you stick to your guns and choose natural marble, or go the practical route with quartz stones for your kitchen countertops, the important thing is to get them from a reliable source. Keystone Marble and Granite is one of the most reliable in the areas of Columbus, Ohio, Delaware cities, Lancaster and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We carry the top brands of engineered stones in the industry such as Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI, all with manufacturer warranties.
We also have an inventory of natural stones for your kitchen countertops, primarily granite and marble. With showrooms in Lancaster and Horsham, Pennsylvania as well as New Castle, Delaware and Columbus, Ohio. We will walk you through each slab and explain how each can benefit you in your kitchen remodel.
Once you have chosen your slabs, we provide free professional design consultation and quotes. So, you know exactly where you are before committing. We also have a quick turnaround, so you will get your products on time and on budget.
We are experts at fabricating and installing engineered stone and natural stone countertops, so you can be confident that you will get the very best in product and service quality. Give us a call or send us an inquiry through our website to get started!