Pros and Cons of Granite, Marble, Recycled Glass, & More!

Last Updated on October 26, 2021

Your countertop plays center stage in your kitchen and bathroom design. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which material is best suited for your lifestyle?

This month, Granite and TREND Transformations explores the pros and cons of quartz, concrete, slab granite countertops, and more to help you choose the best surface for your home. And if you’re not familiar with our beautiful line of etherium^® By E-Stone surfaces, you’ll be surprised to learn it is the only engineered stone in the world, with Microban^® antimicrobial technology built right in so your countertops stay cleaner for longer. Now that’s an advantage that works like a “pro”!

Which countertop surface will you choose? Let’s get started to find out!

Quartz

As one of the industry’s fastest growing markets, the quartz countertop (or engineered stone) is trending as a popular choice among homeowners because of select benefits that set it apart from ordinary granite. Our etherium^® By E-Stone line of surfaces are stain, scratch and heat-resistant. Plus, they are available in a wide range of colors and patterns that can turn your space from ordinary to extraordinary. Quartz is a perfect fit for many areas of your home: kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, shower walls, tub surrounds, as well as fireplaces and flooring. Did we catch your attention? Check out our Design Inspiration page to help spark your design creativity.

Pros of Quartz Countertops:

• Stronger than ordinary slab granite, which makes it extremely durable
• Will not scratch as easily as other surfaces
• Heat-resistant
• Nonporous, so it is more resistant to stains
• Does not require sealing
• Won’t promote the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew
• Often has a shimmer or sparkle that many homeowners find appealing
• Easy to maintain, which makes it an ideal choice for bathrooms as well as kitchens, and beneficial to families with young children or the elderly, who may be susceptible to viruses or bacteria

Cons of Quartz Countertops:

• Seams are visible 

Concrete

Known for adding a unique texture and color to a room, concrete countertops have been trending as a hot choice for today’s homes. Don’t let the name fool you. Just because they are made from a mix of general-purpose mortar, sand, and pigments, they can be customized to add uncompromising beauty to your home.

Pros of Concrete Countertops:

• Customizable by staining or adding pigments to transform the surface into a unique look of granite or other natural stone
• Heat-resistant
• Virtually indestructible
• Recyclable

Cons of Concrete Countertops:

• Requires sealing
• Can be hard on glasses, dishware and glassware
• Stains easily
• Porous in nature, making it likely to absorb and retain moisture

Slab Granite

Still considered one of the most appealing countertop choices because of its beauty and durability, this type of granite stands out for its natural stone characteristics, which make each slab unique for color variations, patterns, and shading.

Pros of Slab Granite Countertops:

• Durable
• Scratch-resistant
• Stain-resistant
• Heat-resistant
• Water-resistant (when sealed)
• Unique variety of colors and patterns

Cons of Slab Granite Countertops:

• Expensive
• High maintenance

Granite by Granite and TREND Transformations

Granite and TREND Transformations engineers its own granite countertops to outperform ordinary slab granite by using a special proprietary product called ForeverSeal®, a polymer resin used to help strengthen and permanently seal the surface. This process enables us to produce engineered stone, which possess the following qualities that outperform natural slab granite.

Pros of Granite Transformations Granite

• Stronger
• More durable
• Virtually maintenance-free
• Never needs sealing
• Stain-resistant
• Scratch-resistant
• Heat-resistant
• Can be installed in as little as one day

Recycled Glass

Long before it became fashionable, Granite and TREND Transformations declared a commitment to implementing real-world processes that protect and preserve the Earth’s resources. We are proud to offer a vast selection of beautifully designed recycled glass countertops. These countertops are made from both post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled glass, which are then combined with varying binding substances. As with the previously listed surfaces, we use our own exclusive ForeverSeal® polymer resin in these countertops, which sets them apart as among the strongest and most durable models on the market today.

For homeowners who are looking for an exciting and new eco-friendly option in countertops, recycled glass is topping the charts for adding a modern and fresh look to kitchens and baths. And did you know that glass countertops could also be designed to be tempered, translucent, backlit, or even embedded into concrete? Pretty cool.

Pros of Recycled Glass:

• Heat-tolerant
• Beautifully dramatic appearance
• Scratch-resistant
• Easy to clean
• Eco-friendly
• Nonporous (won’t stain unless set in concrete)
• Customizable

Cons of Recycled Glass:

• Can be chipped or broken
• Fingerprints and water spots will be visible
• Vulnerable to acidic substances

Marble

There’s no denying that marble is one of the most luxurious and timeless materials in the world. It therefore comes as no surprise that engineered marble countertops are trending as one of the hottest looks in today’s most stylish homes. Granite and TREND Transformations has captured the old-world style of marble and made it part of the etherium^® By E-Stone collection. With all the advantages that come with our engineered stone collection, choosing marble for your kitchen or bath is an easy choice when you’re seeking a timeless and elegant look.

Free Design Consultations

Does your kitchen or bath need a refresh? A new kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity from Granite and TREND Transformations may be the perfect solution to making your home more beautiful than ever. Contact us today to schedule you free in-home, or virtual, design consultation.