Stone Types

MTTS Granite and Marble offers the following countertop stone types:

Countertop Showroom in Waco, TX  | MTTS Granite and Marble
1. Granite (Natural): Defined as a very hard natural igneous rock formation of visibly crystalline texture formed essentially of quartz and orthoclase or microcline and used especially for building and for monuments.

  • It is one of the hardest and most durable surfaces available.
  • Can be damaged by direct a/o extreme heat exposure.
  • Very stain resistant. Sealing every 3-8 years, depending on porosity and sealer used.
  • pH neutral cleaner, non-ammonia glass cleaner, special granite cleaner.
  • Installed interior, exterior, commercial, and residential.
A large marble countertop in Waco, TX  | MTTS Granite and Marble

2. Quartz (Engineered): Considered engineered stone. Produced from quartz crystals, resin, and pigments.

  • Colors are consistent slab to slab.
  • There is a naturally occurring quartz…not to be confused with this stone type.
  • Can be damaged by heat. Not recommended for outside applications.
  • Highly resistant to staining, and no sealing required, unless purchasing the newer suede or matte finish. .
  • pH neutral cleaner, non-ammonia glass cleaner, special quartz cleaner.
  • Installed interior, commercial, and residential. Not outside or indoor fireplace surrounds.
  • Can be more costly than granite.
Natural Marble Counters in Waco, TX  | MTTS Granite and Marble
3. Marble (Natural): Defined as metamorphosed limestone consisting chiefly of recrystallized calcite or dolomite. Occurs in a wide range of colors used in sculpture/architecture.

  • Can stain and scratch. Not recommended for kitchens or other high-traffic areas.
  • Can be more costly than granite.
  • Can be damaged by direct heat exposure.
  • Must be sealed yearly.
  • pH neutral cleaner, non-ammonia glass cleaner, or special marble cleaner.
Natural Quartzite in Waco, TX  | MTTS Granite and Marble
4. Quartzite (Natural): Defined as a non-foliated metamorphic rock composed almost entirely of quartz. It forms when a quartz-rich sandstone is altered by the heat, pressure, and chemical activity of metamorphism. These conditions recrystallize the sand grains and the silica cement that binds them together. The result is a network of interlocking quartz grains of incredible strength.

  • Much costlier than granite, marble, and quartz.
  • Is one of the hardest surfaces available, but can have water absorption issues. Ask MTTS for additional semi-permanent sealing options
  • Can be damaged by extreme heat.
  • Sealing schedule same as granite.
  • pH neutral cleaner, non-ammonia glass cleaners, or special natural stone cleaner.
Porcelain in Waco, TX  | MTTS Granite and Marble

5. Porcelain:
Porcelain: MTTS Granite & Marble is Dekton and Neolith Certified.

Advantages:

  • Gives the look of marble without the upkeep and care.
  • Virtually scratch resistant. The polished versions are somewhat more susceptible. Ceramic knives have been known to scratch.
  • Hot pots will not scorch or damage the surface, although trivets are still advised to be used for hot cookware.
  • Porcelain is also resistant to ultraviolet light, which means it will not fade from sunlight, so it’s a great choice for outdoor countertops.
  • Acidic foods, drinks, and or chemicals will not dull or etch the surface as it does marble.
  • Impervious to water, so wiping away spills immediately is not necessary as in marble.
  • No sealing is required.

Disadvantages:

  • Even though they are durable, they can chip and crack, and repair is many times impossible.
  • Porcelain slabs tend to be very thin, which necessitates visual tricks such as mitered edges to make them appear more substantial. This usually increases fabrication costs.
  • Many patterns are only surface deep, and they do not extend through the full body of the slabs. Certain edges will remove the pattern.
  • Limited edge options. Edges are limited to square or mitered edges
  • Fabrication is more difficult, so the cost will be higher.
  • Polished surfaces (vs. matte) can scratch easier.
  • Due to the thinness, counters must have a sub-board attached before installation. This added framework is provided by your contractor.

As always, if you have any questions for us, feel free to reach out! Also, check out our gallery page for more images.

MTTS Granite and Marble
305 Granite Drive
Waco, TX 76712


Phone: 254-776-6900

Business Hours:
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Granite & Marble Countertops in Waco, TX