Stone Types
MTTS Granite and Marble offers the following countertop stone types:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.