Caesarstone, Marble or Granite

[Visitor]

We need to decide on which countertops we will be going with as they are coming to template our kitchen on Monday and we’re still undecided as to which material to go with! (Ok, I should clarify that I’m the one who is undecided but my husband definitely wants the Caesarstone).

I’ve been absolutely obsessing about it. I am in love with Carrera Marble but have been warned that it’s very sensitive and needs to be treated/ sealed often. I feel like I’ve read millions of forums, blogs and articles on the pro’s and con’s. Those who are passionate about marble do not mind the upkeep and feel that the way it weathers just adds character. It’s been used for hundreds of years in Europe and I have to agree that I like the patina.

Caesarstone in contrast is quartz composite that is scratch, stain and heat resistant and comes in an array of colors and styles to choose from. Stress free when dealing with potential grape juice spills etc. We like the Stone gray color; it has texture and works well with our Carrera Marble 3×8 tiles for our backsplash.

[Karen Church]

We have a lot of clients with honed carrera and they love them. Honed limestone is also very popular. It can still stain, scratch and etch, but if you seal the stone you will minimize the staining and if you have a honed finish you will not notice the etches as much (vs polished). If you choose honed carrera you can often remove the etch marks (rings/drips) with a very fine grit sandpaper. If you like a high polished surface go with granite. Some granites are very porous and need to be sealed, but they are very resistant to scratches and etches. Engineered stone can never match the beauty of natural stone. You can also expect your natural stone countertops to last several hundred years... don't know how long engineered stone will last.

[Topshop]

Engineered stone is not all its marketing hype claims. I have samples in my shop of the engineered stone which are stained - and not intentionally. If you have engineered stone in your house and it should catch fire - just get out. Don't even try to fight it. The plastic resins binding the quarts are flamable and toxic. I just proved this in a class at my shop last weekend. Joh has the pictures to prove it.
If it is the white look that you like about the marble check out Bianco Romano granite. Natural stone does not take nearly as much care as you may think. Do a water test every couple of months to be sure your sealer is working but do not put any more sealer than you need because ver sealing will leave a haze on the stone. Use a proper cleaner and your granite will be trouble free. I recommend a cleaner like the Lustro Italliano.

[glenn k]

As Karen mentioned, if you don't mind a honed carrera or polished granite, then i would stick to natural stone. If you look at Caesarstone or any other ES stone from an angle, it justs plain ugly - almost looks like cheap formica with no dimension.

Advantages of natural stone are the looks and can easily be repaired. Caesarstone is not repairable, and you can never get that polish back once its gone (like if someone used ajax to clean the top).

As topshop mentioned also, it smells very stink when it is on fire.

[hoboal]

I strongly agree with everyones post so far. (great info) This is what i really like about natural stone, Not all slabs have the same inherent quality's. They might have the same name, it might even look the same to you when you first get it ? But after having in your home for a while, you'll notice how difference it really is when seeing another slabs like yours . Which make your slab a one of a kind !!! Unlike the man made stuff theirs a good chance that your neighbor will have the same exact counter top & back splash as you do.

Hobo

[deted1]

Honed White carrera or Statuary all the way. It ages, develops a patina, and becomes part of your home. After a few years you'll love the smooth finish that using it creates. Seal it well but don't worry about the minor spills or scratches. This material has been used for some side walks in Italy for 600 years. Some of the most beautiful works of art in history are carved from this material.

On the other hand, Ceasarstone is completely monolithic in form and character. It offers nothing to a living space but its utility as a counter and a consistent color palette. It would work perfectly as a counter in a cafeteria in a school or prison where they are prevalent.

In the end you have to live with your decision, so pick something that you love now, not something that you have to learn to love.

[kiwirobfin]

Another stone to consider is natural quartz out of Brazil we,ve just started to see it here so it must be in the states something like cloud white would go with carrara the natural quartz.

[kiwirobfin]

I "ll get the name right today its Super White Natural Quartz not cloud white i think old age is taking to my memory

[JoshuaHopkins]

The public has been misinformed about the qualities of natural stone by all the hype the es and plastic companies pushing their products.

#1. Es is not scratch ,stain, nor heat resistant. You cannot take a hot pot right of the stove and sit it on es or ss with out it melting. Natural stone on the other hand is not affected at all by the heat from a pot.

#2 Natural is highly resistant to scratching. Es is gravel glued together with resin, therefore it scratches very easily.

#3 Natural stone is not a high maintenance material.


Marble is a substitute for kitchen countertops even though I would'nt recommend it for a kitchen because of one thing.

It is a soft material and will develope a patina or ware look. But you said you liked a patina look so it will be fine. I always inform the customer of this because it will loose its shine.

Thank you
For checking with us.

[deted1]

Joshua,

Just for your information, I've seen serious crystalline damage from a hot soup pot on on some light colored granites. Everything has its limitations, its how they are dealt with that makes a material practical.

Watch out for absolute statements when talking about natural material. In nature there are no absolutes.