Cultured Marble vs. Granite

Cultured Marble vs. Granite: How to Choose for Your Home

Durable Marble and Granite Countertops in San Diego

The process of getting new countertops can be exciting—but with so many options to choose from, you may find yourself with analysis paralysis. Many of our customers are stuck between cultured marble and granite countertops. If you are trying to decide which is best for your home, look no further. With more than 20 years in the industry, The Countertop Company knows the ins and outs of all types of countertops.

Overview of Cultured Marble Countertops

Made from approximately 75% natural marble dust, cultured marble combines liquid polyester resin and dust to create a smooth surface. Cultured marble has grown in popularity in recent years, likely because of its translucent appearance and versatility in different areas of your home. Cultured marble can be combined with different pigments to achieve the color you desire, while still looking natural.

Overview of Granite Countertops

Granite is a beautiful option for many homes. It is a natural stone that can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, or even as a backsplash. Our customers love granite for its versatility throughout the home, as well as its appearance of natural stone. As one of the most durable building materials, customers who choose granite can take advantage of its resistance to scratches and chips.

Cultured Marble vs. Granite. What’s the Difference?

You are likely curious about the price, quality, and aesthetic differences between cultured marble and granite. We have put together a full list of differences so you can find the optimal countertop for your home.

Characteristics

In general, granite countertops have a coarse and speckled appearance that may look more earthy or patterned than that of cultured marble. This characteristic is a double-edged sword, as granite features tiny pores that can absorb liquids. This makes granite much easier to stain than cultured marble. Countertop installation companies seal granite to avoid staining and damage.

Since cultured marble is manufactured, there are more customization options regarding color pigments and style. Many customers see it as the most cost-effective option because it does not require a seal, as it is a completely solid material. However, some customers prefer granite over cultured marble because it looks more like natural stone.

Durability

Cultured marble and granite are both durable materials. The Countertop Company sources only the highest quality countertops for our customers, so we would never sell a less than satisfactory material.

That said, when it comes to durability, granite is one of the most durable countertop materials on the market. Cultured marble is more prone to chips and scratches, whereas granite is not. Compared to granite, cultured marble is also more vulnerable to damage by excessive heat.

Maintenance

Both types of countertops require minimal maintenance and can be cleaned using soap and water. Many customers choose marble because it does not need to be sealed since it is non-porous. Granite does not require much maintenance besides sealing, which is considered by many to be an easy job.

Pros and Cons of Cultured Marble

Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops

 Which Works Best for Your Home?

Cultured marble and granite are both great options that can transform your home. If you are more concerned about the durability and preservation of your countertop’s appearance, then granite may be the option for you. If you are looking for customization options that can fit any room in your home, cultured marble gives you that flexibility. If price is a significant selling point, marble is usually the more affordable solution.

Professional Countertop Installation in San Diego

The Countertop Company helps San Diego homeowners design and install the perfect countertop for their kitchen or bathroom. Whether you are looking for cultured marble or granite, we have the styles that can transform your living space. With more than 20 years of experience, we are ready to take your countertops to the next level.

Feeling at home in your kitchen or bathroom could be as easy as scheduling a consultation. Contact The Countertop Company today at 7602334955 to see what we can do for you.

Remove Soap Film on Granite

Removing Soap Film on Granite Countertops

Protect Your Kitchen & Bathroom From Stains

Granite is known for being tough. While it is both durable and beautiful in your kitchen or bathroom, it may surprise you to learn that it can stain. Materials in modern soaps such as oils, sodium hydroxide, and fats can leave visible stains on granite countertops. Over time, this can reduce the beautiful aesthetic your countertop once had. Thankfully, most stains are easily treated—read on to learn about soap stains and how The Countertop Company helps San Diego homeowners like you take care of your granite.

What Is Soap Film and Why Does It Matter?

Soap film is a thin layer of liquid surrounded by air, like the film you see before blowing a bubble. On countertops in the kitchen and bathroom, soap from dispensers or cleaning dishes can easily get on countertops. This can create a soap film on the surface of your countertop, which can slowly etch itself into the granite.

You paid a pretty penny for those countertops—it’s important to ensure they are in the best shape possible. Staining can look unsightly, and severe staining has the potential to lower the value of a home, especially if new buyers feel they will have to replace the countertops.

How to Remove Soap Film on Granite Countertops

The good news is that most soap stains are nothing to worry about. Assuming they are not etched into the granite, which can take a considerable amount of time, the process is as simple as cleaning your countertop with soap and water.

Making sure to wipe down soap rings as soon as you see them is another great way to preserve your countertop. For especially oily soap stains, you may try mixing baking soda and a few drops of acetone and leaving it on the spot for 24 hours. You can read our full guide on granite countertop maintenance here.

Helping San Diego Homeowners Care for Their Granite

For a heavily stained countertop, the solution could be as simple as scheduling a consultation. The Countertop Company provides professional cleaning and maintenance services for granite countertops, servicing the San Diego area. If a sealant was never applied to your countertop, it is recommended you contact a granite maintenance company like The Countertop Company.

Our professionals scrub, remove residues, seal your countertop, and finish with a fresh polish. We are dedicated to keeping your granite countertops lasting for as long as you need them to. We design our countertops to be easy to maintain, as well as resistant to scratching and chipping.

Choose The Countertop Company in San Diego

From design to installation, The Countertop Company is passionate about one thing: getting you a kitchen or bathroom you love. For more than 20 years, we have helped San Diego homeowners transform their kitchens with beautiful granite countertops.

We pride ourselves on offering customers complete customization of their countertops. With The Countertop Company, you can be sure you are receiving a countertop that is durable, beautiful, and sustainable. Schedule a consultation with us to get started. Contact our San Diego office directly at 7602334955.