When it comes to choosing a granite countertop or man-made stone material for remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, there are several factors to weigh your decision. In this article, the experts at A&S Granite and Marble have answered this question time and time again. We want to you to be able to make a logical choice in your countertop material, so here’s a list of things to consider.

Weighing the cost of a granite countertop vs man-made stone

Sometimes cost is a factor and sometimes it isn’t. When dealing with the material in a granite countertop, it depends on the availability of the color. In other words, simple supply and demand. One granite color can be extremely expensive due to its rarity. Man-made stone can also have a high price point, since the better the quality and durability of the stone, the more steps go into the engineering process.

Granite countertop installation vs man-made stone

A&S Granite and Marble employs some very talented granite countertop installation experts. There are a couple notable differences when it comes to the installation of a granite countertop. The seams (or joints) in granite are more likely to be visible, since the stone sometimes chips or flakes when cut. However, man-made stone is precision-engineered to fit any area, so those seems are less noticeable.

Maintaining a granite countertop vs man made stone

A granite countertop can be considered a long-term investment. Maintaining it could be a challenge, depending on your choice. Man made stone is non-porous, so it’s stain-, mildew-, and germ-resistant; strong and self-supporting, requires no plywood underneath; can be installed smooth and made to mimic other high-end materials like marble and granite. Having a granite countertop means you could chip it or stain it if its not sealed well or correctly.

As an unspoken rule in the granite business, most luxury homes will choose natural granite or marble. A granite countertop is going to have unique flaws in its appearance. This kind of difference makes each slab of granite or marble a unique piece of art. If you’re looking for an even consistency in color and texture, then man-made stone might be a better choice.

A&S Granite and Marble, while headquartered in Valrico, FL is in your neighborhood, too! We have a wide installation area that includes New Tampa and Wesley Chapel as well as South Tampa.