Quartz countertops are currently the top favorites for kitchens today after years of playing second fiddle to granite and marble. Homeowners not onboard with quartz stone claim it does not look like real granite or marble, despite years of effort by manufacturers to get just that effect. After all, that was the reason for quartz stones.
No one is denying that quartz countertops have a lot going for it. It is very tough, stain resistant, and beautiful. Many people have gotten past the whole “looks like the real thing” objective to quartz stones have its own stamp of beauty distinct from natural stones.
That said, manufacturers of quartz stones continue to produce models that mimic the look of natural stone. They may not have quite managed to get the look of granite, but they have been quite successful with products made to look white marble.
The great thing about this for homeowners is that they can get the look of marble without having to worry about etching, staining, or scratching the stone. Marble is not as delicate as some people think, but they do require a bit more care than granite or quartz stone.
Quartz countertops that look like marble are definitely desirable for many homeowners, especially for kitchen countertops. It lets them have the best of both worlds: the beauty of marble and the durability of engineered quartz. Below are some models of quartz countertops that mimic marble marvelously.
Calacatta Nuvo by Caesarstone
A good mimic of Calacatta marble is Calacatta Nuvo by Caesarstone. While the base color is a purer white and the gray veins are a bit wider than natural marble, it is close enough to fool all but the most discerning into thinking it is true marble. As this is quartz stone and not marble, it is a good choice for floors, walls, backsplashes, and kitchen counters, and you will not need to worry about availability.
Getting enough of a certain type of marble is always a problem with natural stones, particularly for uncommon stones such as Calacatta marble. Some people are willing to wait for it, but that might not be the issue. It may simply not be available. If you choose to go the quartz stone route, then Calacatta Nuvo by Caesarstone s your best bet.
Torquay by Cambria
Marble is the epitome of understated grace and elegance, giving any room a relaxing ambiance. The delicate veining against a milky white background is the perfect combination for such an effect. Marble is ideal, of course, but Torquay by Cambria is a great alternative for bathrooms and kitchens.
Torquay by Cambria does not attempt to mimic Devon marble, which comes out of the seaside English village Torquay despite its name. Instead, it is a combination of the most desirable features of white marble. If you want a mega marble type of stone for your home, you can consider this great option.
Carrara Grigio by MSI
Carrara Grigio by MSI mimics the look of Carrara marble with its muted white color and feathery veins that impart a warm and inviting look to any room. Since it is quartz stone, it works well as kitchen countertops as well as bathroom vanities, backsplashes, floors, and walls. If you want the soft look of Carrara marble without the worries, you have that in Carara Grigio by MSI.
Silestone models
Silestone by Cosentino is one of the most recognizable and reliable brands of quartz stone, and it has come out with several models that closely mimics the look of different types of marble. Silestone also offers a 25-year limited warranty for all its products. Below are some of the best.
Calacatta Gold
Calacatta Gold of the Silestons Eternal line of quartz stones is simulates the dramatic look Calacatta marble with its relatively large, dark veins. Calacatta marble is much rarer than Carrara marble, which is what most people associate with marble. Calacatta marble comes out of just one place, Carrara in Italy, from which Carrara marble also comes. However, since finding Calacatta is so difficult, it is much more expensive than Carrara marble.
Fortunately, Silestone solves that problem by producing Calacatta Gold. It is not true marble, but it looks enough like it to make no difference. Calacatta Gold has a white base and the distinctive veining of Calacatta marble with shots of gold interspersed with the gray.
Lyra
If you want the subtler look of Carrara marble, you can choose Lyra, a part of the Silestone Nebula lie. It has all the distinctive features of true Carrara marble that comes out of Italy, but much more durable. It has lighter, more feathery veins than Calacatta marble does, but it is no less beautiful.
Lagoon
Another marble doppelganger from the Silestone Nebula line is Lagoon. This one has widely dispersed veins of gray on an off-white background. However, it is neither Calacatta nor Carrara marble in appearance. Lagoon is between and betwixt these two popular white marble types, with more emphasis on spaces between the veins. It is a good choice if you want a neutral look so that it does not dominate the room, and still imbue elegance.
Conclusion
The fact that these quartz stone products are manmade does not detract from their value in the home. They mimic the look of natural marble closely, and that satisfies the esthetic issues of many homeowners. Since they are much more durable and available than true marble, they are a good choice for busy homeowners as well.
If you want some advice on the model of quartz countertops you should get for your home, you need a reliable countertop specialist by your side. KNC Granite is a local company supplying granite and marble to homeowners as well as an authorized seller of engineered quartz stone from the top brands in the industry. These include Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI, all of which come with manufacturer warranties. You can check actual granite and marble slabs in our showroom in Lanham, Maryland.
We deal directly with stone manufacturers and fabricators, so we can give you the best prices possible. In fact, we have a best price guarantee. Additionally, you only pay for what you use, so it does not matter how big or small your project is; you will not be forced to buy a whole slab.
We do not only supply top-quality stones, however. We are experts at fabricating and installing kitchen counters or bathroom vanities. We also specialize in kitchen remodeling and bathroom upgrade projects, delivering on time and on budget.
Give us a call or email us for your free in-home consultation and quote!