Material Reference Guide
Not sure which material is right for you? We’ve compiled a property summary of the most popular materials to help you pick the best surfaces for each unique project. Download our Material Reference Guide to help you compare different material types and narrow down your choices.
More Materials
Porcelain, sintered stone, and quartz are all man-made materials. Due to differences in their ingredients and heating processes, they all have unique characteristics.
Porcelain comes in thinner thicknesses than sintered stone, so it is harder to cut for countertop applications, but easily installed on walls and floors. Although lacking in through-body design, it is more resistant to UV light, temperature changes, and scratches than quartz and can be cut into large-format and small-scale tiles.
Sintered stone is stronger, can survive more rapid temperature changes, and tends to come in wider thicknesses than porcelain. Like quartz, it carries through-body design and can be used in both countertop and wall/floor applications.
Quartz carries through-body design just as sintered stone, but it has a low heat resistance, making it sensitive to UV light. It comes in thicker thicknesses than porcelain and sintered stone, making it easier to cut for countertops and other applications.
Soapstone
Formed from metamorphosized talc, soapstone is soft to the touch. Like shale, it’s slightly denser than marble, but still prone to staining which is why the most preferred treatment for this stone is mineral oil. Applying mineral oil helps this stone to darken and develop its natural patina (sheen). It is commonly used in both school science classrooms and professional science labs for its great heat resistance.
Setting
Interior/Exterior
Applications
Kitchen Countertops, Bathroom Vanities, Backsplashes, Walls, Floors, Fireplaces, Showers, Outdoor Pavers, Outdoor Wet Areas
Disclaimer: Natural stones vary in mineral composition, porosity, and hardness. All resistances are based on average material ranges and are provided as a general reference only. MARVA is not responsible or liable for the natural characteristics and performance of any stone or for the customer’s usage of the stone.
Other Resources
Different Surface Materials
Have another type of surface in mind? Contact us today to learn more about which material is best for your project.
Care & Maintenance Guidelines
After installation, there are several things you can do to keep surfaces in mint condition. Surface care and maintenance varies based on material type. View a complete list of surface care and maintenance guidelines here.
Warranty Information
Slab warranties vary based on material. View a complete list of surface warranties here.