MARBLE, GRANITE & QUARTZITE DINING TABLES

Marble, granite and quartzite are all natural stones that make beautiful and unique dining table tops. While all are a fantastic top material choice, there are differences between the three that are important to consider when deciding which is right for you. Not only are there aesthetic differences, but also practical variations such as different degrees of hardness.

HOW DO THEY COMPARE IN APPEARANCE?

Marble, granite and quartzite are all beautiful natural stones with unique appearances. Common types of marble typically feature soft veins and subtle patterns which can vary in colour. Quartzites generally have a similar appearance to marble, while granite typically presents a uniform and speckled look and an even more extensive colour range. However, it’s important to note that the difference between the three isn’t always obvious, especially as we offer rare examples of each stone. This means that the common description of each isn’t sufficient to cover the speciality stones that we offer, so we recommend you view the full range available (regardless of stone type) to find the perfect slab for you.

HOW DO THEY COMPARE IN HARDNESS (SCRATCH RESISTANCE)?

Stones are rated on the on the Moh’s Hardness Scale from 1 to 10. Stones with a hardness of 1-3 are soft rocks, 3-6 are medium hardness rocks and 6-10 are hard rocks. Just as the appearance of different stones of the same type can vary, so can things like hardness and porosity. However, the variations in hardness aren’t quite so dramatic.

Marble is rated a 3-4, while granite is rated 6-7, and quartzite is rated 7. This means that marble can be scratched by a sheet of copper, but you would need a knife blade to scratch granite. On the other hand, you would need to use glass to scratch quartzite.

Please note that a protective finish cannot alter the innate hardness of the stone, so the scratch resistance of the slab is determined by the natural stone and nothing else. As such, it’s important to treat your natural stone dining table with care to avoid scratches.

HOW DO THEY COMPARE IN STAIN, ETCH AND HEAT RESISTANCE?

The porosity of natural stones such as granite, marble, and quartzite can vary. Porosity refers to the amount of open space or pores in the stone, which can affect its absorption and susceptibility to staining.

Granite is a relatively dense and non-porous stone, which makes it resistant to water and stains. However, some types of granite may have more pores than others, which can make them more susceptible to staining if there is no protective finish.

Marble, on the other hand, is a more porous stone than granite and is more susceptible to staining and etching. It can easily absorb liquids and oils, which can leave stains if not cleaned up quickly. As such, we strongly recommend our protective finish for marble slabs.

Quartzite is generally less porous than marble but more porous than granite. It has a moderate level of porosity, which means it can absorb liquids to some extent but is less likely to stain than marble. As with granite and marble, we recommend our protective finish to make it more resistant to staining and etching.

A stone’s heat resistance is also determined by its porosity, meaning that granite is naturally the most heat resistant and marble is the least.

Remember, you can opt for our Protective Finish to make any slab stain, etch and heatproof.

HOW DO THEY COMPARE IN PRICE?

You can think about natural stones in the same way as diamonds – what makes a particular stone special is its rarity and appearance. While the price range of natural stones varies widely depending on these factors, there is a general belief that quartzite is the most expensive and that granite is the most affordable. However, our selection goes beyond the more common types of these stones, as we have access to a range of rare slabs. Therefore, it’s important to note that certain granites and marbles can actually be more valuable than some of the more common quartzites.

Overall, the value and beauty of natural stones are not solely determined by their type but also by their unique qualities and rarity. With our extensive collection of natural stone slabs, we can help you find the perfect choice for your dining table.

We’ve categorized our natural stones into three price bands to help you navigate your options: Band A, Band B, and Band C. Our selection in Price Band A includes more commonly found stones like Carrara Marble, while our Price Band C features rarer examples.

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

When you buy a stone dining table with Abacus, you don’t have to worry about staining and etching. We mitigate these common concerns by offering a state-of-the-art, ultra-protective finish. This finish makes each slab resistant to staining, etching and heat. What’s more, this finish is practically undetectable. We guarantee this ultra-resistant, zero-maintenance surface for 10 years.

MARBLE DINING TABLES

Natural marble table tops epitomise luxury living. This metamorphic rock is formed when limestone is subject to extreme heat and pressure, recrystallising the calcite in the limestone and changing the texture. This process also creates the elegant veining that characterises marble. Popular types include Carrara, Emperador and Calcatta Marble. At Abacus, we also have access to more rare examples to create beautiful statement pieces.

Marble will add a timeless opulence to any interior. It has a smoother feel than stones like granite, but is also more porous. This means that you need to exercise caution with marble surfaces (if you’re not using our protective finish), as it can be damaged by spilling anything acidic (like coffee or wine) on the surface. Certain cleaning products, such as bleach products, will also damage marble tops.

The hardness of Marble on the Moh’s Hardness Scale is 3-4. This means that Marble can be scratched by a sheet of copper. As such, it’s important to be careful with marble surfaces to avoid scratching, as no protective finish can alter the innate hardness of the rock.

GRANITE DINING TABLES

Granite table tops are also a beautifully elegant option. This igneous, coarse-grained rock is formed underground when magma cools, allowing for large crystals to develop. Each slab of granite is unique, with distinct colours, flecks, and grains in every one. Although white granite is commonly used, there are a wide variety of vibrant colour options, including bolder colours like red, green and blue. As there are so many styles of granite available, some granite slabs even resemble other natural stones like marble, while offering a little more durability.

Granite is less porous than marble, but can still stain and etch. As such, we still recommend our protective finish to make the granite surface stain, etch and heat proof. Granite is also more resistant to scratches than marble, with a rating of 6-7 on the Moh’s Hardness Scale. What’s more, small scratches tend to be less visible on granite surfaces due to the depth of pattern and colour. However, scratching is still possible, and we’d advise exercising the same caution you would with any natural stone surface.

QUARTZITE DINING TABLES

A quartzite table top will help create a classy and contemporary feel in any setting. Like marble, quartzite is a metamorphic rock, but is formed from quartz sandstone. No two slabs of this natural stone are exactly the same, with beautiful and unique patterns present in each one. This beautiful stone is usually found in light colours and has a smooth appearance, giving these slabs a pristine and elegant look.

Quartzite is harder than both marble and granite and also naturally more resistant to heat and chemical reactions. However, it’s important to note that some quartzite stones contain calcium carbonate and can still stain, so we still recommend our Protective Finish. Also, while granite is relatively resistant to scratches, quartzite is virtually scratch-proof (you would need to use glass to scratch its surface). It has a rating of 7 on the Moh’s Hardness Scale.

LARGE STONE DINING TABLES

At Abacus Tables, we specialise in large dining tables. When it comes to stone tops, the sizes of the slabs available varies. These slabs are normally quite wide, typically ranging from 1.5m-1.9m in width. In terms of length, the majority of slabs range between 2.5m-2.9m, but there are also some around the 3.5m mark. If you’re looking for an extra large stone dining table, we can offer book-matched table tops: two mirror-image stone slabs set end to end. You can also expect about 20-30mm thickness depending on the slab.

As all our tables are made to measure, we can virtually go up to any size. If you’re wondering how big your table should be, we have size guides available based on how many people you would like your stone top table to seat. You can get an idea by looking at our: 10 seater size guide, 12 seater size guide, 14, 16, 18 seater size guide, and 20 seater size guide.

As well as the custom dimensions, the base design can also determine how many people you can seat around your table. For example, many central base designs allow you to fit more chairs around the table. These designs are not only practical but also aesthetically striking.

STONE DINING TABLE SETS

We offer a range of carefully selected dining chairs to complement the style of our tables. To make sure your table is sized correctly to accommodate all diners, it’s important to consider both the design of the table legs and the size of your preferred chairs.

As we mentioned, a table with a central leg design allows you to fit more chairs around the table, but there may be some loss of leg room for the diners sitting level with the table leg.

Conversely, a table with two or four legs will reduce the amount of usable chair space somewhat, but is great for maximising stability and leg room for all diners.

We suggest choosing the table design that you feel works best for your space, and then using our size guides (found on all product pages). If space is restricted, you can either choose a dining chair that’s not too wide, or consider a bench for one side of the table as benches are generally an efficient way to seat more people.

STONE COFFEE TABLES

Stone top coffee tables are a sophisticated and luxurious addition to any living space. They offer unparalleled durability, elegance, and versatility that make them a popular choice among those who demand only the best for their homes.

The natural beauty of stone is unrivalled, and when used as a coffee table top, it creates a unique and eye-catching design that can instantly elevate the aesthetic of your room. Stone top coffee tables come in a variety of colours, textures, and patterns, making them a versatile option that can complement any interior design style.

Like our dining tables, you can pair any stone slab with any leg design to create a unique coffee table that matches your style.