While there are several different types of materials used to make kitchen countertops, granite and quartz are among the most popular, especially if you want your kitchen to have a modern, gourmet appearance. The two materials are very similar, yet they have some differences that could affect your buying decision. Here's how quartz and granite compare.
Manufacturing Process
Granite is cut from the earth in big slabs. Each slab has its own unique design and color. Therefore, you want to buy all your countertops at the same time, so they match. You should also try to buy the pieces the same length as your counter, since it may be difficult to piece together two sections if the patterns are a little different. Granite is all-natural stone, which could be a big plus if you want to avoid artificial products and use natural materials when remodeling your kitchen.
Quartz is made from stone, but it is manufactured in a different way. The stone is ground up and combined with resin and dye pigments. Therefore, quartz is not completely natural. However, it can be made from construction waste, and since it doesn't have to be dug out of the earth, it is still eco-friendly. Because of the way they are made, quartz countertops come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. This could be a plus if you want the durability of stone, but the artistic flair of vivid colors or geometric patterns on your countertops.
Maintenance And Durability
Since both countertops are made of stone, they are very durable. Either type should last for decades, although it's possible for scratches and cracks to develop. A contractor can repair the cracks and you can fill in scratches quite easily yourself with a filler you buy at a home improvement store.
While they are a match when it comes to durability, granite requires more maintenance than quartz. However, it's nothing too extreme. You just have to seal your countertops every year or so to keep the stone from soaking up fluids. Because granite is porous, water, oil, wine, and any other fluid will seep into the stone and leave a stain if you don't have your countertops sealed. Sealing is easy. You just buy the granite sealer from the store and apply it in the same way you do car wax or furniture polish. You can tell when it needs to be reapplied when water stops forming beads on the surface of your counters.
Quartz doesn't need to be sealed because the stone is not porous. Therefore, you don't have to worry about stains or any ongoing maintenance other than wiping the counters clean.
Appearance
Appearance is up to personal preference. Both are high-end materials that give your kitchen a luxury feel. Granite countertops are very popular, so they could be a good choice if you think you'll sell your home in a few years. On the other hand, you may want to choose quartz if you want something different, so your kitchen will be unique. When trying to make your choice between the two, appearance is probably the most important deciding factor, since the materials are so similar in other ways. Be sure to know all your options. Granite comes in various colors too, and quartz can even be made to resemble granite if you like the look of stone grain, but want something totally maintenance-free. Contact All Marble Granite & Tile Imports Inc for more information.
Share19 April 2015
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