QUARTZ VS. GRANITE COUNTERTOPS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Would you prefer a quartz or granite countertop for your kitchen renovation? Although these two stones QUARTZ VS. GRANITE. May appear to be very similar, yet each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.
These are both premium materials to use in your home. On the other hand, it is important to note that they possess different features as regards heat resistance and care. In order to help you decide between Quartz vs Granite Countertops, we have offered pros and cons of each stone.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUARTZ AND GRANITE?
So, before we go into the advantages and disadvantages of granite and quartz countertops, let’s take a look at some information you should have concerning those countertop materials.
WHAT IS QUARTZ?
Quartz is a natural stone that results from solidified silicon crystals. It’s the second most prevalent matter on earth after feldspar, which makes it a green building material while renovating. Quartzite is natural quartz, but majority of countertops are engineered quartz that comprise crushed quartz and resin as a binder.
WHAT IS GRANITE?
Granite is a very durable stone made by the freezing of molten rocks; it is resistant to different physical, chemical and mechanical factors. It consists of various minerals which include quartz and feldspar that give its surface a distinct appearance. It is dug out in huge slabs for use as a countertop material.
QUARTZ VS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS: AN OVERVIEW
Here are some of the qualities of granite vs quartz.
APPEARANCE AND COLORS
QUARTZ
Engineered quartz is a versatile material in that it can be dyed any color being made from a combination of crushed quartz and polymers. It can be made into countertops that look like granite or marble or something less common for a different kind of home improvement project. This man-made product is more uniform and thus allows the seams to disappear better, which is essential when doing the installations personally. Yet engineered quartz often looks less lifelike; therefore, if you prefer materials resembling nature, this might not be your countertop material selection for you. Quartzite has coarser texture which makes the slabs appear more rustic.
GRANITE
Because granite is a natural stone, every piece of it is different and you have to be careful in order for the slabs to match well when laying your granite countertop. There are many patterns in granite countertops that were created by nature based on its whimsies and volcanic events taking place millions of years ago. You might end up needing shopping around or even compromising exact designs of colors and patterns in mind as natural stone countertops may reveal seams and consequently not every slab will do.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
THE EASIEST TO MAINTAIN: QUARTZ
QUARTZ
Synthetic stone countertops, such as engineered quartz, are nearly maintenance-free. It is nonporous and avoids minor scratches due to durable resin. By disinfecting with all-purpose cleaners or gently soapy liquids, one can make it clean for the elimination of germs and there is no need to maintaining it time after time. Nevertheless, failure to clean dark fluids quickly might result in stains. Quartz countertops are somewhat heat-resistant; however, they become stained permanently if exposed to high temperatures, so using hot pads will be the best option.
GRANITE
The latest quartz countertops differ from granite ones, mainly because the former is a non-porous surface. A slab of granite is resistant but not void of maintenance. The beautiful look and durability of this natural material must be protected by regular sealing. Polishing the surface without applying any hard chemicals prevents you from touching the sealant. Provided that some attention is paid to them, your natural countertops can last a lifetime.
DURABILITY
THE MOST DURABLE: GRANITE
QUARTZ
Quartz and granite are both strong materials that can be used as countertops in houses, with most quartz companies offering warranties of up to a decade after fitting their products. As for staining, the latter has a better resistance since it is non-porous. In addition to this, an engineered stone like granite countertops quartz is far more supple than natural materials and less likely to break. Engineered stone countertops can take daily use and are restorable using a particular resin.
GRANITE
Granite countertops are somewhat heat resistant and also scratch-resistant enough to avoid chipping from daily use. But, on the other hand, if spillages are not cleaned with a particular cleaner, it can leave stains because it is porous surface. Granite slabs that are sealed regularly and well-maintained could even go for up to a century, however due to the fact that it is a natural stone might get little chips or cracks.
COST
THE MOST AFFORDABLE: QUARTZ
QUARTZ
Quartz countertops are regarded as posh because they are tailor made to the specific needs of a home. However, quartz countertops can add value to your house if you have plans to sell it in future but at an expensive price. Initial cost for fixing one square foot of quartz countertop is $80, while prices range from $110- 150 per square foot or higher for increased quality granite in most cases.
GRANITE
The reason why granite counter tops are sought out by many home buyers is that this home improvement project increases the value of your house and it often repays itself. Among the choices of granite vs quartz, granite is usually cheaper and costs an average of $130 per square foot installed, although this range varies from $80 to $180 per square foot plus installation.
RESALE VALUE
THE BEST RESALE VALUE: GRANITE
QUARTZ
Even though quartz and granite are both considered high-end materials, in comparing quartz vs. granite countertops, the former is still a relatively new material on the market for home improvement projects and lacks appeal that the latter one has. Nonetheless, property buyers are turning to quartz counters as this easy-to-care material does not have to be polished or stained like any other natural stone.
GRANITE
There is no need to talk about the reputation of granite vis-à-vis other materials such as wood, laminate or engineered stone. Granite is among the most sought-after countertop materials and is favored by many homeowners over other rocks when renovating for sale with good reason. In terms of granite versus quartz countertops for resale value, granite emerges as an easy choice.
PROS OF QUARTZ COUNTERTOP
1. STRONG, DURABLE, AND FLEXIBLE
Countertop consumers know that quartz is one of the best materials they can find. It is a stone that will always be kept forever in the heart of customers.
Quartz, on top of everything else, also happens to be a pliable substance which is quite easy to fix. Its strength, durability and flexibility come from its composition of 93% quartz and 7% resin. Quartz actually surpasses natural stones such as granite and marble in strength.
2. LOW-MAINTENANCE
Another good thing about the resins is that they make quartz low-maintenance. In addition, quartz does not need yearly sealing to avoid staining. Because it is non-porous, spills cannot seep inside the rock.
To maintain your quartz counter top clean and fresh at all times, do a quick wipe with a sponge dipped in warm water which is the most significant maintenance chore you have to undertake.
3. COLOR PATTERNS CONSISTENT AMONG SLABS
Piece-to-piece conformity is more of a possibility in quartz, a manufactured stone than in granite slabs. This lack of uniformity cannot always be said for slab granite. In the case where colors and patterns are not matching, mismatched pieces result in visible sealing marks on natural stones that have such problems.
CONS OF QUARTZ COUNTERTOP
1. CANNOT USE OUTSIDE
Solar radiation can cause quartz to become discolored. Quartz should only be used in locations such as kitchens and bathrooms.
The discoloring of quartz countertops is not a big issue for most homeowners; it is, however, an important factor for anyone intending to use them on the outside deck or patio. Moreover, you may prefer to keep it away from any sunny spots within your house.
PROS OF GRANITE COUNTERTOP
1. 100% NATURAL GRANITE
There are natural stones that you should use as earlier stated. Without relying on resins, they are suitable for the buyers who want a good countertop.
The counter is explicitly made from granite. The stone does not do anything apart from cutting it, putting an edge on it and polishing it.
It is the mineral composition that gives granite its timeless elegance and attractiveness.
2. RESISTS HIGHER LEVELS OF HEAT THAN QUARTZ
By this design, the granite kitchen counter does not melt at 300° heat. You may drop a pan on top of it without changing its color or breaking it. However, you need to avoid this as your regular practice.
3. RESISTANT TO CHEMICALS
Granite countertops are not affected by strong acids and bases. These stuffs do not affect the stone. On the other hand, it is likely that over time these elements can wash away the seal. Eventually, this leads to long-term problems because the interior of granite is porous.
CONS OF GRANITE COUNTERTOP
1. POROUS MATERIAL
Poorly sealed countertops can contain bacteria. The seals usually break around the counter or another weak link in the structure.
All of these bacteria may develop viruses and other unpleasant effects on your counter tops.
Moreover, granite is easily chipped and cracked due to its porous nature when it comes into contact with sharp objects at high impact.
2. ANNUAL RESEALS NECESSARY FOR MANY COUNTERTOPS
Countertops made of granite typically need yearly visits from a professional in order to be sealed again. The porous rock gets safeguarded through resealing, which could prevent staining, chipping and cracking.
3. CLEAR SEAMS IN COUNTER
This is because each granite slab is different from the other, making it easier to find the lines where they join. The veins of slabs and their directional patterns are not perfectly aligned as well, which makes it difficult to match them up.
GRANITE vs. QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS: THE BOTTOM LINE
The two are considered as some of the most expensive materials for countertops. However, they have some advantages and disadvantages too. We urge you to visit our website, which has a variety of quartz countertop specials in Chicago as well as our granite countertop sale, so that you might find the least costly ones for your home improvement.
For further inquiries regarding whether a quartz countertop or granite countertop is appropriate for your needs, please feel free to contact us and book an appointment with one of our representatives.
