Granite versus quartz – which countertop material should you select for your kitchen or bathroom remodel? Money doesn’t grow on trees, so of course, you want to know which one is best suited to grace your countertops. There isn’t a simple answer as each has its pros and cons. It’s important to know the differences between granite and quartz to ensure you choose the option that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Below, we breakdown the advantages and disadvantages of both!
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are solid slabs of natural granite. Granite is formed from magma with high silica and alkali metal oxides that slowly solidify underground. It’s mined from quarries around the world, then cut and polished. Without a doubt, granite brings a regal, unique look to kitchen and bathroom remodels. As granite is a natural product, no two granite slabs will look exactly alike. Your countertops will differ from one another, even if only slightly, in color shades, tones, and grain size. However, this natural uniqueness is part of the allure of granite. The free flowing lines and colors made by mother nature are beautiful to behold.
Granite Maintenance
When it comes to stain resistance, most granite countertops are coated with resin similar to the binding agent found in quartz. However, granite is still a natural product. That is, granite is not “made” with resin. It’s merely coated with resin, and because of this, it’s less effective at repelling liquid and will absorb a stain more easily than quartz. Even so, granite is still quite stain resistant. Additionally, granite is incredibly heat resistant (unlike quartz). Placing a hot pan on a quartz countertop could be problematic, whereas it would be worry-free with granite.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a partially natural and partially man-made product. It’s composed of crystals and rocks cemented together with an artificial resin. This process gives quartz a lovely, speckled appearance. The top of a quartz countertop will feature colors and speckled patterns that are more purposefully uniform than the completely natural “rocky-look” of granite. The bright and bold color choices of quartz are a major reason why it is such a popular choice in homes. Quartz offers a very slick and handsome look.
Quartz Maintenance
As quartz is created using resin, it repels stains efficiently. However, this resin also makes quartz less resistant to heat than granite. A hot pan should not be placed on a quartz countertop without some sort of pad or barrier in-between. Heat resistance aside, quartz requires much less maintenance than granite. Granite is a solid chunk of unbroken stone that naturally chips and cracks more readily than quartz. It can be thought of as a beautiful, colored, polished slab of cement. The surface of quartz is extremely hard and non-porous, which means it’s highly resistant to cracking and invasion from liquids. As quartz is a partially man-made product, it was designed with durability in mind.
Final Considerations
Now that you know the ups and downs of granite and quartz, it’s up to you to determine which makes the most sense for your home. Depending upon your desired look, lifestyle, and maintenance considerations, make sure to select a countertop material that best suits you. Whether you need countertop installation or a full home renovation, Platinum Sand Construction can help you get the granite or quartz countertops of your dreams.
Call 561-299-4000 or schedule a free quote today to start your home improvement project!
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a partially natural and partially man-made product. It’s composed of crystals and rocks cemented together with an artificial resin. This process gives quartz a lovely, speckled appearance. The top of a quartz countertop will feature colors and speckled patterns that are more purposefully uniform than the completely natural “rocky-look” of granite. The bright and bold color choices of quartz are a major reason why it is such a popular choice in homes. Quartz offers a very slick and handsome look.
Quartz Maintenance
As quartz is created using resin, it repels stains efficiently. However, this resin also makes quartz less resistant to heat than granite. A hot pan should not be placed on a quartz countertop without some sort of pad or barrier in-between. Heat resistance aside, quartz requires much less maintenance than granite. Granite is a solid chunk of unbroken stone that naturally chips and cracks more readily than quartz. It can be thought of as a beautiful, colored, polished slab of cement. The surface of quartz is extremely hard and non-porous, which means it’s highly resistant to cracking and invasion from liquids. As quartz is a partially man-made product, it was designed with durability in mind.
Final Considerations
Now that you know the ups and downs of granite and quartz, it’s up to you to determine which makes the most sense for your home. Depending upon your desired look, lifestyle, and maintenance considerations, make sure to select a countertop material that best suits you. Whether you need countertop installation or a full home renovation, Platinum Sand Construction can help you get the granite or quartz countertops of your dreams.
Call 561-299-4000 or schedule a free quote today to start your home improvement project!
