So you are ready to level-up your kitchen or bathroom with stunning new countertops, but aren’t quite sure whether to choose quartz or granite? No problem. Both quartz and granite are popular and durable materials that can enhance the look and value of your home. However, they also have some key differences in composition, appearance, cost, maintenance, and environmental impact. Let’s go over some of the differences to help you make the best choice for your project.
Composition
Quartz countertops are synthetic stone products made of quartz chips or dust mixed with resins. Most of the material is composed of minerals but up to 15-percent can be resins and color pigments. Granite counters are produced from purely natural stone that comes directly from stone quarries and is then cut into thin slabs, polished, and fabricated into countertops.
Appearance
Quartz countertops are more uniform in appearance than granite countertops. Many colors and unique patterns are available. Quartz is usually engineered to resemble natural stone, but it is also manufactured in unique styles not found in nature. Granite countertops often feature dramatic depth, veining and complex crystalline structures which simply can’t be matched. Every granite slab is slightly different in mineral pattern and color, meaning that your countertops will be one of a kind.
Cost
Both granite and quartz are premium countertop materials with comparable pricing. In general, quartz is less expensive than natural stone. However, this can vary based on the grades of the materials being used.
Maintenance
Quartz has some advantages over granite in terms of maintenance. Because quartz is non-porous, it does not need to be sealed or polished and does not hold viruses or bacteria. When cleaned promptly, quartz can handle oil, tomato, wine, coffee, juice and many other products without staining or discoloring. Granite countertops should be resealed and polished periodically to help you get the most out of your investment.
Environmental Impact
Both quartz and granite have similar environmental impacts as they are both made from natural resources. However, some sources suggest that quartz has a lower environmental impact than granite because it uses less energy and water during production. Quartz also has a longer lifespan than granite because it is more resistant to heat and scratches.
Conclusion
Quartz and granite countertops are beautiful, highly durable and comparably priced. The choice between quartz and granite depends on your personal preference, budget, lifestyle, and environmental concerns. We find it is much easier to make a choice when you can see and touch the materials in person. We invite you to visit our showroom to fully experience our quartz and granite countertop materials.
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