So, you have heard that natural stone countertops are the best for creating unique and striking kitchen spaces. But then again, the decision-making process gets trickier as you are still faced with the decision of which natural stone best suits your kitchen between quartz and granite. The truth is that these two materials differ in terms of the components that they are made of. While they might have some similarities, they also have characteristics that bring about varying differences between them. These are variations that are worth looking at before making a decision. If you are caught in a quagmire deciding which countertop material offers the best value, this article focuses on decoding different features to help you make the best choice.
Components
Before we get to the features, let’s look at the components of each material. Knowing how these materials are made helps you understand each material better. Moreover, their material composition is where the major difference lies.
For starters, quartz is an engineered stone that is artificially made. It comprises chips of natural quartz stone mixed with minerals and coolants, then bound together with resins. On the other hand, granite is completely natural. The granite rock is quarried and cut to fit with no manufacturing.
Installation
The installation process for the two materials is almost similar. The process is also complex to pull off on your own. Precise cutting and measuring take the hand of an expert. Both materials are also very heavy, requiring professional handling to avoid cracks or falls.
The difference in installation comes in the finishing stage. Granite countertops require the application of a sealant since they absorb liquid. However, the resins used in making quartz make applying a sealant an unnecessary step.
Aesthetics
100% natural granite tops in regard to aesthetics. They add a sense of unbeatable natural beauty from their stunning colors and distinct patterns. The result mimics a unique work of art that oozes sophistication and elegance.
Similarly, quartz also offers an opportunity to create stunning kitchen spaces. It also offers versatility in terms of colors, patterns, and design. You can choose to go for a contemporary look with quartz or go for a design that mimics natural stone for that natural aura in your kitchen. In addition, quartz beats granite when it comes to solid colors. If you are looking for countertops with no patterns to match a patterned backsplash, quartz can provide the solution.
However, both have a slight difference in their appearance. Quartz happens to have a uniform look since it is engineered, while granite may come with a flawed appearance.
Maintenance
For a busy kitchen, countertops that are easy to maintain are gold. You want a material that will stay in top shape with little maintenance. Maintaining granite countertops can be quite demanding since they need regular sealing. The material is more porous compared to quartz, making it more susceptible to bacteria.
On the other hand, thanks to the resins contained in quartz countertops, sealing isn’t required as said earlier. The resins make quartz non-porous, which makes it highly resistant to stains and bacteria. Though stains and marks may appear on the surface, you don’t need rigorous labor or strong cleaning products to keep it sparkling clean. The only maintenance that quartz needs is refreshing the caulking where the countertop and the wall meet.
Durability
Quartz and granite are highly durable and can last a lifetime. However, they differ in the nature of wear and tear that they experience over their lifespan. For instance, quartz has less resistance to heat than granite. If you place hot pans directly on each, quartz can easily get scorched while granite remains unscathed.
However, granite is more prone to cracking as compared to quartz. This can be attributed to their appearance. The flawed appearance of granite can easily make it crack, especially when it goes through a hot/cold cycle.
Sustainability
If you are an eco-conscious person, you might also want to compare the greenness of each material. Both are environmentally friendly to some extent. For granite, no harmful components are required in its manufacturing. Moreover, it can last as long as your home. This minimizes the need to quarry virgin materials. And, in case you want to replace granite countertops, it can be salvaged and recycled to be used in other places.
Though man-made, the natural quartz chips in quartz countertops make it friendly to the environment. The material is also durable and recyclable once you decide to replace it.
Cost
Both granite and quartz are premium high-end countertop materials that you should keep off if you are renovating on a budget. They are expensive, with the cost going up for intricate designs in the case of quartz. Granite is expensive compared to quartz. This could be a result of factoring in the cost of intensive quarrying, shipping costs, and more. Ideally, you would need to part with between $80 and $110 per foot of quartz and between $80 and $180 per foot of granite.
Work with a professional
Considering the above differences and similarities in both quartz and granite, deciding on the best one for you gets trickier. Clearly, both have the potential to create kitchen spaces that meet elegance and functionality goals. Consider bypassing the hustle by walking the journey with a professional. Countertops chosen by experts are likely to offer more value since the decision comes from a wealth of experience working with different kitchen spaces. An expert will factor in your aesthetics goals, design preferences and budget to recommend the material that best suits your home.
Conclusion
Quartz and granite are among the most popular materials when it comes to kitchen countertops. And homeowners are always faced with the tough task of deciding which works better for them. The trick is to look at the different features to understand how they differ. In addition, make sure that you understand what you are looking for. This makes it easy to tick off the boxes in your preference list against the characteristics of each material. You can also consider working with an expert to leverage their insights in the process.
Authors Bio: Elliot Rhodes
Elliot has been both an interior and exterior designer for over 8 years. He is happy to plan and design exteriors of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. He helps others with beautifying the outside areas of their homes and businesses. When he has free time, he is writing articles on latest designing trends and projects
