Composition
Granite:
Granite is a hard and purely natural stone formed in the earth’s crust. In order to manufacture countertops out of raw granite, large blocks of granite are first to cut in the form of slabs, then polished and fabricated into countertops. Different Amount of minerals present in granite is what responsible for its different colors and patterns.
Quartz:
Unlike Granite, Quartz is not fully natural. Also referred to as engineered stone, Quartz is composed of about 92% of quartz particles and 8% of resin and polymers which results in an extremely durable surface. Quartz is pressed and colored manually to make it look like a natural stone.
Appearance
Granite:
Granite has a limitless range of colors from earthy tones to bluish and from red to greenish tones. Its colors depend on the location it was mined. The best thing about granite is that no two slabs of Granite can be the same which results in a unique countertop design every time. Yes, it’s possible that some slabs may look similar but no two slabs are the same. If we talk about finishes, Granite countertops often come in two finishes, a polished finish and a honing finish. A polished finish offers a darkish and bright look while a countertop with a honing finish gives a matte impression. As every slab of granite is unique, you may not be able to extend your granite countertops with the same match in the future.
Quartz:
As quartz is an engineered stone, its color and appearance are manmade and designed. Quartz comes in an extensive range of colors and has a uniform surface. Moreover, Quartz allows customers to customize its color and pattern according to their kitchen aesthetics. Seams in Quartz are less noticeable than Granite. However, some people feel that quartz lacks the charm of granite countertops.
Durability
Granite:
Granite is the hardest and durable among natural stones which makes it an ideal choice for countertops. As it is naturally created from molten minerals, granite is invulnerable to high temperatures. If we talk about scratches, granite can withstand knife marks, water, and other sharp equipment. You can cut directly on granite surfaces without thinking about scratches. However, your knives can be dulled by using against granite surfaces. Granite Countertops are porous in nature so they can be easily affected by bacteria. Also, the surface of granite countertops can be stained if the spilled liquid like coffee or wine is not cleaned timely.
Quartz:
Quartz is an engineered stone, considered even harder and durable than granite. Its Non-porous surface keeps it away from bacteria and makes it very useful for kitchens. Quartz is highly resistant to stains and can be cleaned easily with a glass cleaner if a case stain occurs. Despite being stronger and durable, Quartz is susceptible to high temperatures and can’t be repaired if chipped or cracked.
DIY applicability
Both Granite and Quartz are not suitable for DIY installation. Granite and Quartz are heavy materials and weigh too much. Installation of these materials required skilled professionals to measure the level and slabs. So, it’s best to install them with the help of professional countertop installers. Also, if you are spending money on these elegant materials, there’s no sense to take risks with their installation. Stone Cabinet works offer Countertop installation services too. From design to installation, we always satisfy our customers according to their standards and vision.
Maintenance
Granite:
Due to its porous nature, granite is more vulnerable to stains and bacteria which is why it requires annual resealing to resist stains and bacteria. An all-purpose cleaner may be harsh for Granite, So, to clean the surface you should use mild soap water or a specific granite cleaner.
Quartz:
Zero porosity of Quartz makes it stain resistant and doesn’t require any sealing. Moreover, the surface of Quartz is uniform in nature and can be cleaned with a soap and sponge only. So, it’s not wrong to say that quartz requires low maintenance than Granite.
Environmental friendly:
Granite:
Granite is a 100 percent natural stone quarried out of the earth. The production method of granite produces fewer carbons than Quartz but produces a lot of waste during the quarrying, cutting, processing, and during transportation.
Quartz:
Unlike Granite, Quartz countertops are made from 93 percent natural stone and the remaining consists of color pigments and resin to bond the material together. Many buyers considered quartz more eco-friendly as these countertops are fabricated by using leftover materials or by-products.
Still, having difficulty in choosing one of them? Don’t worry; our team of experienced remodelers is here to help you in choosing the best one for your kitchen. Stop by Stone Cabinet Works or contact us to get started.
Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops
Pros
- Can withstand hot pans and high exposure to sunlight without fading.
- Strong and long-lasting than other solid surfaces.
- Its Hardness makes it Resistant to knife marks, water, and scratches.
- As sunlight can’t affect Granite surfaces, you can install them outdoors also.
Cons
- Granite Countertops need resealing once every year to maintain longevity.
- Due to porous surfaces, it can be affected by bacteria and can easily absorb stains from wine, acids, and other kitchen chemicals.
- It’s impossible to completely hide seams in these countertops. However, a good fabricator makes them less visible.
- Granite Surfaces can dull your knife (Always use a cutting board while chopping vegetables
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
Pros
- Quartz has a Non-Porous surface which makes it anti-bacterial and Stain Resistant.
- Resembles natural stone, durable, and have more consistent colors and patterns than natural stones.
- Quartz can handle stains from acids, Oil, Tomato, beverage spills, markers, juices, and kitchen cleaners.
- Its Uniform surface makes it easy to clean with soapy water only.
- One of the major advantages of Quartz is that it doesn’t require sealing which means it needs low maintenance.
- Can be customized in numerous shapes and sizes. Having more flexibility makes Quartz less likely to chip or crack.
Cons
- As it is a man-made stone, it lacks natural beauty as compared to Granite
- Despite having a hard surface and impressive durability, quartz is susceptible to high temperatures. So, you shouldn’t put hot pans or pots over quartz countertops directly.
- Long-term exposure to sunlight can affect the appearance of a quartz countertop by fading it. This makes them less suitable for outdoor installations.
- Seams are more visible in light colors and have fewer patterns.
Conclusion
When it comes to remodeling, you always desire a countertop that will create a lasting impression on everyone’s mind. When it comes to choose between Quartz and Granite countertops, both are appropriate in their own way. Both Granite and Quartz are premium materials that will add elegance and real estate value to your kitchen. Some people prefer Granite due to its all-natural look and heat-resistant ability while others choose Quartz due to its better durability and low maintenance. The thing is, as long as you choose the one that you love the most, you aren’t wrong.