
What Is The Difference Between Quartz And Granite?
When it comes time to replace your kitchen countertops one of the biggest decisions you will have to make is choosing what material you will want to use.
From wood to marble to stainless steel, there are so many different materials for you to choose from that you may have a hard time making up your mind.
This is an extremely important decision because you need to make sure that no matter which material you use it not only looks good in your kitchen but is durable enough to keep looking good for many years to come.
Two of the most popular materials are quartz and granite. When it comes to these two materials, many people won’t know exactly what it is that sets them apart from each other, and it’s important that you know the pros and cons of each before you commit to using either.
Here at the Cabinetry and Stone Depot in Scranton, Pennsylvania, we always want to make sure that you choose the perfect countertops for your home, so we’ve outlined some of the differences between granite and quartz to help with your decision making.
Manufacturer:
Granite is naturally occurring and mined directly from the source in quarries throughout the world, whereas quartz is a composite made up of mostly natural ground quartz crystals which are then mixed with a small amount of polymer resins.
Basically this means granite countertops are unearthed slabs that have been cut down to shape, and quartz countertops had a bit of manmade help along the way.
Appearance:
Because of the fact that granite is mined straight from the ground and is completely natural, it doesn’t have a perfectly uniform appearance. Comparatively, Quartz will have a more polished and uniform façade, and may also be available in a wider variety of finishes and colors.
It does, however, all come down to personal taste, and for some people, the more natural, raw look of granite is a better fit for their home than the more polished quartz.
Durability:
Both quartz and granite are extremely durable, with granite being known as one of the strongest natural materials in existence. Quartz is, however, slightly more durable and damage resistant than granite, though both should be more than strong enough to cope with any standard kitchen activities.
Maintenance:
Granite countertops will need sealing upon installation, and to keep the granite looking perfect for as long as possible it is recommended that the countertops are resealed each year. Comparatively, Quartz countertops should require no sealing throughout their lifespan.
Additionally, granite can stain if exposed to certain elements such as red wine, which may be worth considering if you are prone to messy cooking or have young children.
With quartz, as long as you clean your countertops regularly with soap and water they shouldn’t stain, so this is definitely the lower maintenance choice of the two.
Price:
Both granite and quartz are on the higher end of the price scale when it comes to countertop materials, with prices varying slightly depending on the supplier. However, given the durability, high quality, and distinctive look of each material, we think either one is a great choice if you’re looking to really invest in what’s best for your kitchen.