Picking a countertop is always an uphill task. If you have only one material in consideration, if you have a stringent budget and have an inflexible preference, then you are sorted. If you are open to considering various materials, if your budget is a tad flexible and if you don’t have a definite preference, then you would certainly contemplate the difference between granite and quartz countertops. Before we delve into the difference between granite and quarts countertops, let us briefly discuss the materials.
Introduction to Granite and Quartz Countertops
Granite is obtained as large chunks of natural stone from the earth’s crust. These are then cut, shaped and polished to become the countertops you see. Quartz countertops are made from crushed quartz and resin. Usually, quartz countertops are 7% resin and 93% crushed quartz. They are manufactured to have distinctly different patterns, shapes and colors.
Difference between Granite and Quartz Countertops
• Granite countertops don’t have a uniform pattern or texture. The stones are natural and nature doesn’t care about perfection as we define it. This works out as an advantage or a unique property of granite because the inconsistencies or varying appearance is deemed beautiful. But you may dislike it as well. Quartz is just as durable as granite and it is more flexible. Installation is easier and you would get more options regarding patterns and colors.
• Granite countertops must be sealed before using and you may have to seal the countertop every year. Granite is porous so it wouldn’t be resistant to stains unless it is sealed. The best sealants can last longer than a year but it is safe to seal the countertop once a year. Quartz is nonporous so you don’t have to worry about sealing it. You don’t need to seal it ever. There is little to no maintenance needed for quartz countertops.
• Granite is very durable. It is not indestructible and can chip or break if it is subjected to heavy duty use. For homes, granite is strong enough. If you are attentive and not abusive towards the countertop, granite can last a lifetime and longer in your home kitchen. Quartz is stain resistant but it is not indestructible.
• Quartz countertops can get discolored with time. Direct exposure to sunlight will have the UV damaging the part of the countertop and leading to substantial discoloration. You would find varying shades of the colors over time. This is not an issue with granite.
• Quartz countertops also have seams but they can be concealed by the manufacturer. They may show up later, although not as prominently as granite. The seams are not really problems that homeowners bother about. You should consider other challenges of the countertops.
Granite countertops require an expert for installation. It is not DIY and your local handyman may not have the expertise. Quartz also calls for professional installation. Quartz is heavier than granite so meticulous professional installation is imperative. There are some shortcomings of both granite and quartz countertops, which you should also consider before making up your mind.
Remember these Realities
Granite and quartz countertops are integral to your kitchen décor. Given the price and the laborious installation, you cannot just get rid of them one fine morning. Even if you do, it is likely you would have to redo the décor. You may even have to deal with some damages to existing fixtures beneath or installed upon or along the countertops.
Granite and quartz countertops can easily damage relatively less sharp or fragile knives. Use cutting boards. Don’t use knives directly on these countertops.
Granite and quartz countertops can crack if you drop a sharp or hard object. The countertops may not break but there will be a crack that may be beyond remedy.
Finally, you must find out if the foundation of the counter or the structure is strong enough to hold the heavy granite and heavier quartz.
Cost, Aesthetics & More
Granite and quartz are expensive options. Granite is relatively more economic. Although the starting price of quartz is at the same range of $60 to $70 per square foot, as is with granite, the cost of quartz can easily skyrocket to $100 per square foot of the stone. In some cases, granite countertops can cost more than quartz, especially for larger countertops. Since granite countertops are made from a large slab or chunk of the natural stone, the need for larger stones will always inflate the price. That doesn’t happen with quartz. It is used in crushed form.
Focus on the natural grains, the pattern, the thickness and the treatments that have been administered on both quartz and granite countertops. The natural aesthetics of granite and the diverse aesthetics of quartz, both have phenomenal appeal. Some quartz countertops contain more resin and acrylic so might worry you with volatile organic compounds. Granite countertops may contain a bit of radon but in very low levels. However, both granite and quartz countertops are rated as safe for homes.
