So it’s time to remodel that kitchen of yours and you’ve been dreaming of those new granite countertops…or maybe they were quartz…come to think of it, you don’t even know the difference! So how do you know which one is a better investment for your project? We’ll break it down for you.
What’s the difference?
Granite countertops are single pieces of stone extracted directly from a granite quarry and then cut into individual slabs.
- Natural but not perfect. Granite is a natural product used for kitchen counters. It is crystalline in structure, so it always has tiny pits or spaces between the various mineral crystals. It also contains natural fissures that may appear to be cracks, but they are not structural defects and will not impair the function or durability of the material.
- Appearance is not uniform. Movement is a term that is used to describe the shift in color and pattern in natural stone. Granite counters do not have a uniform pattern or color. The appearance can vary widely between slabs, and even within a single slab.
- Samples may differ from the actual stone. The sample of the granite color may differ from the slabs currently available for your kitchen countertop. They may have been mined from a different part of the granite quarry or they may have occlusions or color variances that give them a different appearance.
- Seams are visible. It is impossible to hide the seams in granite countertops.
- Must be sealed.Granite is a natural stone product that has a certain degree of porosity and must be sealed before use with a solvent-based product which leaves only negligible surface residue and is not considered to be a health risk. The stone must be resealed at least once every three years.
- Can discolor. While granite counters are ordinarily considered to be stain-resistant, some pigments or oils can be absorbed into the surface. This could cause discoloration. The sealer does not prevent this discoloration, but it slows it down to allow more time for clean-up.
- Durable but not indestructible. Granite countertops are extremely durable, scratch resistant, and impervious to water and heat. If not abused, it will hold its luster forever. However, because it is a natural rock, it can be chipped and broken if abused, and is very difficult to repair.
- Must be professionally installed.
Quartz countertops are manufactured and contain a mixture of crushed quartz mixed with a resin. They can be manufactured in many different sizes, colors, and finishes.
- Man-made non-porous material, made from a mixture of 93% quartz and 7% resin binders and pigments. It has the strength of granite, but is more flexible – making it somewhat easier to handle.
- Needs no sealing.
- Mold & mildew resistant. Extremely hygienic, making it a food-safe choice.
- Uniform appearance.It has the general appearance of natural stone, but with a consistent pattern and color. (The final product should be very close to what you see in the showroom.)
- Seams are visible. As is the case with natural stone, seams are visible; however the darker colors tend to minimize the seam.
- Durable but not indestructible.It is resistant to stains caused by wine, fruit juices, liquid food coloring, tea, nail polish and remover, and felt-tip markers. It can be damaged by high heat and prolonged exposure to heat. As with any other stone or surface material, strong chemicals and solvents such as Drano®, Liquid Plumr®, oven cleaners and floor strippers will damage the surface. Continuous long-term exposure to direct sunlight (UV rays) may result in slight discoloration of Quartz Stone countertops. Most indoor applications will not apply.
- Must be professionally installed. Is much heavier than granite.
Which one is better?
At the end of the day, the type of countertop you choose for your project is personal preference. There are many resources that will rank one product over the other, but that’s the case with many things. Learn the facts and make the decision based on what works for your project, and what fits your budget. Both products provide beauty, elegance, and durability that will last for years to come.
For a better idea of what suits your needs, visit your local granite and quartz dealer and see the products in person. Certain companies will have an on-site slab yard that you can tour so that you can pick out the exact piece that will be used in your project.