The discussions about the best countertop materials have been going on since forever. Anyone looking forward to choosing a countertop material often gets stuck between the various choices for countertops. For instance, it is hard for people to choose between quartz countertops and granite countertops.
However, the question that arises here is that is there really a countertop material that is above all others? Every material has its own pros and cons. Then who decides which one is better? The answer is that each material has its own unique qualities. You choose the one that suits you best and fits well in your kitchen. The final choice depends on you. The qualities of the material also depend upon your preferences and what you are looking for.
Choosing granite or quartz countertops
In this article, we have come up with comparisons between granite and quartz to help dissect the debate between which is the better material. Before we make any comparison, let us first see what exactly granite and quartz is.
Granite is a natural stone formed from grains of different materials such as feldspar, mica etc. on the other hand, quartz is not entirely natural. It has 95% natural quartz mixed with 5% polymer resins.
Now that you have a basic idea of what granite and quartz is, let us get into comparisons.
Cost
Both granite and quartz almost cost the same. However, the prices mostly depend on the choice of granite or quartz, its installation and area. However, you can save some money if you buy your countertop material from a wholesaler. But still the installation would need to be done by a professional.
Appearance
Due to granite’s formation and its grains, it comes in a variety of colors and patterns. There are simple grain patterns as well as unique patterns that standout in your kitchen. Its various colors include shades of blue, red, pink, green etc. Since granite is made up of grains, it also shows grains in its appearance.
Quartz has become extremely popular due to its appearance. It looks like stone. However, it is limited in its patterns and colors as compared to granite. This makes granite extremely hard to choose from while quartz is comparatively easier to choose from. However, quartz can be engineered and pigmented, therefore, you can get any color in quartz as well.
Durability and maintenance
Unlike Marble, which is a metamorphic rock, Granite is a highly durable igneous rock. It is also heat resistant. Since it is an igneous rock, However, it is a porous material and if not sealed properly, the liquids can seep through. The seepage can cause stains to appear on the granite slab. Moreover, to prevent granite countertops from seepage and staining, they need to be sealed properly and resealed once every one to two years. They also need to be cleaned regularly with soap to clean of the oil and acidic foods and liquids.
On the other hand, quartz is even harder and more durable as compared to granite. One great advantage of quartz is that it is not porous like granite. This makes it easier to clean without worrying about sealing and resealing it. However, quartz is not heat resistant. So, you will have to be careful about using hot pans near it.
Conclusion
Both granite countertops and quartz countertops have their own unique qualities. Both have a variety of appearances, while the choice of selection may be easier for quartz. Similarly, both the materials are hard and durable. However, quartz is harder and more durable as compared to granite.
To get the best results on the installation of either of these materials, make sure that you are choosing reliable countertop replacement companies Potomac.
