Which is Better Granite or Quartz?
There are few design elements that spark heated debate and divide homeowners as much as granite and quartz. Don’t believe me? Tune into any show on HGTV and you’ll likely hear the prospective buyer/renter wax poetic about their favored counter top material and shun the other vehemently. But is one really better than the other or is it merely a matter of aesthetics?
To help break down the granite vs. quartz quandary,we generated five categories to help show the differences between the two. At the end of this article,you can vote for which one you prefer. Before we get into all of that though,what exactly is granite and quartz?
Granite is a very hard stone and 100 percent natural. It’s mined from quarries all over the world,cut down to a manageable size,then afterwards polished to a fine finish.
Quartz is slightly different in that it is not 100 percent natural. Instead,countertops are manufactured using 95 percent ground natural quartz and 5 percent polymer resins.
Since you know the basics,let’s see how they compare against each other.
1: Appearance
Granite
Granite comes in various colors and patterns as a result of the way it’s formed (cooling and solidifying of molten materials). Whether you’re searching for a subtle complement to your kitchen or a standout slab with unique mineral inclusions,there is an almost infinite selection to select from and no two granite countertops are the same.
Quartz
One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing consumers to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance,you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme. With quartz,the selection process is much easier.
2: Price
Granite
According to HomeAdviser.com,the average cost to purchase granite and have it installed can cost between $2,000 and $4,000. You can save money by purchasing the material from a wholesaler and doing some of the preliminary work yourself but the actual fabrication and installation of the countertops should be left to a professional.
Quartz
Depending on the quality of quartz and style of edging,HomeAdvisor.com places the average cost to install quartz countertops between $1,500 and $5,500. You can do some of the preliminary work to save money,but because engineered quartz is heavier than other stone surfaces,a professional installer needs to ensure the space is structurally sound.
3: Environmentally-Friendly
Granite
The only way granite ends up in your kitchen is if it’s quarried which uses a lot of energy. If you opt for a high-end slab from Italy,for example,there will be considerable transportation involved. Try using indigenous stone when possible or visit salvage shops for pieces that can be cut to fit your needs.
Quartz
Since quartz is engineered,it can be more environmentally-friendly than granite if you use regionally manufactured stone and local fabricators. This cuts down on the distance the material needs to be transported.
4: Maintenance
Granite
Granite countertops should be cleaned daily with soap and water or a mild household cleaner. Some oils and acids can stain so do your homework first to avoid stains. To ensure the life expectancy of your investment,consider having your countertops resealed once a year.
Quartz
Like granite,you’ll wish to clean any spills on quartz countertops with soap and water or a household cleaner,but that’s about it in terms of maintenance. The solid surface means that there is no need to have your countertops resealed.
5: Durability
Granite
Granite is a durable material that’s resistant to heat and many other kitchen elements. Due to its porous nature though,there can be some staining if spilled liquids are left sitting and damage can be done if your counter receives a high impact blow.
Quartz
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus,more durable. In point of fact,quartz is nearly indestructible,and because it isn’t porous like granite,it’s easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat,so use heating pads at all times.
If you ‘d like to explore the differences yourself,contact Peakstone Granite at (336) 456-6357 or visit them at http://PeakStoneGraniteMarble.com