Are you wondering what is the difference with Quartz Vs. Granite? You want to remodel your kitchen, and you have saved some money to replace your countertops in Orlando, now you have narrowed down the list of countertop materials to two – quartz vs. granite. Choosing between the two countertop materials can be a difficult decision. Both are great, but there exist a few differences between them. In this blog, you will learn everything you need to know about quartz vs. granite. Keep reading to discover their pros and cons and determine which one to choose between quartz verse granite.
Quartz Vs. Granite: Is There a Difference?
When looking for the best countertop for your kitchen, you will undoubtedly compare quartz vs. granite countertop materials. But is there is any difference between the two? Absolutely! There are differences between the two. There are several brands on the market which have turned to aggressive promotion of quartz and granite countertops. Thus, homeowners have a difficult choice between granite and quartz countertops. Let’s look at the differences.
- Origin quartz vs. granite
Quartz is an engineered material, and still, it contains a large percentage of components of quartz that are naturally found on earth. The natural minerals are formed from the stone by-product and quarried from the earth and are engineered together with resin to form quartz slabs.
Granite, on the other hand, is a purely natural stone that is quarried directly from the earth. Large blocks of granite are excavated out and then sliced into slabs and are finely polished.
- Appearance
Quartz countertops, as an engineered product of 93% natural crushed quartz powder and 7% of resins, has a uniform appearance. They come in different colors and patterns.
Granite countertops have a unique and natural beauty. A granite slab contains feldspar which gives it natural hardness and the unique beauty.
- Cost
Both granite and quartz are premium countertop materials. The prices of these materials vary depending on the particular slabs you choose. Quartz countertops have become more popular and widely available on the market, and this has prompted prices to fall. However, the unique designer styles and colors fetch higher prices.
- Durability
Both quartz and granite are durable. Granite is a relatively porous stone, and it requires sealing to prevent stains. Sealing should be done every year. Quartz, on the other hand, does not require sealing because it has been fabricated together with resins. The resins make quartz more resistant to staining than granite.
- Custom colors
Quartz countertops are available in different colors because, during the manufacturing, there are additions of man-made pigments to natural quartz powder. Granite is naturally formed. Thus, we do not control the colors and patterns that appear in granite.
Pros and Cons of Granite and Quartz
Pros of granite
- Each granite slab is unique and naturally beautiful.
- Granite is extremely durable. It can withstand normal use quite well.
- If correctly sealed, granite is resistant to staining.
- It is more heat resistant.
Cons of granite
- It requires to be sealed. Otherwise, it will stain.
- Granite has a variation in appearance or color.
- It is tough, but it can break or chip if abused.
- If you are going to need different slabs to replace a large countertop, granite counters might have visible seams. It is best to have professional granite countertops installers do the installation.
Pros of quartz
- It is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
- It is easy to clean and maintain.
- It does not require sealing since it has resin in the fabrication of the slab which makes it resistant to stains.
- It is strong and more flexible making it less susceptible to chips and cracks.
Cons of quartz
- It can have visible seams.
- It can discolor over time when exposed to direct sunlight.
- It is less naturally beautiful compared to granite.
Granite vs. Quartz- The Winner
There isn’t a clear winner between the granite and quartz. Both are great stones, and they have their pros and cons. While Quartz requires less maintenance granite is more heat resistant. What you choose depends on what you need from your countertop.
Summary
You have learned all the differences between quartz vs. granite. Starting from their origin to appearance as well as durability and cost, you now know what makes the two materials different from each other. If you like all-natural countertop material, granite is perfect for you, and if you want a material that is easier to maintain, quartz is perfect for you.