There’s nothing like a beautiful, shiny countertop. An elegant countertop can elevate the look of your kitchen immensely, but with so many types of countertops to pick from, it can be overwhelming. People usually get stumped choosing between granite countertops vs. quartz countertops.
Just like any construction or remodeling choice, it’s incredibly personal and unique to you and your home’s needs. Selecting the wrong one could lead to further costs down the road due to wear and tear.
To minimize your stress, we’ve broken down the two types of countertops below:
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are mined from the pure stone. The granite stone is the result of magma crystallization underneath the earth’s surface, making it a very hard material. Once harvested, it is polished to give it that nice, shiny surface.
Appearance
One of the main features of granite countertops is their uniqueness; no two granite countertops look the same. The different minerals that make up granite give it the various colors and patterns. Besides being polished, it is not altered in any way, so you can expect the most natural stone patterns.
Durability
As the result of magma crystallization, granite countertops are incredibly heat-resistant, making them ideal for kitchen counters.
That said, granite countertops are made from natural stone, which will have their own imperfections. Certain areas that are weaker may be more susceptible to damage and chipping.
Granite is also porous and tends to absorb liquids, which may result in a buildup of bacteria. To combat this, granite countertops are usually sealed with a sealant before installation.
Eco-friendly
Although granite is a natural stone, it is not as eco-friendly as you would expect. The extraction, cutting, and transportation processes create a lot of waste. It also requires labor and resources, increasing the overall carbon footprint.
Maintenance
As mentioned previously, granite countertops are usually sealed with a sealant to prevent bacteria buildup. It also prevents staining from oils or acids.
To preserve the luster and prevent any further wear to your countertops, they need to be cleaned daily. Soap and water work the best.
Professionals recommend resealing your countertops once a year for the best results.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops, on the other hand, are not entirely natural. They are a combination of crushed quartz, color pigments, and binders like polymer resin. Generally, they are 90-95% quartz, which makes them just as durable, if not more.
Appearance
Unlike granite countertops, engineered quartz countertops look relatively the same. However, since they are human-made, there are many more colors to choose from. This makes them ideal for customization to fit the rest of your home’s aesthetic.
Durability
Quartz itself is a durable material, but the resin binder eliminates any weak points you may encounter with granite countertops.
The binder also makes the countertop nonporous, so you won’t have to worry about stains and bacteria buildup. Some manufacturers also add an anti-bacterial coating over the top for added protection.
Unlike granite countertops, however, the resin composition of quartz countertops makes them less resistant to heat. Placing excessive heat onto your quartz countertops can damage them. If this is an issue for you, you can always invest in heat-resistant pads to work as a buffer between your hot pans and lovely countertops.
Eco-friendly
Quartz is generally a more eco-friendly alternative to granite; the production of quartz requires less mining than granite. Quartz is also more abundant, making it a more sustainable product.
Maintenance
Quartz is generally a more eco-friendly alternative to granite; the production of quartz requires less mining than granite. Quartz is also more abundant, making it a more sustainable product.
The Takeaway
The decision between granite and quartz countertops leaves a lot of people stumped. The reality is that both have their pros and cons, so it’s best to stay educated on those to figure out which one will work best for your home.
You may prefer granite countertops for the natural look. Or you may prefer quartz countertops if you have children and anticipate spills in the kitchen.
Whichever your preference, Cameo Countertops has the collection you need. Granite countertops vs. quartz countertops is a long, heated debate among many, and we can help you make the best decision for your home. Contact us for a quote today.