Considering Granite and Quartz
Granite is a very hard stone and 100 percent natural. It's mined from quarries all around the world, cut down to a manageable size, and then polished to a fine finish.
Quartz is not 100 percent natural. Instead, countertops are manufactured using 95 percent ground natural quartz and 5 percent polymer resins.
Appearance
Granite comes in many different colors and patterns so there is an almost limitless selection to choose from and no two granite countertops are the same.
Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners 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.
Environmental-Friendliness
All granite is quarried and that 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.
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.
Maintenance
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 longevity of your investment, consider having your granite countertops resealed once a year. Like granite, you'll want 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 quartz countertops resealed.
Durability
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 is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In 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.
If your renovation project will involve an outdoor installation of the countertop where it’ll be exposed to a lot of sunlight, a granite countertop will continue to look great over time. Granite doesn’t suffer from sun fading like you’d find with quartz countertops when installed outdoors.
Value
If you’re looking to save a bit of money on your countertop installation, quartz is slightly less expensive on average versus granite. At the top end of the price range for each type of countertop material, quartz is quite a bit cheaper than granite for a luxury remodel.
Yet, when it’s time to resell your home, having a granite countertop in the bathroom or kitchen will give you a boost in your resale value. Home buyers just love to see granite installations, and they’re willing to pay a little extra accordingly.
Learn more from the experts at Stone Age Granite Dallas.
