ountertops should be genuine. Most of today's home purchasers want a kitchen with sturdy, attractive worktops that will last a lifetime in terms of both design and function. Now that you're ready to invest in state-of-the-art kitchen renovations, you'll want to consider the different countertop materials available for purchase.
Ready to find the perfect kitchen countertop? Keep reading for our guide on all of the major options in this article.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is an engineered stone, yet it is an entirely natural stone that comes directly from stone quarries. Many homeowners considering home improvements want to know which one is preferable. Made from ground quartz-- Quartz countertops are a mix of 90% ground quartz while 8%-10% of resin, polymers, and pigments combined. Due to this, it offers exceptional durability and resistance to staining, scratching, chipping, and cracking. An excellent choice for kitchen countertops, Quartz makes up for what it lacks in natural beauty with stunning colors and patterns.
What is Granite?
Granite countertops offer beauty, elegance, and functionality in kitchens, so they are considered a luxury item. Granite countertops are made from granular rocks deep below the earth's surface, making them tough enough to withstand daily use, resisting scratches, heat, and stains. Granite can be mined in large blocks and cut into slabs for construction, unlike igneous rocks. It forms when slow-cooling occurs such that the crystallization of its minerals cannot fully take place. This is why granites have a speckled appearance of different colors.
Pros and Cons of Quartz vs. Granite Countertops
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Appearance
Granite is essentially a rock that forms because of the cooling-off and solidifying of molten minerals, producing a stable material in various hues and patterns. Whether you want a subtle accent to your kitchen or a striking granite slab with unique mineral inclusions, granite countertops come in an almost fantastic array, and no two are alike.
Quartz has a rich, nearly three-dimensional look similar to genuine stone. The natural shine of quartz countertops is a major selling point for many customers, which aids in the customization of the design for the remodeling. While granite has a wide range of aesthetic possibilities, you may need to seek the right piece to complement your color scheme. The selection is considerably easier with quartz.
When deciding between granite countertops and quartz countertops for your home, color and style are key factors. Quartz offers more color consistency than granite, so it's an excellent choice if you prefer a uniform look for your kitchen or bathroom. However, if you like the unique patterns and exciting hues of natural stone, you may choose granite. In addition, quartz countertops do have high resale value. However, quartz's ability to withstand for years longer than other countertop materials is generally offset.
Price
Questions such as “how much is granite per square foot?” and “which is cheaper, granite or quartz?” are relevant to this topic. According to Home Advisor, quartz installation in the kitchen typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,500. Materials alone cost $75 per square foot or between $50 and $100 per square foot. But the pricing for granite countertops is considered less expensive. From $40-$60 per square foot. Brands including Blue Louise and Typhoon Bordeaux could cost between $65-$100 per square foot. Remember that each stone has unique colors and patterns such as mottling, streaks, and swirls when choosing granite.
Maintenance
For a rigid weatherproof material, granite is the way to go. Resistant to scratches and stains, granite countertops require little care, which is good because repairs are complicated, if not impossible. For minor cracks, fissures, and chips, matching epoxy or resin kits may be purchased to fix the granite, although these fixes are generally visible on the surface.
🧠 Good To Know: Professional fabricators are typically better than DIYers, but granite repairs may be expensive.
Quartz is a low-maintenance material. It never has to be sealed, unlike genuine stone or wood. For everyday maintenance, wipe with soapy water. Will quartz countertops stain? Yes, but only to certain extreme temperatures can cause discoloration and cracking of its surfaces. However, you can use a mild cleaning scrub to remove surface stains.
🧠 Good To Know: Avoid scrubbing pads, which may dull the countertop surface, and strong chemicals that can break down the connections between the quartz and resins.
FAQ: What is the best countertop material for busy kitchens? Quartz or Granite?
Quartz comes in many designs and colors, but the best part about quartz countertops is that it never needs to be resealed! This makes quartz perfect for busy kitchen life.
Meanwhile, granite is impervious to heat, scratches, and stains when appropriately sealed, making it an excellent choice for active families. This is yet another perfect choice for a replacement kitchen countertop in your busy home in terms of granite. This material is also ideal for replacing kitchen counters because of its resistance to heat, scratches, and stains.
FAQ: Can I put hot pots and pans on my granite or quartz countertops?
Granite countertops are exceptionally durable and are significantly more resistant to heat than other countertop materials. Granite is very heat resistant. A hot pan won't burn your countertop, but you may find that placing a hot pan on the countertop will temporarily discolor the surface--this is normal and will go away as the granite cools down. However, it's best to refrain from placing scorching items directly or heat pans directly on them. Extreme high temperatures can damage the seal of your granite countertop, leaving it more vulnerable to staining and discoloration.
Extreme heat or temperatures above 300°F may cause burn marks or discoloration on your countertop surface. Long-term heat exposure, such as that from your stovetop, could also cause cracks in the material to form over time. On the other hand, extreme heat can damage quartz, even though it usually is heat resistant.
At Shepel Homes Design & Build, our well-trained experts provide you with the best and most premiere kitchen designs to assist you in coordinating the inside of your house. Our kitchen remodelers will collaborate with you to create a spotless kitchen that will add charm and beauty to your home. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our kitchen remodelers to select the ideal design for your house.
