Whether you’re designing a new home from the bottom up or you’re remodeling an existing kitchen, you’re going to be forced with the difficult decision of picking what materials you want in your kitchen. These materials should be affordable, stylish, and capable of taking a beating. In this piece, we’re going to look at some of the pros and cons of granite countertops versus quartz countertops.
What Are Granite Countertops?
Even if you couldn’t point out granite countertops from other materials in a countertop materials lineup, you probably already know that granite countertops are all the rage right now. These countertops are made from cut granite: a 100% natural stone that brings a glimmering sophistication to any kitchen. Granite started out as an expensive luxury imported from Italy. With increased demand came an increased supply of more variants of granite from places like Brazil and India. The manufacturing process has become much more mechanized in recent years, making granite more affordable than ever before.
What Are Quartz Countertops?
Unless you’ve been staying on top of kitchen materials trends, you’re probably unaware of just how popular quartz is becoming — giving granite a run for its money. Unlike granite, quartz countertops are not completely natural slabs of stone in your house. Quartz in countertop form is a manufactured material — usually about 95% actual quartz and 5% a bonding agent such as a polymer resin or some other material. Different types of quartz may be used in making a single product. Styles vary from single colors to whatever you can dream up.
Which Countertop Looks Better?
If you’re going after granite or quartz, you’re likely also wanting something that looks great — or else you would have just gone with stainless steel commercial-grade kitchen counters. Being that granite is completely natural, the pros and cons of granite are that no two pieces of granite are identical. This can be great if you’re looking for a unique look in your kitchen, but a negative if you’re looking to replicate an exact look you saw elsewhere. Quartz, on the other hand, is extremely customizable in appearance. Choose from most colors, design patterns, and more.
Which Countertop is More Durable?
While you wouldn’t imagine that a natural stone would require much maintenance, granite countertops actually do. Most granite countertops have a seal that helps keep the stone from absorbing liquids or being overly worn and stained by kitchen elements. However, this seal has maintenance requirements of its own that should be taken into consideration when buying a granite countertop. Quartz countertops, on the other hand, don’t require much maintenance aside from being cleaned. Because they are a solid surface (meaning there isn’t a surface layer to the countertop — the entire material is the surface), they don’t require surface resealing. With that being said, because granite is a completely natural stone, it tends to hold up better to excessive heat than quartz countertops in the long run.
Which Countertop is More Affordable?
According to Home Advisor, the cost of installed granite or quartz countertops are fairly similar. The main costs associated with granite is the quarrying process as well as the shipping and shaping of the material. Quartz is a mined stone as well, but because it is engineered into its final form, shipping isn’t as nearly as an ordeal. Overall, depending on the style and size of the kitchen, granite or quartz countertops can run homeowners anywhere from $1,000-$5,000 installed.
If you’re in the process of dreaming up your ideal home, your friends at Perry Hood Properties can definitely help. See our wide variety of home designs for custom builds or existing homes with the only thing missing being you and your happy family.