Kitchen Countertops: A Comparison Between Granite And Quartz

Natural stones like granite and quartz make trendy and beautiful natural stone countertops. Both are very popular amongst the homeowners, however, when it comes to making a choice it can be confusing and daunting.

Here we are listing key differences between these kitchen countertop materials, to help you know the qualities and pros and cons of the two.

  • Durability: chip resistance and scratch

This is another area where granite kitchen countertops again have various restrictions. Granite may be scratched or chipped. Quartz, on the other hand, is so thick it can’t be damaged or scratched. Moreover, quartz is one of the strongest materials present today; it usually survives any surrounding minerals like sandstone and is generally found in stream sediments as it is very resistant to weathering. Due to all these reasons quartz is a more popular choice for kitchen countertops.

  • Permeability: Mildew, bacteria and stains

Granite is generally made up of various different minerals that have been mixed together by high temperature and pressure. The word ‘granite’ is originated from a Latin word ‘grain’. Typically, a large piece of granite is a mix of different “grains” of minerals. Due to all this construction, the natural granite has pockets of air. If drops are not instantly cleaned, liquids can get in to the air pockets in granite countertops, creating permanent stains. Furthermore, they should be constantly resealed, or they may be home to mold and mildew.

Quartz, on the other hand is non-porous so, the quartz countertop are usually considered more hygienic. Water can’t get into quartz counters, so mildew and mold can’t grow in them. Also, they never need sealing.

  • Basic construction: molded countertops v. solid rock

Granite ore is mined, cut and polished to create natural stone countertops. As granite countertops are made from solid stone slabs, longer expanses of countertop may need several slabs. Well matched colors are difficult to find in various samples of natural granite. In addition, sealant must be constantly applied to the seams in-between stones.

On the contrary, a mixture of 95% crushed quartz and 5% resin goes into engineered quartz natural stone countertops. In addition, colors pigments may be included. This blend is then poured into countertop molds. Thus, molded quartz countertops don’t need regular re-sealing.

  • Visual appeal: natural striations v. color matching

Unique beauty of granite makes it a trendy material for kitchen countertops, despite of the fact that it requires more maintenance than engineered quartz. The swirling striations and patterns of granite give it a very unique look that gives it an edge over engineered quartz. Every granite countertop is different. Nevertheless, many people like the way engineered quartz countertops can be dyed to match the surrounding décor.

  • Cost:

As more engineering is need to give quartz a smooth, shiny surface, they are typically costlier than granite kitchen countertops.
By keeping these differences in mind you can easily choose the best kitchen countertop for your kitchen.

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