Granite vs. Quartz Countertops
Countertop surfaces can be quite an understatement when it comes to kitchen or bathroom design. But the moment you’re in the process of renovating: choices, choices, choices.
Deciding on a countertop can be a tough one, primarily as it serves as one of the more essential purposes that will last for years. The decision usually comes down to two popular options: are granite vs. quartz countertops. So, where do you begin?
Consider the Material
Granite and quartz are essentially made of stone, which explains their competitive comparisons. Understanding its materiality may involve a little too much technical jargon, but it’s essential as it relates substantially to your lifestyle.
While granite goes through very energy-intensive manufacturing processes, not forgetting transportation to all parts of the world, it incurs a ton of gas emissions. With the need to constantly maintain granite surfaces, harmful chemicals are used as sealants, making granite not too environmentally friendly.
On the contrary, quartz is made of natural stone and sustainable man-made elements such as polymer resin and colored pigments. Readily found in abundance in many parts of the world, its accessibility results in lesser transportation needs.
With it being a byproduct of the ideal stone countertop, its unique mixture doesn’t require any harmful chemicals for maintenance, which makes it an easy choice for many people.
Durability
Now let’s delve just a little deeper to understand the durability of granite and quartz. Let’s measure their durability in three ways:
- Moisture and Stain Resistance
- Sunlight and Heat Resistance
- Scratch and Cut Resistance
Stains are almost inevitable. If there is ever any damage on your countertop, this might be one of the more painful damages; it's too hard to avoid and too troublesome to be conscious of. You’d want to be able to leave a bottle of wine or a mug of coffee sitting out overnight without having to worry about stains.
Quartz has a better moisture and stain resistance between the two, primarily due to its unique mixture of sustainable man-made elements. In fact, it is one of the few reasons quartz countertops were invented as an alternative to a stone countertop. Compared to granite, quartz’s stain resistance is ideal by a fair margin.
That doesn’t mean granite isn’t suitable. Granite is absorbent by nature. Since it's 100% natural, more care needs to be considered with a sealant applied yearly. If that is something you wouldn’t mind doing every year, then why not?
Great news: we discovered Sensa By Consentino. It’s a natural stone with a revolutionary protective treatment that provides high stain resistance, making it maintenance-free. It’s a great alternative if you’d prefer granite without the need for special attention.
Sunlight and Heat Resistance
One of the most significant disadvantages of quartz is that it isn't as sunlight and heat resistant, making it at a higher risk of permanent discoloration. When exposed to direct sunlight, quartz has a higher chance of fading in color, even in a matter of weeks.
Whenever possible, it is advisable to get into the habit of using heat pads to prevent the ugly yellow or brown stain it can potentially leave, the distinctive mark of a resin burn.
On the other hand, granite has an absolute advantage, which means you can worry less. Heat pads are still recommended, just like they should be with any other countertop surfaces.
In any case, preventive measures to sunlight and heat damage boil down to the everyday habit of having heat pads and trivet mats around your kitchen.
Scratch and Chip Resistance
Remember we mentioned that the invention of quartz is an alternative to stone countertops? On a scale of one to ten in terms of hardness, quartz scores a seven, compared to granite at a six. Its man-made resin combination is meant to resist scratches and chips more than a natural stone could.
Chips on any stone countertop are pretty much irreversible. However, scratches can be rectified for both quartz and granite countertops, depending on the scratch’s nature. Both have different methods and, in most cases, a service rendered by the supplier.
Affordability
Renovations are generally expensive. With all things natural, prices are typically higher, and it’s no different with a granite countertop.
However, with the increasing popularity of a quartz countertop due to its wide selection, it can be equally costly. We think that deciding to spend on a countertop depends on its aesthetics and durability preference.
Aesthetics
We saved the best for last: comparing the two different materials, in which they both carry beauty in their own ways.
We love granite not only for its unique color and veins, dependable on its rare geological origin but also because of its delicacy, a beauty untouched with no two slabs alike. With a tendency of heavier patterns and veins, which also come in a larger slab size, a granite countertop is the perfect choice if you’d like it to be an outstanding feature within your space.
That said, quartz countertops are highly sought after due to their versatility and countless choices of veins and colors. Nonetheless, the winning reason would be its vast options for a more minimal, modern look, which is rare to find in a granite countertop. Its ability to look like marble without its flaws in durability makes it a classic choice for homeowners.
In Conclusion
We believe that making decisions for your home ultimately revolves around your lifestyle. This means your everyday habits and beliefs.
Do you cook a lot? Is sustainability one of your top priorities? How is your budget? These are just some factors to consider when making a big decision.
Understanding yourself and which you value more is a question we’d like to ask you: which suits you best?