There are dozens of choices that homeowners need to make when it comes to designing their dream kitchen. From custom cupboards and cabinets to the best type of flooring and everything in between, the design of your kitchen requires several important decisions. A recent poll carried out by the United States Department of Agriculture found that the average American spends around 37 minutes each day in their kitchen preparing meals and cleaning up.
Whether you enjoy spending hours on a home-cooked meal or use your microwave more often than your stove, having a clean, hygienic, and aesthetically appealing space for cooking certainly makes meal prep more meaningful.
Kitchen countertops used for meal preparation are a focal point for any kitchen design. An older Formica or linoleum countertop that is stained and scratched from years of use is probably going to give your kitchen an outdated and soiled appearance - so it’s great to think ahead when choosing the material for your new countertop. A newly sealed granite or quartz kitchen countertop is more likely to bring a fresh, modern, and sophisticated touch to the rest of your kitchen design, while standing the test of time.
In this short article, we will look at the differences between granite vs quartz countertops and the benefits of each.
What are Granite and Quartz Countertops?
Granite
Granite kitchen countertops are sourced from 100% natural stone sourced from stone quarries. Manufacturers of granite countertops then use specialized instruments to cut the rough stone into thin slabs that are carefully polished and cut to shape for countertops.
In almost all cases, granite countertops are made from 100% granite rock, and are generally finished with a type of food-safe sealant.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are mostly engineered stone products. Instead of using solid slabs as is the case with granite, a quartz countertop will be made of tiny pieces of quartz chips or quartz dust that are subsequently bound together with a type of food-safe resin.
As a general rule of thumb, most engineered quartz countertops have somewhere between 90-95% quartz particles and 5-10% resin content. Depending on the manufacturer you choose, some quartz countertops might contain other minerals besides quartz as well.
Due to the chips and dust used in the manufacturing process, quartz countertops tend to have a unique mottled or speckled appearance, allowing homeowners to perceive the individual stones suspended in the resin.
Granite vs Quartz Countertops Pros
There are several advantages and drawbacks to both of these popular kitchen countertop options. Both quartz and granite countertops are exceptionally strong and can resist constant use associated with meal preparation.
Quartz countertops, because of the use of resin, tend to be more flexible than granite, making them a bit less likely to crack or chip. Furthermore, quartz countertops are almost completely non-porous and will never need to be sealed. This means that quartz countertops offer a maintenance-free element to your kitchen.
Because of their non-porous nature, quartz countertops are also stain resistant.
Granite vs Quartz Countertops Cons
On the downside, quartz countertops have been known to discolor over time, especially if located near a window where the UV rays of the sun can affect the pigmentation of the stone. Also, because quartz countertops are engineered, you might also be able to see seams in the slab, something that isn’t an issue with the solid slabs of granite.
One of the unique aspects of granite countertops is their lack of uniformity in color. Because they are solid slabs sourced directly from quarries, every granite countertop will have its own color and grains offering a customized look for your kitchen.
Like quartz, granite is extremely durable, though chipping or cracks can occur if heavy objects are dropped on the countertop. Unlike quartz, however, granite countertops need to be sealed on a yearly basis. Granite is a porous surface, and proper sealing is an essential part of maintenance.
Cost
Lastly, the quartz countertops tend to have a higher price vs granite on average. On top of that, the prices are a bit crazy with the COVID pandemic and are subject to change.
Build Your Dream Kitchen With Natale
Whether you prefer quartz or granite countertops, Natale Builders has you covered! Natale Builders is a leading custom home builder specializing in helping Western New York homeowners like you find the best materials to build your dream home, including customized kitchen countertops.
With over 50 years of experience in building custom homes, we are also an industry leader in Energy Star and Green Build designs for homes and neighborhoods in Western New York. Contact us to start planning your dream home today!
