Comparing Quartz vs Granite Countertops

The countertops in your home are often the focal point in any room. They are one of the first things that people notice, and they have a big impact on the overall styling and vibe of your living spaces. You have lots of options when it comes to countertops, but some of the most popular choices these days are quartz and granite. There are some important differences between the two materials, which you should be aware of if you are looking at new countertops.

Comparing and contrasting things like the cost of quartz countertops with granite can be helpful, but you should also know about the properties of each material and the appearance that you will get from each choice as well. Let’s take a closer look at the two materials and compare them so that you can make an informed buying decision.

What are Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops are durable and low-maintenance, and they are made from engineered materials for consistency in their makeup. They are created from resins, polymers, and pigments, which means that they come in nearly any color and style that you might be looking for. Manufactured counters are a great choice for consistency, and if you are looking for the same exact appearance on all the surfaces throughout your house, you will want to opt for a material like quartz.

Because quartz is non-porous, it is a great choice for rooms like the kitchen, where cooking and liquid spills can ruin other kinds of counter materials over time. This is also a hygienic option when compared to things like natural stone, which can absorb bacteria and other contaminants over the years.

There are other pros associated with quartz due to its engineered nature. It is easy to cut and shape for installation, which can help you save money and time on your remodel or new home build. Natural countertop materials can be much harder to install, making the job of placing them correctly more time-consuming and also more expensive.

Quartz comes in so many colors that it is always a good option when you are looking for something specific. Natural stones will have a wide array of colors and inclusions and be far less consistent overall. Many other counter materials will also be impacted negatively by heat, but quartz can hold up to heat exposure very well.

What Are Granite Countertops?

Granite is another common choice these days for countertops. This is another highly durable material that needs little maintenance. It is also considered a premium material, and the installation cost can be fairly consistent with quartz. Granite is a naturally occurring stone, unlike quartz, which is manufactured. This can change the availability of your materials and make it harder to source specific colors and patterns.

You will need to buy some excess material when you opt for granite for your counters to ensure that you have enough of the material in the same color and pattern family for the installation job. This can add cost to your countertop budget, but it is worth it if you want specific colors and patterns throughout your home.

Granite is porous, so it needs to be sealed on a routine basis to keep bacteria and liquids from invading its layers. Granite is very hard, however, and resists scratches, pits, and divots, which can be common for other natural stones. Granite is also naturally resistant to staining and bacteria, unlike marble, so you will just need to be sure that you keep it sealed, and you should be good to go for years at a time.

There are lots of reasons that people select granite, but the primary reason is that the natural veining and color variations are very beautiful and commonly associated with upscale construction. If you are looking for this natural, unique look, granite is the way to go.

How to Choose Between Granite and Quartz Countertops

The choice between quartz and granite can be a pretty simple one. Both of these are great options for your countertops. You might want a more natural veining pattern and the unique look of natural stone, in which case, you should choose granite. If you are looking for super hardy and a very consistent color in your countertops, you will want to pick quartz.

Both of these materials are relatively similar in price, but natural stone will require that you buy entire slabs to be sure that you get enough material to match colors and designs in specific areas of your home. You will likely need far less overrun for quartz counters, which can be ideal if you are on a tighter budget. There can be some variability in cost in some regions of the US, so you might need to take a look at this factor before you make your choice.

Quartz and granite will both hold up for years, and they are both considered high-quality materials. If you are looking to upgrade your home’s surfaces in a smart way, you cannot pick better countertop materials than quartz or granite.

Picking Stylish Countertops Can Make Your Home Look Amazing

There are lots of reasons to upgrade your countertops. This is one of the most noticeable things about your home’s living spaces, so having the right color and design for your countertops can make a big difference in the appearance of your house. You have lots of great options available to you these days for your countertop materials, and quartz and granite are two of the best choices out there.

You will be able to afford both of these materials, and they need limited upkeep, which can be really nice if you are looking at replacing the bathroom or kitchen counters with durable materials. Be sure that you shop around and take a look at all the colors and styles of counters in these materials that you have available to you. Picking the right colors and designs for your counters can change the entire vibe of your home overnight, which is why this upgrade is well worth it.