Getting new bathroom or kitchen countertops is a really exciting home renovation or project! Nice countertops can add a lot of value to your property, and the end result is really satisfying.
But, there’s a lot of controversy around which types of countertops are best; there’s no debate that stone countertops are the best choice for any property, but which stone? Two of the most popular options are quartz and granite. You’ll find either quartz countertops or granite countertops in many beautiful kitchens and bathrooms. But designers and homeowners are at odds -- which one is truly better? It’s also a big topic for prospective homeowners when looking to buy a property, and sometimes they’ll look for a specific type of countertop. But is quality really an issue, or is it more of an aesthetic preference? There are many different factors that you can consider when making a choice for your countertop installation. Let’s take a look and put this matter to rest: granite countertops, or quartz countertops? Granite Countertops Granite countertops are made from pure granite stone; this means that it will be a completely natural stone countertop, which is a draw for many people considering a new countertop installation. It also has slightly fewer carbon emissions in production. In terms of durability, there is an element of natural durability that stone presents. However, because it’s a completely natural material, it will need to be sealed when you get your countertop installation done, as well as resealed over the years with consistent maintenance. If the granite is sealed with resin when manufactured, it will be more durable, but will still need resealing. It could also be damaged by some liquid spills, including certain oils and acids. It does withstand heat well and you won’t see much issue if you tend to place hot objects on the surface, although it’s always better to be safe than sorry and avoid placing hot objects on top of your granite countertops. When considering aesthetics and appearance, there are many different options for granite countertops based on the process that it goes through at the time of manufacturing through the cooling and solidifying of different molten materials. You’ll have virtually infinite options regardless of what type of aesthetic you’re looking for, and each granite slab is completely unique, so you’ll truly have one-of-a-kind granite countertops. Quartz Countertops Quartz countertops are mostly natural with some manufactured elements; quartz countertops usually include roughly 95% natural quartz with 5% polymer resin components. Quartz is almost as environmentally-friendly as granite, so you won’t see much difference there. Because of the manufacturing element, quartz countertops have become so popular because they give the designer so many more options. It’s still mostly composed of natural stone and it can be customized to whatever color scheme or appearance that you’d like; it’s an easier selection process because it’s manufactured. When discussing durability, quartz countertops are one of the most durable that you can find. The material itself is incredibly strong, and because of its resin components, it won’t require the sealing maintenance that other stone countertops will. It also won’t be prone to staining, unless liquids pool up, which can leave residue. Quartz countertops can, however, be more prone to heat damage. It’s important to always protect your quartz countertops through the use of heat pads, or avoidance of placing heated objects on the countertop surface. How Do Quartz Countertops Compare to Granite in Cost? In terms of cost, you can find options to work in your budget for both. Depending on what style and option you choose, and how large of a countertop installation you need, you can find options for granite that are near the pricing of quartz. In general, quartz countertop installation will end up being the more affordable option, but when looking for Vancouver countertops, make sure you talk to your countertop contractors to find an option that is not only practical for your budget, but satisfies you totally. Wrap-Up: Quartz Vs. Granite Countertops So, now we know what the fuss about quartz countertops and granite countertops is about. Do you have a winner yet? Let’s do a final snapshot so you can make the best decision for your countertop installation. Material Granite is a 100% natural material, while quartz is 95% natural, and 5% resin. If having an all-natural look is important to you, granite will probably be the winner here. In terms of environmentally-friendliness, both are relatively green options. Durability While granite is incredibly strong, it can be susceptible to stains from liquids and oils. It is pretty much totally heat-resistant, but you should still take steps to prevent any type of damage and use heat pads. Quartz, on the other hand, is less likely to stain, but will require you to be more cautious in terms of heat damage. Because of this, both countertops have their pros and cons, and you’d want to take into account your habits to know which countertop installation makes most sense for you. Maintenance When considering maintenance, quartz is going to be the winner. While both granite and quartz countertops have a lifespan of over 20 years, granite will need to be sealed at the time of your countertop installation as well as over the years. Quartz, due to its resin component, will not need this maintenance, making it the winner here. Aesthetic Granite is a completely natural stone, and has many options; each piece is unique, which means your countertops will be totally one of a kind. However, sometimes finding the right piece can be a bit more tiresome than with quartz, since it’s manufactured. This makes the selection process a bit easier, and you may be able to find more options. Depending on your personal taste, you may prefer one option over the other. Price Both quartz countertops and granite countertops are in a similar price range, so working with the right countertop contractors to find what you’re looking for can help you to make the right decision for your lifestyle, your aesthetics, as well as your budget. Conclusion So, who do you deem the winner? Quartz countertops, or granite countertops? They both have their clear distinctions as well as their pros and cons. In the end, it will come down to your personal taste, lifestyle, and budget to make the right decision for your home. Ready to get your countertop installation on the road? Contact Vancouver Countertop Installation today and our team of experts can help you start designing your quartz or granite countertops! Comments are closed.
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