Countertops in your kitchen or bath can make an amazing focal point and be the finishing touch to the design. With so many options out there, it can be challenging to know what countertop material is right for you and also be something you like. The biggest players in the countertop game are quartz and granite for their beauty and durability. Many clients are interested in both but would like to know the differences between them….so let’s talk stone!
Granite
Granite is sliced from large quarries and cut into slabs, making granite 100% natural. Mother Nature is very creative and makes no two slabs alike. Granite comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, veining and unique movement in the stone. In order to keep the granite's natural beauty, there is some maintenance involved. Granite is porous and may absorb stains, oils and germs if care is not taken.When granite is installed it needs to be sealed, then re-sealed yearly. Sometimes there may be natural imperfections in the stone that can cause weak or stress points in the slab, but its natural properties in color are also what we love about it.
Arizona tile-Granite-Azul Fantasy
Quartz:
Quartz is 93% crushed quartz stone mixed with 7% of resins and binders that hold it together. Because of the unique mix, the quartz slabs are non-porous making them maintenance free. Quartz does not need to be sealed and is the most resistant to heat, scratching, and staining. Quartz is a great option for someone who has kids, an active life style and for the hands on cooks out there. Keep in mind there are some manufacturers of quartz that offer a “honed” or matte finish that does require maintenance and special care. Quartz was known for their speckled, uniform look but has now moved into colors with some movement. The Cambria company however, has the secret recipe; they are able to mimic the granite and marble look their colors. They are personally one of my favorite for working outside of the box. I recommend you come to the showroom to see them in person, you will be amazed!
Quartz is 93% crushed quartz stone mixed with 7% of resins and binders that hold it together. Because of the unique mix, the quartz slabs are non-porous making them maintenance free. Quartz does not need to be sealed and is the most resistant to heat, scratching, and staining. Quartz is a great option for someone who has kids, an active life style and for the hands on cooks out there. Keep in mind there are some manufacturers of quartz that offer a “honed” or matte finish that does require maintenance and special care. Quartz was known for their speckled, uniform look but has now moved into colors with some movement. The Cambria company however, has the secret recipe; they are able to mimic the granite and marble look their colors. They are personally one of my favorite for working outside of the box. I recommend you come to the showroom to see them in person, you will be amazed!
Zodiaq-Toasted Almond Cambria-Bellingham
Now the question you all are waiting for … price difference?
The two materials are not apples to apples and have a price variance in just their own category. Generally they are similar in pricing. Granite pricing will depend on some variables: What size is the slab? Where was the granite quarried? Is it a common color? And where are you purchasing it from? Quartz will also depend on the slab size, color and manufacturer. The real question is who is installing? It is very important that the surfaces are installed by licensed, professional, experienced, certified fabricator/installer. If not installed properly the countertop may crack. Kitchen Mart employees are all of the above and more. If either of these options are something you would be interested in, give us a call to schedule a consultation or stop by one of the showrooms and we would be happy to help you.
I hope this information gives you a good idea of the main differences. Please comment if there are any questions you would like me to answer as the stone world is large.
Look for my posting on Corian soon to come!
