Granite Vs Quartz For Your Kitchen Countertops: Which is Best?
July 26, 2017There are a number of components of a home that can ignite a debate among homeowners, and the type of countertop material is one of them. For years now, granite has been the material of choice as it has gone down in price and has become much more affordable for the average homeowner, not to mention the fact that it is gorgeous and instills an element of luxury in a kitchen space.
But quartz is quickly becoming a hot material for counters, and more and more homeowners are opting for this material over granite. The question is, which one is better for your kitchen countertops?
What is Quartz?
Unlike granite, quartz is not a 100% natural material. Instead, these kitchen countertops are made using 95% ground natural quartz and 5% polymer resins. Granite, on the other hand, is entirely natural and is mined from quarries all across the globe. It is then cut down to a specific size then polished to a fine finish.
quartz sample – Wilsonart Q4024
The Look
Granite comes in several colours and patterns because of how it is formed. There’s almost no limit to the type of colour and pattern combination to granite, making it very versatile and easy to match with your kitchen colours and decor. No two granite slabs are the same, which makes it easy to create a unique look for your space.
Quartz is also a lovely material that can heighten the appearance of your kitchen, which is why it has become so popular. It looks like natural stone while also allowing you to customize your design.
quartz sample
Cost
Granite and quartz are comparable in price, though quartz can sometimes be more expensive than granite in certain circumstances. The average cost of granite countertops is anywhere between $2,000 to $4,000, while the average cost of quartz countertops is around $1,500 to $5,500. While you might be able to do some of the initial work yourself to save money with either material, they will require professional installation.
Maintenance
Granite needs to be cleaned every day with a mild cleaner or just some soap and water. Certain liquids can stain the granite, so it’s important to be very careful with spills lingering for a while. Ideally, granite should be stained annually to maintain its integrity. Quartz will also need to be cleaned every day, but because it’s a solid surface, it does not require annual sealing to maintain it.
granite sample
Which Kitchen Countertops Should You Choose?
Both granite and quartz offer plenty of perks for the modern kitchen, making it tough to choose one over the other. If you need some help making these tough design decisions for your kitchen, book a consultation with Hope Designs! We will walk you through the process of designing a kitchen from scratch or simply redesigning your existing space in order to create the ideal kitchen for your home!