You’re at the point in your remodeling project where you’re picking out materials and need to choose a countertop. As we all know, the countertop is an essential piece in the overall feel of your project. So, how do you decide which material is right for your project?
There are several countertop options available, including but not limited to: laminate, concrete, solid and stone surfaces. In this post, we will outline the pros and cons of two stone options, granite and quartz.
As you’re reading this, keep in mind the function and purpose of the room you’re remodeling, the function the countertop will serve and what your overall design vision is. Keeping those things in the forefront of your mind, should help you in your decision making process. Okay, let’s get to it!
There are two basic categories stone surfaces fall into, which are natural or engineered. Granite is a natural stone and is excavated directly from the earth in large blocks. It is indeed, 100% natural. These large blocks are then fabricated, or cut in different sizes and then polished. Quartz however, is referred to as an engineered stone because it goes through a manufacturing process which mixes various grades and sizes of quartz crystals with resin and color. Typically the ratio is 93% quartz to 7% resin. After the mixing process, the countertop is ready to be cut, profiled and then polished.
The Pros of Granite
- Granite is 100% natural. There are no other elements being incorporated with this stone. What comes out of the ground is what you get.
- Granite is strong and extremely durable, but not as strong as quartz.
- Your granite countertop will be one-of-a-kind and unique to you, meaning not a single person will have the same piece.
The Cons of Granite
- Granite countertops need to be sealed, as the surface tends to be porous.
- It’s important to remember that because no two pieces of granite are the same, what you see online and what you see at a granite yard will vary. Think of granite as piece of art, it is as unique as your new kitchen!
- Granite seams are visible, so it’s important to hire a professional installer who will keep these traits in mind. If your stone has veins or directional movement in the pattern, expect that to be a permanent characteristic of your countertop.
The Pros of Quartz
- Quartz is extremely durable, but not indestructible. Quartz is one of the strongest materials on the planet, which makes it extremely durable and able to withstand most unlikely accidents.
- Quartz is non-porous, so it doesn’t need to be sealed. It is also stain resistant, making it easy to maintain and clean.
- The color selection of Quartz is uniform. What you see in the store or online is what you can expect to see once your countertop is installed in your house.
The Cons of Quartz
- Quartz doesn’t do well with extreme exposure to sunlight. That being said, it would be a bad idea to have a Quartz countertop outside or in an area of your house which is prone to UVA rays. If you expose quartz to sunlight over a long period of time you can expect discoloration. No need to apply Aloe Vera, at that point, what’s done is done.
- If you’re seam averse, choose a slab that has more pattern. Solid colors tend to highlight the seams, while patterns tend to disguise them.
In the end, always be true to your vision and what you are hoping to achieve. Be mindful that each room and project will serve a different function and just because your neighbors did it a certain way, doesn’t mean that’s also the best option for you.
If you’re still unsure about which countertop is best, our designers are always happy to help and narrow down your choices. They are well informed and well versed in the pros and cons of each stone.
Happy remodeling!
-Written by Design Assistant, Mimi Janotka
