As homeowners look to add quartz or granite countertops to their kitchen or bathroom, they may be uncertain which material would make the best choice. While both natural and engineered stones, these two materials differ considerably in various aspects. Granite is often seen as adding value to homes while remaining heat sensitive requiring ongoing maintenance; quartz is seen as being more resilient yet still customizable to individual tastes and lifestyles.
To determine which countertop material best meets your needs, it's important to choose between quartz and granite based on personal preferences and budget. Quartz tends to be less costly than its granite counterpart while offering similar aesthetic appeal that many homeowners are after.
One key distinction between granite and quartz surfaces is their respective sealing needs; granite requires periodic sealing due to being naturally porous material which must be protected against staining by sealants available at home improvement stores and can easily be applied by homeowners themselves to keep countertops looking their best.
Another striking difference between granite and quartz countertop materials is their colors. While granite comes in an assortment of hues, quartz can be manufactured to almost match any hue imaginable - this is due to being man-made using natural stone mixed with resins and pigments.
Customize your quartz countertop to match your current kitchen decor or choose from an array of unique designs and textures available in quartz. It comes with patterns and striations options that can enhance the design aesthetic or create striking visual statements.
Both granite and quartz are highly heat resistant materials that can withstand regular usage; however, granite may rank slightly lower on the heat resistance scale than quartz due to sudden temperature shifts being exposed to sudden temperature shifts and cracking due to sudden temperature change exposure. Quartz on the other hand is non-porous material which makes it extremely resilient against both damage from heat sources as well as regular wear and tear.
One final difference between granite and quartz countertops is their radioactive content. While this may cause concern among some homeowners who prefer natural surfaces for their countertops, the Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that any trace amounts are unlikely to cause health concerns. Quartz does not contain these radioactive elements and thus is more hygienic option for countertops.
