When choosing a product for your countertops in your home and office, there are several options. The two that stand out above the rest are quartz and granite. Choosing either one would be considered a popular choice, but although both are technically stone, there are some key differences between the two.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral on the planet and has been used to design kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas for decades. Quartz is mined and ground into an aggregate fused with resin and other synthetic materials. It is generally made up of ninety percent quartz and ten percent resin. Quartz is considered an engineered stone.
What is Granite?
Granite is a naturally occurring rock formed deep beneath the earth’s crust over millions of years when magma or lava cools and solidifies under heavy pressure. The slow cooling process of intense heat makes a strong and dense material. Granite contains several minerals, of which quartz, feldspar, and mica are the three main components.
Appearance
No two granite countertops look the same, and this choice has a very organic appearance. Each slab has a slightly different pattern and color, providing the consumer with a limitless selection. Granite is a solid choice if you are looking for something that will stand out and offer a unique element to your kitchen or bathroom. Depending on the size of the area you are placing your granite, you may require slabs to seam together. Due to the variations found in granite, seams may be less visible than other surface options.
On the other hand, quartz countertops have a more uniform appearance. It has the look of stone but allows consumers to customize their product. Some feel that the uniform appearance lacks the charm of granite, but this option can meet those who would prefer not to see the natural flaws that exist with granite. Quartz countertops also offer a wide range of color options produced with little to no pattern. If your counter area requires a long span, you may need to seam together multiple pieces of quartz. Continental uses a unique Invisa-Seam process. With this process, we are able to minimize unsightly separations in the countertops, giving them a more seamless look.
Durability
Granite countertops are incredibly durable and resistant to heat and other kitchen elements. However, granite is very porous and can absorb stains from oils, wine, and other common kitchen liquids. The porous nature of granite requires sealing the countertop upon installation then periodically sealing on an ongoing basis. You can cut directly on granite without worrying about scratching the surface, but be aware that the stone will dull knives; therefore, always using a cutting board is suggested.
Quartz is harder than granite and also very durable. Quartz is not porous like granite, so not as easily stained and relatively bacteria-free. You will want to be cautious as excessive heat can damage the surface. Be sure to use trivets or hot pads when placing hot items on your countertops. Quartz does not require sealing, thanks to the resins used in the fabrication process.
Maintenance
Both materials are relatively simple to care for. Granite and quartz countertops should be cleaned daily with soap and water or a mild ecological cleaning product. Granite will need to be sealed yearly to resist stains and bacteria. Quartz does not need to be sealed but can sometimes be treated with an antibacterial coating during production.
Sustainability
Both granite and quartz are made of primarily natural materials, granite 100 percent stone, and quartz is roughly around 93 percent stone, with the remainder comprised of color pigments and polymer resin. The production process of natural granite produces fewer carbon emissions than quartz; however, granite requires the product to be quarried, which takes a considerable amount of energy. You must also consider the transportation involved in purchasing a granite slab from an international supplier. You can also look for indigenous stone or consider using a piece of granite that can be cut to fit your needs.
Cost
Granite and quartz are an investment and can sometimes make up a more significant portion of your budget when designing a kitchen or bathroom. Depending on where you are looking to purchase your granite or quartz, you will find that generally, they are priced similarly. Granite, however, tends to have a broader variation in price. Installation of granite countertop pricing can range from $49 to $175 per square foot. Pricing can depend on the style, edging, and treatments. Quartz countertops range from $65 to $150 per square foot, installed. Once again, pricing varies depending on style, edging, and treatment as well.
Whether you choose granite or quartz for your countertops, you will undoubtedly create a wow factor in your home or office. Granite and quartz are premium materials that will add value to your home or business.
Give us a call at 386.586.7059, fill out our contact form, or stop by the showroom at 5950 S. US HWY 1, Bunnell, FL 32110 to start the process of bringing your dream space to life. Also, be sure to check us out on social media for more inspiration! We’re on Facebook and Instagram!
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Continental Granite & Cabinets offers our clients a wide variety of custom fabrication needs, such as countertops, fireplaces, stairs, wall cladding, flooring, bars, furniture pieces, custom trim and much more. We also offer a wide range of products to make such creations such as Granite, Marble, Onyx, Travertine, Silestone, Cambria, Caesarstone, Corian Quartz, etc. Continental Granite & Cabinets is proud to be a family-owned and operated business and treats its customers as if they were one of their own. We’re located in Bunnell, Florida, just 6 miles Northwest of Destination-Daytona in Ormond Beach, Florida, serving all of Central Florida and beyond. We believe our relationship with our customers lasts much longer than the current project we are working with them. To learn more, call us today at 386.586.7059 or fill out our contact form here.
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