Remodeling your kitchen and are on the lookout for the best in countertops? Chances are that granite and quartz are two options that you are carefully considering. While granite has been a preferred option with home owners for a while now, quartz too is making its mark in the market and is rapidly gaining ground. Here are a few factors to consider while choosing between the two.
Origin
Granite is a natural stone that is quarried and customized to your kitchen countertop. While there is a preparation process that each slab goes through, the stone itself remains as natural as possible and is free of any chemicals that you are bound to find in a manmade stone. A manufactured quartz countertop, on the other hand, is made from a mixture of broken down quartz, resin and colorant.
Appearance
Since granite is picked from nature, you may not be able to choose a countertop that is customized to the exact color that you would like for your kitchen. Yet, granite today offers enough variety to satisfy a customer’s needs. On the other hand, quartz can be manufactured to match the shade that you are looking out for. But do remember that if quartz is subjected to direct sunlight, it may cause a discoloration in the stone.
Durability
Whatever your choice may be, both, granite and quartz are durable and if treated right can easily last you a lifetime. Both stones can easily handle everyday use and only require a bit of maintenance to avoid any wear and tear.
Maintenance
Once the granite has been processed for your countertop, it will have to be sealed in order to preserve the integrity of the stone. The sealant takes just a few extra minutes and ensures that your stone retains its sheen. Experts also recommend that since granite is a porous stone it will be best if you seal the stone every ten years to avoid stains and eliminate the possibility of bacterial growth. On the other hand, since quartz is a non-porous stone there is very little chance for stains to become permanent and for any bacterial growth to fester.
Cost
Natural stones cost much less then quartz. However it depends on the look you are looking for and it is a onetime investment. When it comes to cost and that it boils down to what you prefer as a kitchen countertop.