Everyone likes a smooth and attractive kitchen countertop that is easy to maintain and clean. As both granite and quartz make a great choice for counter tops, you will need to understand the finer points of both to make a clear and informed decision. While granite is a natural stone, quartz is a man-made material and both have their own uses and advantages which make them popular among builders and homeowners. They also have some disadvantages that cannot be overlooked. Keep reading to learn more about them. You can check our article about how are granite countertops made.
Pros and Cons of Granite
Granite is quarried from the earth as large stone blocks and then cut and polished into slabs of different sizes for use in different parts of a building. This countertop is not for people who like uniformity of color as they are natural stones and are inconsistent in terms of color when compared to quartz.
Pros
- Granite countertops are more durable than quartz and can break or chip if abused but if handled with care they can last for a lifetime.
- Granite countertops are a little more expensive than quartz and will increase the overall value of your home.
- Maintaining granite slabs is relatively an easy task. You will just need put in a little care and follow the regular cleaning regimen to keep it dust and stain free.
Cons
- While dark colors hide the seams of quartz countertops you cannot expect a similar miracle with granite as these stones cannot hide their seams.
- Granite slabs have to be sealed in before use and this procedure has to be ideally renewed every year.
Pros and Cons of Quartz
Quartz countertops are made from a mix of crushed quartz stone and resin which is used to bind the quartz together.
Pros
- These slabs are made in a wide variety of colors and designs so you can coordinate kitchen and bathroom décor with them.
- Quartz is more flexible than granite which makes it easier to manage during installation.
- It does not require any sealing as it is non porous. It is stronger and more durable in comparison to granite.
- As these are stain resistant, food and drink stains can be easily removed.
Cons
- The biggest drawback of quartz countertops is that they tend to get discolored when exposed to direct sunlight over a period of time.
- As quartz is heavier than granite it needs to be installed by an expert as it can lead to chipping and cracking in the seams.
When you are out shopping for kitchen countertops, be sure to keep these points in mind to make the best decision for you and your home.