When it comes to designing or remodelling your kitchen or bathroom, choosing the perfect countertop can be a difficult, time-consuming task given the variety of materials available. After all, you want something durable, unique and easy to maintain.
Stone countertops have been popular in kitchens and bathrooms for many years as they are durable and elegant. The most commonly used stones are quartz and granite, but they are also two of the most debated about by interior designers and homeowners as both have benefits and drawbacks.
If you can’t make up your mind, keep reading to find out whether a quartz or granite countertop is more suitable for your space and lifestyle.
The Difference Between Quartz and Granite
When looking for a beautiful and durable countertop material, granite and quartz are both great choices but they differ. Let’s find out how.
What is quartz?
Quartz is an engineered material made of approximately 93% ground-up quartz and 7% resins, pigments and polymers that bind the material. This results in a hard and durable surface that stands up well to kitchen wear and tear. Its appearance depends mostly on how finely the quartz is ground up. The coarser the material, the more flecked its appearance; the more finely ground, the smoother the look.
What is granite?
Granite is an igneous rock that forms underground when molten magma solidifies before it reaches the earth’s surface. Since cooling takes place over millions of years, there are distinct crystal patterns. These crystals vary in size because different areas of the rock cool at varying rates. Granite gets its colours from changing proportions of minerals present in the stone. Sodium feldspar, quartz and potassium feldspar are the main components that create salmon-pink or whitish-pink and grey tones. Brown and black tones are added with biotite; muscovite creates yellow; and amphibole, green or black tones.
● Durability and Appearance
There are some visual differences between granite and quartz countertops, with certain homeowners preferring the former’s unique and natural look. Granite’s colours are typically grouped into 10 categories: black, beige, blue, burgundy, brown, green, gray, red, white and yellow. The darker ones tend to be more popular, but the lighter shades can help open up your kitchen or bathroom. Or you may prefer the range of patterns and colours available in quartz countertops. Since quartz is an engineered stone, manufacturers can easily imitate the appearance of natural stones such as marble or granite.
If you’re looking for a stone kitchen countertop, granite resists chips and cracks like few other materials. However, since quartz is artificial, it is more resilient against damage.
● Stain Resistance
The resin, polymers and pigments in quartz countertops seal the material and effectively repel stains. Spills, however, should be cleaned up promptly as they can leave behind a stain.
Similarly, granite countertops need to be sealed annually to make them less prone to stains as they can absorb the colour of liquids like coffee and wine. Your best bet is to clean up spills right away.
● Price Range
Granite is slightly more expensive than quartz, depending on the pattern and colour.
● Repair and Maintenance
If sealed annually, granite countertops are resistant to stains . Minor scratches can be filled with a similarly-coloured resin or epoxy, while large cracks should be dealt with professionally to prevent irreparable damage.
Quartz, being an engineered material, is nonporous which prevents the absorption of liquids of varying densities. This means it doesn’t need to be resealed. But repairing damaged quartz can be tricky and needs to be done by professionals.
Even after considering the advantages and drawbacks of granite and quartz countertops, it can be difficult to decide which is more suitable. A better way is to think about where the countertop will be installed and how it will be used. For instance, granite’s porosity may allow mould and mildew to grow on it in bathrooms whereas its heat resistance makes it ideal for kitchens. On the other hand, quartz’s low tolerance for heat may lead to damage when used in the kitchen but its water-resistance makes it a good choice in bathrooms. It comes down to your preferences and how much time and money you’re willing to invest in its care and maintenance.
