Explore Kitchen’s Tysons office, by appointment only
4 Factors That Separate Quartz Countertops From Granite Countertops and Vice Versa
Kitchen remodeling can be a time-consuming, tedious project. There is so much that goes into it to ensure you get the design you imagined. One of the most significant aspects of the design is the countertops. After all, along with the backsplash, countertops can be a huge focal point of the room.
There are many choices of countertops designs and styles, but the two most popular are granite and quartz. If you like the idea of both but can’t decide which one is better for your kitchen design, take a look at the four differences the countertops have from one another. These differences include:
Presentation (Appearance)
Eco-Friendly (Environmentally-Safe)
Durability (Strength)
Maintenance (Preservation)
How do the factors of these measure up for both granite and quartz countertops?
A Look At The Four Factors With Granite Countertops
Presentation (Appearance)
These countertops are unlike any other you’ll see on the market. How is that? The material comes from the igneous rock of molten lava deep within the earth. They are the result of erupting volcanoes that spew lava. As the lava cools down, it creates an array of unique patterns. No two granite countertops are going to be the same because of this process.
On top of that, the mineral composition is different.
Granite certainly has many choices in designs and styles, so you’re bound to find something you like. They are often considered the most beautiful of all countertops on the market.
Eco-Friendly (Environmentally-Safe)
When looking for a countertop, do you want something that is both beautiful and eco-friendly? If so, then look no further than granite countertops. After all, it’s made of natural materials (obviously being that it comprises of cold molten lava rock). Attaining the stone is an exhaustive process, which uses a plethora of energy and takes time.
Durability (Strength)
A countertop must be sturdy and robust to hold up to the blows, poundings, cuts, scratches, and more it’ll be subjected to.
The chemical composition of granite is quartz and feldspar, aiding in the countertop’s durability. This composition helps to ensure two things: the countertop will be heat-resistant and can withstand all types of environmental elements. Granite is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms because it holds up well under extreme temperature differences.
Maintenance (Preservation)
Granite is naturally porous, which means if you don’t address spills immediately, the stains become a part of the countertop. For your granite countertops to look their best, you need to apply sealant every year to them.
A Look At The Four Factors With Quartz Countertops
Presentation (Appearance)
There is a more uniform appearance behind quartz countertops (compared to granite), offering up clean, simple designs for your countertops. In the past, quartz countertops were only offered with a polished finish. Today, you have your choice of glossy, matte, and textured finishes.
Quartz is another natural stone, which means the patterns, swirls, and flecks will not be the same in the countertops. When it comes to hues, you have your choice of whites with light grey, roses, grays, earth tones, etc. There are a plethora of colors to pick from in quartz countertops that you will find something that complements the kitchen cabinets and fixtures.
Eco-Friendly (Environmentally-Safe)
Quartz has a 93/7 natural/synthetic makeup. Quartz countertops are often engineered using leftover stone by-products, which means there’s no need to mine for it. If you don’t mind lab-produced, quartz countertops are the way to go.
Durability (Strength)
What makes quartz a top contender is its strength. It has no markings within it that can lead to the formation of cracks. Since it’s 95 percent ground quartz and contains resins in it, it’s a very durable stone surface that can withstand a fair amount of pressure upon it.
Maintenance (Preservation)
Quartz countertop maintenance is excellent because it’s a non-porous material. You don’t have to worry about bacteria growing on the surface, and it’s stain-resistant even with regular spills. You can clean the countertops quickly and easily and keep bacteria-causing infections at bay.
These countertops are also resistant to heat, cuts, and scratches. Best of all, there is no need to worry about yearly sealants, as you would granite countertops.
Explore provides MSI Surfaces kitchen and bath countertops
Unable To Decide? Turn To The Experts!
If you’re still unable to decide between quartz countertops and granite countertops and live in any Northern Virginia communities, reach out to a highly-knowledgeable company like Explore Kitchens to help you make the right decision for your kitchen remodeling process.
Jason Kidwell, the owner/operator of Explore Kitchens.com and owner of Explore Granite and Quartz of McLean, Va., has extensive knowledge in the kitchen remodeling business. As a business owner and general contractor for cities such as Alexandria, Arlington, Centreville, Fairfax, Falls Church, Great Falls, McLean, Oakton, and Vienna, he and his team can help you pick out the best new kitchen flooring, new countertops, new cabinets, backsplash and backsplash mosaics.
Explore Kitchen and Bath and ExploreKitchens.com and Explore Granite & Quartz is a Class A general contractor and kitchen remodeler in northern Virginia. When it comes to Google search for “kitchen remodelers near me,” they don’t come any better than ExploreKitchens.com. Call or email them today at 703-962-7510 or info@explorekitchens.com
Start your kitchen renovation process now.
Join the Explore Kitchens email newsletter by texting EXPLOREKITCHENS to 22828
Explore our blog. Explore First.
How to Adapt Your home for aging in place
