Choosing Quartz or Granite for Your Countertops
High quality countertop surfaces made from quartz or granite, offer a dramatic statement to virtually any room. If you are building a new home or are considering an update to your kitchen counters, island, bath vanities or bar tops, you are sure to be considering either quartz or granite countertops. These popular countertop surfaces are not only the most desirable options, they are also your most durable options.
Granite countertops are made up from two of the hardest minerals found on earth - quartz & feldspar. Because of these two minerals, granite countertops offer outstanding durability. The resistance to scratching is largely dependent upon the hardness of the minerals that actually make up the stone. In most granite rocks, the primary minerals quartz and feldspar, account for about 90 % of the granite rock itself. Both quartz and feldspar rate between a 6 and 7 on the Moh’s hardness scale. Unlike any man made material, polished granite offers depth, clarity and movement. Hundreds of granite colors are available in thousands of variations. Many popular granite colors are consistent, but not all. In fact, close to 50% of the granite slabs sold are stones that are considered “exotic granites”. These granite colors tend to offer the most variation and movement within the slab. Countertops made from granite are resistant to heat, scratching, staining and chips. In the unlikely event that your granite gets a scratch, stain or chip, it can be repaired by a qualified stone fabricator. Granite can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Quartz countertops are known as “Engineered Stone” countertops. These countertops are also made from one of the hardest minerals on earth “quartz”. With quartz representing approximately 93% of the engineered stone (the balance is color and resin), these countertops are also very durable and can be similar in nature to granite. Quartz countertops have a wide selection of colors available including the look of marble, limestone and concrete, but offer much more durablility. Quartz countertops also offer colors that mother nature does not offer. One of the key benefits of an engineered stone countertop is the level of consistency a customer should expect. The sample colors you look at are pretty much what you should see upon delivery. Quartz countertops offer resistance against scratching, staining and chipping. Quartz countertops can be used in most indoor applications but cannot be used outdoors.
As a supplier, fabricator and installer of both quartz countertops and granite countertops, we do not believe one surface is better than the other. Depending on the look you desire, layout of the kitchen and budget you are working with, both quartz and granite surfaces offer consumers a durable surface that is sure to bring a lifetime of satisfaction.
