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    Quartz Vs Granite Countertops – Choose Best Option

    There is a large variety of options for countertops, but most people often whittle it down to granite or quartz, mainly because of their durability and easy cleaning. If in case you still are considering your options, we have compared these two options to help you make a more informed decision.
    Quartz countertops are mix of quartz and man-made resin. They are more susceptible to damage from heat than granite but are less likely to stain. Granite is a natural stone that needs to have a sealer applied once a year but it costs less than quartz.

    Round 1: Variety of Options

    Points for granite go to this round because granite is available in wide slabs, it’s common to find slabs more than 70 inches wide. While quartz slabs, on the other hand are usually less than 56 inches wide and seldom wider than 65 inches. Wide slabs are a huge benefit for kitchens with sprawling angles since they usually mean fewer seams. Some home kitchens may need only one granite slab, which can cut costs.

    One of granite’s strengths is, it has a lot of movement in it, from veins, swirls to spots and speckles, this is a drawback for homeowners looking for a not so busy countertop. It’s almost impossible to find granite slabs with clean, simple patterns on it. On the other hand, quartz have consistent clean styles is quartz’s claim to fame. This makes it fit naturally in modern and contemporary kitchens that leans toward function instead of details. It also fits well in traditional spaces that need a clean countertop material to be in synch with other features, such as backsplashes, cabinetry, decor and light fixtures. Points would also have to go to quartz for this round.

    Though this round may look like a tie, I would give this to granite because Quartz slab of the same color have predictable designs and always look the same. You won’t ever have a truly unique countertop when it comes to quartz.

    Round 2: Cost

    Entry-level granite ranges from $35 to $55 per square foot installed, while an entry-level quartz usually costs as much as a level two granite. It’s difficult to find a quartz countertop under $50 per square foot installed. This price difference definitely adds up with larger kitchen designs. This round goes to granite.

    Round 3: Maintenance

    Granite is porous, which means it isn’t resistance to moisture. It is advisable to not let spills and water rings to sit too long because it could stain the material. Because it is porous, you also need to seal it regularly, a task that can become a nuisance for some homeowners. It’s best to reseal your granite countertops every two to five years. While quartz doesn;t require sealing.

    Quart is not porous and can handle exposure to moisture, and most spills won’t require immediate attention. Certain soaps can stain granite, so it is important to be mindful of the detergents used to clean the stone. Quartz is well-equipped to handle most kinds of detergents, and all it takes is soap and water to remove most spills and stains. Quartz does react poorly with certain chemicals, so always make sure to check your countertop manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance guide before using a particular product.

    Though granite isn’t really a high maintenance material, it requires more care as compared to quartz. So this round goes to quartz.

    Round 4: Durability

    Granite is strong. However, it breaks far more easily than quartz does. Breaks usually occur in larger pieces during installation. Though professionals can patch up the cracks of a new slab, or replace it entirely, it’s a hassle that can set your home improvement project back several days to several weeks. Plus, it is heart-wrenching to see an investment of several thousand dollars get split in half.

    Whereas with quartz, you won’t have to worry about it cracking while it is being installed. Though it isn’t totally immune to scratches and stains, but it’s about as stain resistant and scratch-resistant as kitchen countertops get. Because it is an engineered product, it’s nonporous, so common kitchen ingredients won’t stain it. The stuff used during the manufacturing process form strong bonds that aren’t easy to break. Durability goes to quartz.

    Round 5: Environment Friendly

    We, as consumers, are trying to make the best sustainable choices when doing our purchases, including remodeling our home. And there is a lot of energy being used in making and excavating both of these materials. Granite needs to be quarried and then shipped across the world to the manufacturing site, while quartz also needs to be mined to obtain the metal.

    But on the other hand, they are both extremely heavy-duty and can last a lifetime when cared for properly. So if you view it that way, they are sustainable materials that can last the entire lifetime of the home.
    Though many of these products has content that has been recycled and the manufacturing process is more sustainable. The resins, coloring, chemicals, and fillers used alongside the crushed quartz in this material may or may not be environmentally friendly and the dust produced from quartz surfaces can be very dangerous for workers. Some fillers, such as glass, may be recycled, while others may have various drawbacks.

    Conclusion:
    So there’s the blow by blow of quartz vs. granite countertops. Without a doubt, you can’t go wrong with either choice. What’s important is that you make sure you have fun picking out your very own slab and make your home project something that has meaning to you and your family.

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