Call nowYour kitchen is the heart of your home. From brewing steamy cups of coffee to preparing home-cooked meals, days start and end in the kitchen. It should be a place where people want to spend time. If your décor and design leave much to be desired and you’re ready to take on a kitchen renovation project, you will eventually encounter the choice between quartz vs granite countertops.
So let’s take some legwork out of your research and explore quartz vs. granite countertops pros and cons, so you can determine which option is best for you.
Quartz vs Granite Countertops
- Quartz countertops are considered “engineered” stone.
- Granite countertops are natural stone slabs.
- Quartz is less porous than granite, as it has resin baked into its composition.
- Granite is more porous than quartz, and needs to be resealed regularly.
- Quartz countertops are man-made and designs are printed on a resin surface.
- Granite countertops have natural intricacies and nuances that cannot be replicated.
Appearance: A Stone’s Throw Away
People have always desired the beauty of natural stone. The ancient Greeks and Romans chose marble for their architecture and art due to its appeal. Today, crystalline quartz and slabs of granite are sourced from distant lands, to dress modern floors, countertops, and backsplashes.
While they may look similar from afar, quartz and granite countertops are vastly different in composition.
Quartz countertops look like natural stone, but the patterns and coloring are more uniform. They are created by combining crushed quartz crystals with resin, pigments, and other synthetic materials. Quartz countertops can have specific designs printed directly on its surface. Quartz is also available in solid colors with little to no pattern.
In regards to the quartz vs. granite debate, the man-made aspect of quartz countertops can be seen as either a selling point – totally customizable, or a drawback – lacking the charm of natural granite.
Care: More than a Pet Rock
Granite countertops are porous, meaning they require a bit more upkeep than the alternative engineered option. Caring for granite countertops seems to be a mysterious pain point for some, when, in reality, they just need warm soap and water.
Granite countertops need to be resealed every year to help prevent stains and bacteria. Quartz countertops do not need to be repeatedly resealed, as the resinous coating is part of its structure. Be sure to take into account your habits when deciding between quartz or granite countertops.
Style Census: People Crave the Modern Look
Now more than ever people are grabbing their tool belts – or wallets – and tackling major home renovation projects. Rolls of carpet and discarded formica sheets line residential streets, leaving nosy neighbors feeling a bit like they need to step up to keep up with the Jones’.
If you’ve decided now is the right time to renovate your kitchen you wouldn’t be alone. Bank of America polled 1,054 Americans about their attitudes and shopping habits during the pandemic and found that just over 70% have decided to tackle home improvement projects.
A recent study conducted by Senior Economist George Ratiu at realtor.com, shows that, out of all things that homeowners and homebuyers are looking for in a new home, an updated kitchen ranks second on the list.
Installing new cabinets and countertops will completely transform the look and feel of a kitchen. Both quartz and granite countertops have a natural allure that adds a modern, updated look to any space.
The Final Faceoff: Quartz vs Granite
Much like everything else in life, both quartz and granite countertops have their pros and cons. The choice between quartz vs. granite countertops depends entirely on your lifestyle, your willingness to maintain the natural choice, and your budget. The right choice is the one that is more suited to your home and your habits.
Affordable Granite Concepts is a premier granite installation and fabrication company located in Altamonte Springs. We offer one of the biggest selections of granite, quartz, and natural stone to the Orlando area at our 12,000 square foot showroom. We prioritize satisfaction, quality, and timeliness. Our ultra-fast granite fabrication process for custom granite countertops takes only 3-business days. If you’re in Central Florida, you can count on us to make your vision come to life at the best price!
