When you’re choosing a countertop, there are many different
materials from which to choose. Do you go with tile, butcher block, stainless
steel, natural stone, or something else? If you’ve settled on stone, though,
you may still be in a quandary, stuck between granite and quartz. Here, we
offer a rundown on the two stones, to help you make your decision.
- First, how are granite and quartz countertops
actually made? Granite is a natural stone, quarried and cut into slabs that
are then polished and fabricated to make countertops. Quartz countertops, on
the other hand, are not made from quarried stone, but from a composite of natural
quartz and other minerals.
- Do they look significantly different? Granite, because it’s a natural stone, has different mineral patterns and
colors, and each countertop is unique. Quartz is more uniform in appearance
because it’s an engineered stone. Some quartz countertops look like granite,
but there are many different colors and patterns, some of which don’t look like
granite at all.
- Which one is more expensive? Granite is
typically slightly more expensive, but prices vary depending on the source of
the countertops. Both granite and quartz are premium materials, and not low-budget
options. If you are improving your kitchen in order to sell your home, either
one of these materials will add more value than cheaper countertops like
laminate or ceramic tile.
- Are they DIY friendly? Neither quartz nor
granite countertops are good candidates for do-it-yourself projects unless the
counter you’re working with is very small. Both materials are very heavy, and
if you’re spending the money for pricey countertops, it only makes sense to
have them installed to avoid the risk of damage.
- Which one is sturdier and easier to maintain? While both quartz and granite are very durable, quartz is a lower-maintenance
material. Unlike granite, quartz doesn’t need to be sealed, and it’s unlikely
to crack, as well as being resistant to stains and bacteria.
- Which is better for the environment? Granite and quartz are both made of natural materials, but granite is slightly
more eco-friendly because it’s a completely natural material. On the other
hand, it does require quarrying, while quartz is essentially made of
byproducts.
No matter which
stone you choose, a beautiful countertop begins the right company sourcing and
installing it. A well-established natural and engineered stone fabricator and
installer, United Granite has been serving
Virginia, Maryland, DC, and New Jersey for 22 years. Our 4 fabrication shops, 4 slab yards, and 1
showroom, as well as our extensive stone inventory, allow United Granite to
produce the highest quality countertops, with the most natural stone color
selections combined with the shortest lead time in the industry. We’ve got
locations in Chantilly, Alexandria, or Fredericksburg, Virginia; if you’re
looking for professional service, quality workmanship, and the highest level of
customer satisfaction possible, visit our website or email us for more information.