Is Quartz or Granite Best For Heavy Use Kitchen Countertops?
Which Is Best For A Working Kitchen, Quartz or Granite Countertops?
When remodeling your kitchen, you'll have many fun decisions to make, including choosing the perfect countertop to meet your functional and aesthetic needs. Your kitchen countertop is a significant element of your design. It's a visual focal point that can add depth and interest to your design, but it also is a major functional element of your kitchen.
If you're looking for a countertop that is durable and beautiful, granite or quartz are both excellent choices. In fact, among homeowners and designers, granite has been coming in as the number one choice in kitchen countertops for years, with quartz close behind. However, recently quartz has overtaken granite as the number one choice among homeowners.
While there are several differences between these materials, the fundamental one is that granite is a natural, mined material, cut by stoneworkers from large deposits and further cut and processed into slabs. Quartz, on the other hand, is a man-made product consisting of 92 to 94% crushed rock mixed with a resin that is then poured into slabs.
So which is best for your kitchen countertop, quartz, or granite? Both materials have pros, cons, and promoters, and critics. The key is to understand the characteristics of each so you can better determine which material best meets your personal needs.
Let's compare engineered quartz and granite's aesthetic, affordability, care, maintenance, and durability to help you make an informed decision.
The Pros and Cons of Granite
Granite is a natural stone formed in the ground under years of intense pressure and heat. It consists mostly of quartz and feldspar along with trace minerals like mica, which give it its unique character and flecked and veined look. The various trace minerals found in the stone are what give it its unique color palette. White and cream are common, but it can also show pink and red variations, as well as darker colors, including black.
Because it is a natural product, every slab is unique, and granite species are found worldwide. Granite's mineral composition is unique to the location where it was mined. For example, Uba Tuba granite from Brazil takes on a darker color hue due to the abundance of mica found there, While Baltic Brown granite is mined in Finland, and Precambrian feldspar gives it its unique brown/black flecked appearance.
Granite looks more natural than engineered stone. It comes in a wide range of colors from the more common off-whites to exotic greens, pinks, reds, blacks, and blues. Each slab has naturally occurring imperfections that make every countertop unique. However, granite tends to show seams more readily than other materials, and only naturally occurring colors are available.
Because granite is a natural stone, it is resilient and durable. If properly cared for, (including periodic re-sealing) a granite countertop can last for decades. Granite resists chipping, cracking and scratching from kitchen implements, but you should always use a cutting board. While it's a durable surface, granite can chip if struck, especially edges and corners. Rounding the edges on counters can help lower this risk.
However, natural stone is a porous material so it can absorb liquids. Spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent staining or bacterial growth. Regular sealing every one to two years can prevent this from occurring.
The Pros and Cons of Quartz
Silicon is the second most abundant material in the earth's crust, and natural quartz is made of crystalized silicon. Engineered quartz is fabricated by taking natural quartz crystals, crushing them, and then binding them with resin. Quartz countertops consist of 92 to 94% crushed stone, so it's exceptionally durable.
The most common colors are white, and cream although adding pigment can offer homeowners a range of attractive colors from a natural marble look to bright greens and reds. High-end manufacturers like Caesarstone and Cambria produce lines of extremely natural-looking countertops. Because quartz is a manufactured product, there is a clean, consistent look throughout, which can also reduce the noticeability of seams. However, over time exposure to direct sunlight can cause the resin in the slab to discolor.
Unlike natural stone, quartz is non-porous, and as a result, it is highly resistant to staining, will not absorb liquid, and it is resistant to bacterial growth. However, liquids or food with heavy dyes, for example, pickled beets, can still stain the surface so any spills should be wiped up quickly.
Engineered quartz is made to be durable and highly resistant to cracking and chipping. Because it uses resins in its manufacture, it is a more flexible material than natural stone, making it less prone to breaking during installation. While quartz is scratch-resistant, it's not scratch-proof, and scratches may be more visible because of the uniformity of the color.
Like granite, quartz, when properly cared for, can last for decades. Unlike granite, quartz is non-porous and never requires sealing or re-sealing. In terms of durability, quartz has the edge over granite.
So... Is Quartz or Granite The Best Choice For a Hard Working Kitchen?
In the end, it really comes down to personal choice. Both materials are similarly priced, have a lifespan of 25-50 years, and are aesthetically beautiful. If you're looking for a countertop that's unique, durable, great looking, and will maintain its look for decades while adding resale value to your home, granite is an excellent choice. While it does require a bit more maintenance than quartz, nothing beats the look of natural stone.
That being said, If you're looking for more variety in terms of color, extreme durability, stain resistance, easy maintenance, and an anti-bacterial surface, then you should consider quartz.
If you're still not sure which countertop is right for you or would like to learn more about your options, give the experts at Stonelink Marble & Granite a call at (508) 393-0720.
We specialize in residential and commercial granite, marble, and quartz countertops, range backsplashes, bathroom vanities, shower walls, fireplace surrounds, and more. If you live in the greater Worcester or Boston MetroWest area, call today or click the button below to schedule a free estimate.