Granite or Quartz Countertops?
Which is right for you?
Countertops can be the most eye-catching conversation starter for friends and family home gatherings. They set the overall tone of a room as a stunning centerpiece to balance the room. Let's be honest; selecting the right countertop for your home can seem a little overwhelming. At Crossville Wholesale Carpet & Floors, we want to make the process as exciting and stress-free as possible. So, today we will discuss a few pros and cos to consider when deciding whether granite or quartz countertops are best for your home.
What's the difference? Granite countertops are naturally quarried from the earth as enormous chunks of stone. Once excavated, the chunk is sliced and polished into slabs shaped for countertops. Quartz countertops are a mix of crushed quartz and resin allowing them to be manufactured in a multitude of different patterns and colors. The main difference, in the base, is granite is not changed in color or pattern, only shape, after taken from the earth. Quartz can be manufactured to meet a specific look.
Now that we have discussed the main difference between the quartz and granite, what are the pros and cons? With granite, it is important to know that the samples you see in the store may not be a perfect representation of what you will actually receive. Of course your slab will be similar, but if you selected a granite top because you liked the pattern of the sample, you must keep in mind the difference the actual product may have. Each cut is unique to each stone meaning you may get more or less veining, color and movement. One of the pros of choosing granite is its durability. Since this is a natural stone from the earth, it is extremely durable. A major consideration to granite is its seal. Granite countertops must be sealed every year. Sealing the granite is what makes it stain resistant. Many customers only seal their granite countertops every three years, but it is highly recommended each year. The last major consideration is the seams of a granite countertop cannot be hidden. With granite, the natural veins and colors in the stone will never allow the seams to "disappear". However, Crossville Wholesale Carpet & Floors has partnered with a fabrication company who has invested in the best possible imaging technology to match the seams.
Quartz is a mixture of crushed quartz and resin which allows it to have a manufactured style. In comparison to granite, the samples you see of quartz in the store will be more exact to what you will receive. In the realm of durability, quartz is quite comparable to the natural strength of granite so you are not sacrificing much between the two in that category. Where the maintenance of the seal of granite was a consideration, it's a pro for quartz. Quartz is non-porous and does not require any sealing - ever! This also adds to the pros of being stain resistant; the seal means that there is only a need for a quick clean up over spilled milk; no tears! The principal consideration for quartz would be the possibility of discoloration over time. If there is a significant amount of sunlight coming in where the quartz countertops will be installed, the color may change after constant exposure. Our last comparison is the seam in the quartz countertops. You can expect to see seams with a quartz counter, but they will be less visible if you choose a slab that's darker in color. The seams are generally easier to hide when you choose quartz because the counter has been colored and manufactured. The installation process of granite and quartz are quite similar. Both measurements must be an exact fit to the cabinets and custom fabricated to fit. Both materials are extremely heavy and cumbersome. Any damage to the surface is nearly impossible to correct on the jobsite as large, specialized machinery is required. The installation process is tedious and must be completed by professionals to ensure the quality of the install and the warranty of the material.
If you have found yourself leaning towards the quartz countertop choice, here are a few facts about the brands we carry and some information on the cleaning process. There are two major brands for the quartz countertops; the first one is Caesarstone. Caesarstone offers two finishes for their quartz countertops; polished and honed. A polished finish has a shine and gloss look whereas the honed finish is a matte look. As for the cleaning of Caesarstone brand of quartz they recommend in most cases, soap and water or a mild detergent. If necessary, apply common, non-abrasive, household cleaners such as Soft Scrub Liquid Gel with Bleach directly on a damp cloth or sponge and wipe the surface, rinsing thoroughly after cleaning. To remove adhered material such as food, gum, or nail polish, first scrape away the excess material with a plastic putty knife and then clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any marks left behind and any residual dirt. They do caution that honed finishes will require more daily maintenance than the polished finishes. Since there is more exposed surface area with these finishes, metal marks, fingerprints and other signs of daily living will show on these materials. They still recommend using the same products, just more frequently.
The second brand is Cambria. The main difference in these two brands is the cleaning recommendations. Cambria is quite the opposite from Caesarstone in their cleaning process. Cambria explains do not use or expose Cambria to such products, including, but not limited to, bleach, oven cleaners, Comet®, Soft Scrub®, S.O.S.® pads, products with pumice, batteries, paint removers, furniture strippers, tarnish or silver cleaners, or the like. Do not use abrasive or harsh scrub pads. Do not apply any sealers, penetrants or topical treatments to Cambria under any circumstances. Such products will wear off and cause the gloss to appear dull or inconsistent.
Both granite and quartz countertops are an elegant addition to any home. They both make lovely countertops and there may be more one to capture your eye. Some people prefer the look of granite more than quartz because granite has a natural earthy aspect to it. Others prefer the sleek, uniform look of quartz. The great news is that you can never go wrong by choosing either one. In our showroom, you can view all of the available tops and backsplash options we have to offer. We hope this information has helped in the decision-making process and above all, enjoy your beautiful new countertops!
By the way, Danny Ferguson is our countertop expert here at Crossville Wholesale Carpet & Floors. We are offering granite and quartz. Danny has a section of the showroom showcasing the new color selections. Please stop in and take a look at our selection when you are in town.
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