confer our pathfinder to the pro and cons of granite and lechatelierite to make the best choice for your kitchen needs .
When pick out countertop materials for a kitchen or bathroom , many homeowners favor the facial expression and strength of stone over laminate , roofing tile , or woods . Stone countertop are available in a wide-eyed regalia of unique colour and patterns , and deciding between quartz vs. granite means choosing fromtwo of the most popular materials . Continually a top pick for countertops , granite is a instinctive rock mined from quarries , cut into slabs , and polished before installation . Although vitreous silica also occurs naturally , it ’s consider an direct stone because the surface is manufactured using crush quartz watch crystal compound with pigment and resin for attach . The composite materialreplicates the feel of rude stoneand is grow in popularity as a countertop textile .
Both crystal and granite offer beautiful texture and long - lasting strength for kitchen and bathroom surfaces . If you ’re unsure which is safe for you , use this simple quartz vs. granite guide to help inform your decision . We compare the difference of opinion between crystal and granite in price , appearance , durability , and maintenance to choose the correct countertop cloth for your space and lifestyle .
Credit:(L) Annie Schlechter, (R) Helen Norman
( L ) Annie Schlechter , ( R ) Helen Norman
Appearance of Quartz vs. Granite
As with any fabric , the visual departure between quartz vs. granite are a matter of taste . Some people prefer the innate and unique looking of granite countertop . Granite countertopcolors are typically group into ten basic categories : beige , black , blue , brown , burgundy , grey , green , red , yellow , and white-hot . The most popular choice is black , though lighter spook of granite can open up a kitchen . The least common granite colors are blood-red , aristocratical , and green .
Others like the wider variety of patterns and colors offer by quartz countertops . Because it ’s manmade , quartz glass countertops are usable in radiation pattern that provide the look of high - close marble at a low toll .
Durability of Quartz vs. Granite
Harlan F. Stone countertop are popular in kitchen for a ground . Granite is often cited as the most undestroyable natural countertop material and is known for refuse scissure and chips . However , as a manufactured textile , quartz vs. granite rates slenderly high on the harshness shell and is reasonably more legal injury - immune .
you could make clean both material with balmy soap and water . Gentle dry cleaner are also suitable for quartz countertops , but some all - purpose cleaners might be too harsh for granite . programme to habituate a dry cleaner designed for granite to protect the surface . It ’s best to wipe up spill as presently as they happen to forestall discoloration from forming . lechatelierite countertops are highly resistant to brand , but if they bump , you may typically remove them with glass cleaner and a non - abrasive sponge . polish off granite marks and spots using a granite blot remover that will lift the stain from the control surface without scrubbing .
Maintenance and Repairs for Quartz and Granite Countertops
Because granite is a porous cloth , it must beresealed yearly . With a right Navy SEAL , granite countertop are very insubordinate to dirt . Minor shekels or dings in granite can be filled in with coloring - matching epoxy glue or resin from the dwelling improvement store , but professional installers should amend wisecrack larger than an ice square block .
Quartz countertop are nonporous , which permit the surface to repel coffee , oil , and even solid food coloring without sealing . discredited quartz is cunning to repair and should always be done by a professional , which could increase vitreous silica countertops ' overall price .
Installation and Price of Quartz vs. Granite
A professional should set up granite and quartz countertop , which are super heavy and difficult to handle . Additionally , cutting holes for the sinkis no easy task . Granite and crystal countertop are price likewise per square fundament , each with a price compass set out at about $ 80 . High - quality quartz countertops might cost up to $ 140 per square fundament , while granite can cost up to $ 175 or more . The price depends on the stone ’s color , pattern , and surface treatments . In either subject , slab remnants can save big money if your countertop is small enough .
