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April 26, 2023
Granite or Quartz, which to choose for your countertops?
Granite and quartz have become the most popular materials for countertops, and both are great options. They are durable, easy to maintain and come in a variety of colors and patterns. But before deciding on one of them, you should take into account their pros and cons. If you’d like to learn more about quartz or granite countertops Eden Prairie MN, reach out to Granite Expo today.
Material
Granite is a natural stone, quarried from the earth. Quartz is a (partially) manmade stone, made by melting minerals in a furnace. Both granite and quartz are composed of quartz crystals.
Granite has been used as a material for countertops since ancient times (it’s literally been around since the beginning of earth as we know it). While it can be found all over the world, granite refers specifically to dark-colored rocks that form from magma that cooled slowly underground. These are usually large slabs with distinct veins running through them; you’ve probably seen these types of granite counters at businesses or homes before!
Quartz is mined differently: instead of being dug out of the ground like granite, it’s melted down into a liquid form at high temperatures then poured into molds to cool down into solid pieces that look similar to concrete slabs (you might be able to tell this process isn’t one hundred percent natural…but hey, we’re all guilty here). However despite its manufactured status, quartz has become wildly popular because it looks just like natural stones such as marble while being significantly cheaper than those materials or even stainless steel!
Durability
Granite is more durable than quartz. Quartz is less resistant to heat than granite. Quartz is more resistant to stains than Granite. It’s important to know the difference between these two materials, as it will help you decide which one to use for your countertops.
Cost
The cost of quartz or granite countertops depends on the size of your kitchen, which seems to be a huge factor. If you’re dealing with a large amount of space, expect to spend more money on granite. Granite is also more expensive than marble and other natural stones like slate and limestone.
For smaller kitchens, quartz is a good choice because it’s more durable than granite—and you can probably get the same look for less money. Quartz, while less resistant to heat than granite, is still ideal for kitchens. There’s another reason why quartz might be your best option: it stains less easily than most other natural stones.
Maintenance
Granite is more porous than quartz, which means that it can stain easily. Granite is also more difficult to clean and requires special care to avoid scratches or other damage from cutlery and utensils. The cost of repairing granite countertops is higher than that of repairing quartz countertops, but the cost difference comes back into play when you consider how much longer a granite countertop will last compared with a quartz one.
Granite and quartz have their own pros and cons. It is important to consider them before deciding on one of them.
Granite and quartz are two materials that are becoming more popular in the kitchen countertop world. Quartz is a man-made stone, while granite is a natural stone. Both of them have their pros and cons, so it is important to consider them before deciding on one of them for your kitchen remodel.
- Granite is extremely durable, lasting over 100 years without any signs of wear or tear. It can withstand heat upwards of 500 degrees Fahrenheit without damage, making it perfect for use in the kitchen where pots are often placed directly on top of countertops during cooking or baking processes. Granite also has anti-bacterial properties due to its high iron content which make it an ideal choice for any food preparation area such as the kitchen or bathroom where bacteria could be present at higher levels than other areas within your home (such as bedrooms).
- Quartz is considered much more affordable than granite because it’s man made rather than mined from earth like granite; it’s known for it’s durability. Quartz can last just as long as Granite, but with much less maintenance.
Conclusion
We hope that this article gave you a better understanding of what granite and quartz are, how they differ from each other, and how they compare in terms of durability, cost and maintenance. As we’ve seen, both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. It is important to consider these factors before deciding on one or the other. At Granite Expo, we would be happy to help you with any of your countertop needs. We work with quartz, granite, marble, quartzite, and can even install sinks, backsplash, and custom edgework.
