Granite or Quartz Countertops?

January 30, 2016

Granite and Quartz counter tops are very popular but what is the best option for you? If you are looking at the beautiful homes for sale in Upatoi, GA you may be asking your self that same question. Usually the answer isn’t black and white. It really comes down to your preference.

What is granite? Granite is the best known igneous rock. This light-colored rock forms from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth’s surface.  Granite consists of mainly of quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of mica, amphiboles and other minerals. These minerals usually give granite a red, pink, gray or white color along with dark mineral grains that are visible throughout the rock.

Granite Countertop Photo by: www.housekeepingchannel.com

So what is quartz? Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust after feldspar. Countertops that are quartz are usually manufactured with resins, polymers, and pigments. Some are also made with recycled materials such as, porcelain, glass, mirrors, earthenware and more.

Now that you have a better understanding between the differences of Quartz and Granite here are some pro’s and con’s to help you make the right choice for you.
Granite countertop Photo by: houzz.com

Granite Pro’s

• Less expensive than Quartz. Sure, granite countertops cost more than laminate countertops, but granite cost far less than quartz. With granite counter tops you can expect to pay $45 to $85 per square foot. The more exotic looking slabs are the more costly.
• Uniqueness. Did you know that no two slabs of granite are alike? This is thanks to the fact that it is a natural stone. Quartz countertops are man-made so while there maybe small differences between slabs there won’t be as much variation.
• Bigger slabs. Granite slabs can be up to 12 feet long making it easier to furnish a kitchen with a big island without seams.The average length of a quartz slab is around 10 feet.
• Installation is more flexible since it can be installed in both indoors and outdoors. Granite is built to withstand the elements so it will not fade due to sun exposure making it a great choice for an outdoor kitchen and facades.

Granite Con’s

• There are solid colors. For people who like a more modern feel to a kitchen or bathroom granite may not be a good choice. Granite has varied colors and patterns within one slab unlike quartz. Countertops made of quartz offer solid colors and marbled white styles.
• Seal and Reseal. You must seal and reseal granite…again, again, and again. This is to prevent moisture from seaping into the porous parts of the granite and damaging it. Your granite counter tops should be sealed once a year.

Quartz countertop Photo by: www.cambriausa.com

Quartz Pro’s

• Less environmental impact than Granite. Quartz production does have an impact on the environment since quartz is made from natural resources. Quartz is generally mined in underdeveloped countries under toxic conditions. However many of the quartz manufactures are GreeenGuard certified as low emitting.
• Stronger than Granite. Quartz is twice as strong as granite. Since quartz is stronger you have more creative options regarding the counter top edge shapes.
• Less maintenance. Unlike Granite, Quartz isn’t porous. So there is no need to seal it yearly.
• More style options. Quartz comes in patterns that look like natural stone as well as patterns that little or no movement. While Granite has a lot of movement.

Quartz Con’s

• Expensive. Quartz runs about $65 per square foot but in most cases it will run you between $75-$120 per square foot. This all depends on the size of your kitchen/bathroom, the brand as well as the style you have chosen.
• Can’t be installed outside. Extreme temperature changes and long term sun exposure will damage the surface of the quartz countertops.
• Less natural beauty. Quartz can mimic granites patterns but it is difficult to truly match the unique patterns naturally found in granite.

Come check out the beautiful homes for sale in Upatoi, GA today!

Categorised in: Design Tips, Selling Tips

This post was written by Rose Anne Erickson