Confused about kitchen countertops? Check this comparison between granite and quartz!

Think of the common kitchen countertop materials – soapstone, granite, quartz, ceramic tiles, laminates, marble, and even wood. There are three basic things you need to consider while selecting kitchen countertops rochester ny –

• Durability 
• Properties
• Budget 

While aesthetics and look do matter, function should be your foremost concern about kitchen countertops. Interior experts and installation companies, such as Entrepot Cuisine, usually recommend to choose between granite and quartz. In this post, we are comparing both, so that you can take a call. 

Granite overview

Granite is a natural stone, which is cut into slabs and installed at site. It is heavy, durable, and not as porous as marble. Many homeowners prefer granite because of the natural charm that cannot be matched with tiles or concrete. 

Pros of granite

1. Granite is heat resistant and fares better than most other countertop materials
2. Granite is strong and durable and will add value to your property. 
3. Numerous choices and colors are available in granite.
4. The material is suited for extreme temperatures and is ideal for outdoor kitchens. 
5. Granite doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, especially if initial sealing is done right. 

Even with almost no extra care, granite can last for decades without any signs of aging. 

Cons of granite

1. Granite requires structural support because of its weight
2. Granite is porous and sealing the material is essential
3. There can be imperfections. No two granite counters will look the same. 

Quartz overview

Quartz is engineered stone. Yes, you read that right. It has 95% natural ground quartz with 5% polymer resin. It is pretty comparable to granite as far as durability and maintenance is concerned. It is also more expensive in comparison. 

Pros of quartz

1. Installing quartz is easier than granite
2. No additional sealing is required for using granite
3. There are no imperfections in quartz as it is engineered for a uniform look. 
4. Quartz is resistant to heat and staining, and it is nonporous. 
5. Can mimic the beauty of natural stones. 

Cons of quartz

1. Quartz is more expensive. If you are on a tight budget, you may do better with granite. 
2. When exposed to sunlight on a regular basis, quartz can lose its sheen and colors may fade. For this reason, quartz is not recommended for outdoor kitchens. 
3. Although quartz can withstand most kitchen ingredients, manufacturers many have a few dos and don’ts with regards to using cleaning products. 

Decide you budget and take a call based on your kitchen’s theme and functionality needs. 

Paul Watson