If you are looking for the best countertop, you have undoubtedly come across granite and quartz materials. They both look very similar in terms of appearances, but they have very different qualities.
Choosing between the two options will largely depend on your budget and personal styling preferences. Let us take a look at both options to see how they differ.
Characteristics of granite vs quartz
Granite comprises feldspar, which makes up the central part of the material. It also contains quartz, which gives it its characteristic hardness and beautiful look.
On the other hand, quartz is made from 93% crushed quartz powder, which is then combined with about 7% of epoxy resins to hold it together. The colour is attained by including artificial pigments in the process.
Installation
Granite and quartz counters will still require professional installation as they are both quite heavy. However, installing quartz is a bit easier due to its physical properties. Compared to granite, quartz is more flexible, and this makes it easier to work with.
Durability
Granite and quartz are very durable materials and will serve you very long after installation. Quartz counters are sensitive to UV rays, but granite counters do not have this sensitivity. If a part of a granite counter is exposed to regular sunlight, its colour will change over time. The cause of this is the epoxy resins used to produce quartz surfaces. Therefore, these quartz counters are not recommended for outdoor application.
Appearance
Colouring will be uniform on quartz as the material is manufactured. However, this is not the case for granite counters, as they are natural. Parts of a granite counter will have different colours due to natural variations, and this unique factor of granite makes it appealing to many homeowners.
Custom colours
Since granite is a naturally occurring material, you will not have any custom colour options. Quartz counters, on the other hand, are manufactured, giving you a range of colours to choose from, such as blue, yellow, orange and red, among others. Quartz is the material of choice for homeowners or kitchen designers as it gives you creative options to meet your styling needs.
Maintenance
Granite counters will require you to apply a sealant to protect the material against any stains. In addition, you may need to reapply the sealant every year or once in three years, depending on the sealant you are using.
Contact Galaxy Stone Today
If you are considering a kitchen or bathroom improvement, reach out to Galaxy Stone today. Our natural stone slabs include marble, quartz, onyx and more. You can reach us by phone at 281-447-2020 or by email at sales@galaxystones.com. You can also contact us on the web through our contact form.