Thursday, May 10, 2012

Quartz vs Granite Countertops


Image Credit: CaesarStone
A wide array of materials are available for countertops, e.g., laminates, ceramic tile, natural stone, solid surfacing, stainless steel, concrete, butcher block, quartz surfacing. Each material has its own qualities which made it suitable for a countertop purpose. Two of the high quality materials for countertops are granite and quartz.

Satisfying the requirement of creating an impressive statement to any area in the house, both quartz and granite are favoured by most interior designers and homemakers. Personal preference would play an important role when choosing which countertop will be installed in one’s house. Let’s check each of them.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are also known as “Engineered Stone” countertops. Quartz is one of the hardest earth minerals and quartz countertops are made up of about 93% quartz. Ground quartz are combined with coloring pigment resin binding agent to create a quartz countertop. It is an excellent choice as a countertop material for the following reasons:
  • It is one of the most durable countertops available in the market today.
  • It is cost-effective or less expensive. 
  • It has non porous finish and beautiful unblemished surface 
  • It is available in wide array of colors.
  • It is water/oil resistant. 
  • It is resistant to scratching, staining or chipping.
  • It may be manufactured with granite and marble patterns for a unique effect.

Granite Countertops

Granite on the other hand, is another countertop material which is made up of two of the hardest minerals on earth and which is an excellent material for your kitchen countertop in polished, honed, flamed or tumbled finish. Below are some reasons why granite is a better material for countertops :
  • It is heat resistant.
  • It is durable and can stand up to almost anything (pans, heavy load, etc.)
  • It is scratch, stain and ship resistant. Proper sealing is required to achieve these.
  • It has simple and straightforward cleaning regimen; with mild soap and water.
  • Its surface is suitable for food preparation without the risk of staining or contamination with the natural stone elements.
  • It is available in many different colors and shades as there are no two slabs which are the same.
  • It offers a great deal of savings in terms of installation cost, maintenance and prolonged existence.
  • It can be cut according to the requirements of the sinks, taps and faucets. Customized cutting is an available option
As both quartz and granite countertops offer to add style, elegance, character, statement and functionality to any room or area of installation, designers prefer any of these two great dependable materials. Whether the installation is for an upgrade or improvement or an entirely new one, both quartz and granite countertops will create an impact to the surrounding space with their natural stone quality. The abounding colors can complement any decorating style and can accentuate and highlight a particular area.

So for those who are renovating or building their homes, the perfect countertop depends on your own personal taste and preference. Which countertop is perfect for you, then?

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