One of the hottest debates in the kitchen renovation and building arena is that of granite vs quartz countertops. A search for ‘granite vs quartz countertops’ in the Google search engine yields 65,200 results, many of which lead to heated debates between homeowners who swear to one or the other. The following article offers an unbiased response to the granite vs quartz countertops debate, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of both granite and quartz, to equip you with the information to answer the granite vs quartz countertops dilemma.

GRANITE VS QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS: ORIGIN
Quartz Countertops are made from a combination of crushed quartz, a hard mineral that forms in clusters, and resin, generally in a 93% to 7% ratio. Quartz is produced in many colors and patterns, depending on the colorant and how coarsely the quartz is crushed.

Granite Countertops are made from granite, a natural stone composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Granite is mined in large blocks that are then cut into slabs.

GRANITE VS QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS: PROS
Quartz countertops offer a number of advantages. The first, and perhaps the most important, is that quartz is non-porous, meaning that your kitchen countertops will not be damaged by spilt liquids. Additionally, quartz is heat and scratch resistant, vital aspects for a room in which hot pans and sharp knives are the norm. For those who like consistency, quartz is engineered stone and therefore ideal, as it creates countertops with consistent patterns throughout your kitchen. With quartz, you can also choose a color that will match your kitchen cabinets or tiled floors. HanStone quartz countertops, for example, offer over 40 colors and patterns from mystic blue to Indian pearl. Unlike most granite countertops, quartz has a limited lifetime guarantee.

Granite countertops offer only one of these advantages: They are extremely heat and scratch resistant. Unlike quartz, each slab of granite is unique, not ideal for individuals who like symmetry or consistency.

GRANITE VS QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS: CONS
Quartz countertops offer very few cons and are minimal compared to the advantages that quartz engineered stone countertops offer. Quartz countertops seams may be visible, if the dimensions are larger than the manufactured slabs. Although quartz is heat resistant, high heat appliances can burn the material, and can cause permanent damage to the finish. Quartz is extremely difficult to repair.

Granite countertops generally require more work than quartz. Granite requires sealing about every 12 months because of its porous nature. Not doing this may cause fluids and bacteria to get trapped in the granite. Granite is extremely difficult to repair, maybe even impossible and granite countertop manufacturers do not offer lifetime guarantees. Additionally, like quartz, countertop seams may be visible.

GRANITE VS QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS: CONCLUSION
If you are looking for a countertop that requires minimal upkeep yet looks sophisticated, that you can choose in a color to match your kitchen, and that is heat and scratch resistant, quartz countertops are the countertops for you. See more at www.bienstone.com