Custom granite or quartz countertops? That is the question when designing a new kitchen or bath, or remodeling your existing home. If you’re struggling to decide, you’re not alone. In fact, many homeowners find it difficult to make a choice between these two beautiful, durable materials.
Today, we would like to break down the differences, to help you determine which type of countertop material better suits your needs.
Countertop Appearance
Custom granite countertops are striking in their natural beauty, and each slab has its own unique appearance; like snowflakes, no two are alike. You can choose from a wide range of colors and veining patterns, which means you can find a slab that works perfectly as either a focal point or a subtle complement to your kitchen or bath design.
Quartz countertops offer the same luxurious beauty, but you can customize the design to match your color scheme. The possibilities are virtually endless, as this countertop material can be fabricated with many varieties of quartz combined with pigments, polymers and resins.
Countertop Durability
Durability is essential for any kitchen or bath countertop, and granite certainly delivers in this area. The natural stone material is highly resistant to heat, which means it won’t be affected if you place a straight-from-the-oven pan on the surface. And, custom granite countertops don’t scratch easily, either. However, since the material is porous, staining can be a concern if certain spills (red wine, coffee, tomato juice) aren’t cleaned up immediately.
As one of the earth’s hardest minerals, quartz is also incredibly durable. However, this countertop material is less prone to staining, thanks to its low porosity. But you will have to be careful with hot pans, as excessive heat may damage some quartz countertops.
Countertop Care and Maintenance
Custom granite countertops need little maintenance. Simply wipe them down regularly with a mild soapy solution or natural stone cleaner. Fr long-term durability and improved stain resistance, you should also consider having a sealer applied once every few years.
Caring for quartz countertops is also as simple as can be. Clean up spills with soap and water or a mild, non-abrasive household cleaner. Because this countertop material is a solid surface, you don’t have to worry about sealing (or resealing) quartz.
Environmental Considerations
Granite is sourced from quarries, and installing a high-quality slab from Brazil, China, India or Italy involves considerable transportation. So, although this is a natural stone material, it can have some environmental impact.
On the other hand, quartz countertops are engineered. Using regionally-manufactured stone and fabricators cuts down on the transportation required, which minimizes the environmental impact of this material.
Would you like to learn more about custom granite and quartz countertops, or take a look at some samples of each material? The professionals at Creative Granite can answer all your questions, to help you make the right decision for your Utah, Idaho or Wyoming home.
After serving the Intermountain West region for more than 17 years, Creative Granite has developed a reputation for providing the highest-quality countertop materials along with masterful installation and exceptional customer service. Contact our Salt Lake City office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation or a visit to our design center. We look forward to introducing you our wide range of options for custom granite and quartz countertops.
