What is the difference between granite and quartz countertops?
Lets go over each material to help you make the right choice for your kitchen or bathroom countertops.
Granite is a natural stone that is cut from the earth like slices of bread. It is an igneous rock made up of primarily quartz and a mixtures of additional trace material. These minerals and their variation in abundance give granite numerous colors and textures. The colors are grouped into 10 basic categories: beige, black, blue, brown, burgundy, gray green, red, yellow, and white. The dramatic veins, streaks, and mineral deposits offered by granite cannot be duplicated by other countertop materials. With proper annual re-sealing, granite counter tops are very resistant to stains. Minor scratches or dings in granite can be filled in with color-matching epoxy or resin which can be found at www.eti-usa.com/envirotex-lite. If the stone cracks larger than the size of an ice cube, a professional installers should do the repair.
Quartz Countertops consist of 90% natural quartz crystal. The crystals are mined, then ground into a dust or an aggregate that’s fused with resin binders under intense heat and pressure to form a solid slab. Pigments added during the process impart color and a patterns to the slab. The quartz manufactures offer patterns that mimic the look of high end marble and random patterns that are indistinguishable from natural stones. Quartz is a non porous material, which allows it to repel coffee, oil and even food coloring without sealing. Damaged quartz is trickier to repair and should always be done by a professional.
Both granite and quartz countertops should be installed by a professional. They are extremely heavy and difficult to handle. Also, cutting holes for the sink and cook top is not an easy task. We have been partners with Granite Concepts for years and encourage our customers to visit their showroom and slab yard located in Lewiston, ID. Check out their website to see the slabs they have on inventory and their selection of remnants, if you have a small countertop project. They also have videos to help with maintenance and other helpful information. Check them out at www.graniteconceptsnw.com
So there’s the breakdown of granite vs. quartz countertops, you can’t go wrong with either choice. Most of all, make sure you have fun choosing your very own slab and make it something that has meaning to you and your family. We have a great selection of quartz samples for you to view. We also can get samples of any natural stone. We look forward to seeing you in the store real soon.
Bye, bye,
Kelly & Mitz.
