Updating your kitchens and bathrooms can increase your home’s beauty. You can start with small projects and work on the remodel over time. Or you can have it all done at once.
This creates such excitement when you make your dreams come true. One of those dreams shared by many people is to replace their countertops. Countertops often make the house look outdated and old.
One of the first questions that many home remodelers ask is, quartz vs granite, which one is better? Both provide beautiful, durable, and fashionable options. Keep reading to help you make your decision.
What Is the Difference in Quartz vs Granite?
The popularity of quartz and granite countertops has been consistent for several years. In 2018, quartz saw a rise in popularity. This trend will probably continue for a while.
As you consider new countertops, start by learning more about each style.
Quartz
Quartz is man-made allowing for endless style choices. The manufacturing process uses 95% natural quartz from the ground and 5% resins made from polymers.
The market is now moving toward larger veining or rippling patterns. These are often offset by dramatically different base colors.
The quartz manufacturing process means that you have a wider range of colors from which to choose. These countertops have a rich appearance and depth not found in other solid surface materials.
While quartz has the same durability as granite or concrete, it is more forgiving. This means that it is less likely to chip or cracks.
This material is non-porous. Thus, it’s more stain resistant compared to marble, granite, and concrete.
You don’t need to worry about juice, wine, tomato, coffee, or oil spills. It also does not hold bacteria or viruses.
One caution about quartz involves heat resistance. It is not as heat resistant as crushed glass or concrete countertops. You must keep this in mind with hot pans or utensils in the kitchen and hot hair tools in the bathroom.
Granite
Granite’s popularity for countertops has been at the top for a while and may be rising. Many new styles and option are now available for new homes and remodeling projects.
Granite is tough and durable. Granite ranks second to diamond in terms of natural material hardness. This surface resists chipping, scratching, and cracking.
A great plus for this surface lies in its ability to resist heat. This makes it a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Manufacturers do not recommend setting hot objects on granite. Even though it is durable and heat resistant, the damage could occur.
When the granite has been sealed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, this surface gains non-porous properties. It resists staining and holding bacteria and viruses. However, you do need to quickly clean spills to decrease the chance of staining.
Professional sealing of your granite helps to maximize the benefit of the sealant.
Granite creates a spectacular countertop that can increase your home’s appeal. The warm tones of the natural stone make these countertops a focal point for your home.
Questions to Ask When Considering Quartz Countertops
Without thorough research, you can end up with a product that doesn’t meet your needs. There may be qualities, such as lacking heat resistance, that you expected, but didn’t verify. Here are some questions to ask.
- Where does the quartz come from?
- What color options are available for countertops?
- How easily are quartz countertops damaged with regular use?
- What precautions do I need to take to protect by quartz countertops?
- Do quartz countertops have a seamless design?
- How do you maintain and clean your quartz countertops?
- Are quartz countertops prone to scratch, crack, chip, and stain?
- Is it possible to repair quartz countertops if they become damaged?
- Can quartz countertops have an undermount sink?
- Can the backsplash be quartz as well?
- Do quartz countertops harbor germs?
Never be shy about asking questions. It is your money that you are spending.
Questions to Ask When Considering Granite Countertops
Once again, you can never do too much research. Here is a list of questions when considering granite countertops.
- Is this granite 100% natural stone?
- Is the granite sealed or do you charge extra for sealing it?
- Does the granite countertop have a seam?
- What maintenance does a granite countertop need?
- Can granite countertops have an undermount sink?
- What precautions should you take to prevent damage, cracks, chip, or scratches?
- Can granite countertops be repaired if they become damaged?
- Can bacteria and viruses get into the granite countertop?
- What colors and patterns are available?
- How resistant is the granite countertops to heat and chemicals?
Become an educated consumer. This will provide peace of mind with your decision.
Finding the Right Company
Now you have researched the material that you want to use. It’s time to find the right company to do the work. You guessed it. Time to ask more questions.
What industry certifications or professional accreditations do you have? You do not want someone who only pays dues to be a member of an industry group. They should have some type of certification that ensure compliance and quality craftsmanship
What surfacing options do you offer? Examples of different surfaces include:
- Granite
- Quartz
- Soapstone
- Natural marble
- Cultured marble
- Sold surfaces like concrete
- Eco-friendly products like recycled glass
Today, the choices and styles seem almost endless.
Ask to look at stock material. This allows you to get a better idea of what the material looks like. You may get a better price if you chose from their stock material.
Do you sell sinks, faucets, and other accessories? This can allow you to see examples of what the finished product will look like. It may also be more convenient to buy everything at one place.
Who installs the plumbing, sinks, faucets, and other items? If the stone vendor plans to put in the plumbing, make sure they are a licensed plumber.
What warranties and repair services do you offer? Find out if there are extra charges. How long is the term of the warranty?
Who handles the installation of the stone countertop? Do they have a full-time crew that has experience with installing countertops? Do they have day-labor?
How Long Have You Been in Business?
Always check the better business bureau to ensure they are in good standing. You can also check to see if they have complaints against them. When you are narrowing the search, look online for reviews and to learn about the services offered by this company.
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