Countertops

COUNTERTOPS

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops

Granite countertops remain in high demand for their beauty and durability. Quartz countertops, often called engineered stone countertops, are similar in appearance and performance, yet quite different in their makeup.

Is there a clear-cut choice between the two? Both types have their enthusiasts. The key is to understand them more fully, and when you do, you'll know which type suits your purposes the best.

Solid Stone vs. Engineered Stone

Granite counters are mined from pure stone. The stone is sawed into slabs or made into tiles and then polished for installation. Quartz countertops are manufactured from crushed quartz that is mixed with pigment for coloration and resin as a binder. The quartz content is typically 92% to 94%.

The Issue of Durability

While natural granite is strikingly beautiful, it does have its weaknesses. The stone needs to be sealed at installation and resealed on a regular basis. Quartz doesn't require this level of care. In addition, natural stone countertops including granite, slate and sandstone stain quite easily. Granite that has been sealed with a resin-based product during manufacturing will be more resistant to trouble than standard granite, but still not as resistant as quartz.

Finally, granite can crack and chip more readily than engineered stone. Both have a lifespan of 25~50 years depending of the level of care they are given and how that are used. In the area of durability, engineered stone - quartz- has the advantage over granite.

GRANITE

One of the hardest materials available, granite offers a bold choice with its naturally occurring patterns and colors. Granite is also incredibly hard and resistant to scratches. However, since it is naturally occurring, finding identical stone for a repair or an addition is next to impossible and granite requires sealing about once a year.

African Canyon

African Persa

Bain Brook

Baltic Brown

Bianco Kashmir

Black Galaxy

Butterfly Green

Butterfly Yellow

Four Season DH

Giallo Fiorito

Giallo Ornamental

Imperial Gold

Mary Gold

Misty Mauve

Namib Green

New Venetian Gold

Sage Brush

Santa Cecilia White

Santa Cecilia Yellow

Tan Brown

Tiger Skin Red

Tiger Skin White

Uba Tuba

White Macabus Ni

QUARTZ

By far the most durable and most chosen for our clients, Quartz is a great option for your kitchen or bathroom. Quartz is stain resistant, heat resistant, impact resistant, never needs sealing and since it is a man made product, can be duplicated at a different time with no color variation and can be created to replicate granite, marble or just about anything you can think of.