Quartz is a manufactured stone and isn’t 100% natural like granite. This could make some buyers leery of the material.
However, this doesn’t mean it is dangerous. It also doesn’t produce noxious fumes like other materials do.
Additionally, it is made domestically which reduces shipping costs. This makes it an affordable option compared to other products that may require extensive travel for sourcing.
Cost
While both granite and quartz are a durable countertop option, they do differ in cost. Granite, being a natural stone, is more expensive than quartz.
Granite is formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma deep within the Earth, making it a unique and beautiful product. It’s also incredibly durable and requires little maintenance, though it should be sealed to protect the surface and prevent staining.
Quartz is an engineered stone made from a mixture of different types of rock set into a resin to create a durable and beautiful countertop. It’s a popular choice due to its durability and wide range of colors and finishes. It’s also nonporous, repelling stains, mold, and bacteria.
Quartz countertops typically cost $60 to $80 per square foot. However, the actual price depends on a few factors. First, the fabricator will make a template of your space and design any necessary cutouts for sinks and faucets. Then, installation costs will come into play. Although you can save money by installing the countertops yourself, it’s usually a job best left to professionals. Raw slabs of quartz can weigh up to 1,000 pounds, and you’ll need safety equipment and multiple people to lift them during installation. This makes them a poor choice for first-time do-it-yourselfers. Moreover, shipping and delivery costs can add up to the total cost of the project.
Durability
Quartz is a non-porous countertop material that is stain-, scratch-, and bacteria-resistant. It is heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it a good choice for cooks who like to move around hot pots and pans without worrying about damaging the counter.
It also doesn’t require a sealant and is easily cleaned with mild cleaning solutions. Granite, on the other hand, is a porous stone that needs to be resealed each year to protect it from staining and cracking. It can also be damaged by certain cleaners that are too harsh.
In terms of durability, quartz is better than granite, but it is not completely damage-proof. Quartz can melt if exposed to direct heat for too long, which means that you should always use a trivet or pot holder under any hot items on your countertop. Low-quality quartz can also warp or discolor if it is exposed to high levels of heat for prolonged periods of time.
Another advantage of quartz is its wide range of color options and design possibilities. It is available in a variety of solid colors as well as designs that mimic marble and granite. Quartz also comes in a matte finish and can be cut to accommodate any shape or size of countertop that you desire. It is even beginning to be produced in larger cuts to accommodate the large-island trend that has swept through kitchen design.
Appearance
Both quartz and granite add beauty and value to a home, so if you’re considering replacing your countertops, you’ll need to decide which material best suits your budget, lifestyle, and design. Choosing a nonporous surface that is scratch-resistant and durable will allow your countertops to last longer, so you won’t need to replace them as often.
Granite and quartz are available in a range of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Granite allows you to create a unique look by incorporating natural slab patterns, while quartz offers an extensive selection of styles and colors.
Another important difference between granite and quartz is that you will need to seal granite countertops annually. However, you can prevent this by opting for quartz countertops, which are not porous and don’t require sealing.
When looking at a per square foot price, quartz usually comes out cheaper than granite, although this can vary based on stylistic options. Granite can be more expensive if you opt for a rare or exotic stone.
While both are made from natural materials, granite requires substantial energy to quarry and transport. It can be more environmentally friendly to choose local granite or salvaged pieces that have already been fabricated into counters. Quartz can also be more eco-friendly if you choose a natural stone supplier with a green manufacturing process, which uses less carbon-based fuel and unnatural resin chemicals.
Maintenance
Granite requires more maintenance than quartz, as it needs to be sealed regularly. This will incur additional costs and also increases the risk of stains that are difficult to repair. The stone is also prone to cracking along natural fault lines, which will require professional repairs. However, quartz countertops do not need to be sealed.
Quartz is less prone to staining and can be easily cleaned with regular soap and water. It is also less likely to harbor bacteria, which is a big plus for many homeowners. Besides, the manufacturer of quartz counters can offer a wide range of colors and designs that are hard to find with other materials.
Another advantage of quartz is that it does not melt when exposed to heat, making it a safer material for kitchen use than granite. However, quartz is not fireproof and should be protected against direct contact with hot objects. In addition, low-cost versions of the countertop can sag or warp under heat and may discolor due to resin burn.
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In addition to durability and appearance, quartz is less expensive than granite. It also has a lower environmental footprint because it is made from recycled materials and doesn’t need to be shipped to its final installation location. In contrast, granite is quarried in huge blocks and then cut into slabs, with the voids filled with resin. This process consumes a large amount of carbon dioxide.
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