Granite Vs. Quartz

In previous blog entries, we have been talking about the two most accessible materials for countertops—at least for residential matters—which constantly end being granite and quartz, however, I believe that the ultimate question that clients ask themselves at the moment of choosing their countertops material is which one is truly more superior than the other one when talking about resistance, simplicity for maintenance, and even looks. Hence, we have decided to create this article so that our readers can have access to similarities and differences between both, granite and quartz. This way, we do not have to be the ones making the decision for you, and you can easily decide which of the two fit your necessities in a better way.

Firstly, as we have previously discussed, both quartz and granite are strong enough to serve as wonderful countertops. They have been materials that have perfectly fitted into the architectural society due to the facility of their usages. The real question when referring to the care that should be taken with both literally comes from the unique distinction of their respective roots. Quartz is a manmade rock engineered in factories, while granite is a natural stone that is formed by magma and the pressure of the Earth’s surface. There are myths that state that granite might not be as convenient countertops as quartz, but that can sustain itself as a legend as long as the adequate procedures for its maintenance are appropriately applied. Both granite and quartz countertops can take extreme heats of pans, and they also can literally last for an eternity as long as you take care of them adequately.

Furthermore, the maintenance needed for granite and quartz is also not that complicated. Yes, it is true that quartz countertops are already sealed, and no, you do not have seal them once installed ever again in your life, unlike granite. Countertops made out of granite do have to be sealed, and probably the greatest disadvantage of this fact is that it is of extreme importance for the sake of your countertop that you clean it before sealing it, since granite countertops tend to stain permanently when sealed with existing stains. Nevertheless, this should not be a problem, simply because cleaning your granite on a daily basis is not about all those expensive chemicals that customers think of after they realize they can finally enjoy their beautiful countertops. As I mentioned in the previous entry, water—preferably warm—is your best ally for the maintenance of your granite countertops, and this also applies to quartz. Every time you cut a lemon or drop any type of acid over your countertops, grab a humid napkin and clean it right away; it is that easy!

Now, let’s talk about looks, and I actually mean what you prefer best: originality vs. uniformity. Since granite is a natural stone, it is not that hard to guess that each slab of granite is practically different; yes, there are styles, hundredths of them! But it is rare to find two identical slabs, although we try to separate them into groups that can describe them as extremely similar, they are not the same. Quartz, on the other hand, are fabricated in an immense variety of colors and stylistic categories, so pretty much what you see is what you get, and if you find a sample that you really like, the chances of finding the identical slab for that sample are higher than with granite. At the end of the day, options are a factor that you shouldn’t be worrying about, since if you have ever felt overwhelmed, just wait until you go to the store to select either your granite or quartz slabs…It is fun!

Finally, I understand that a characteristic that is doubtlessly present in an article like this is, ultimately, the price. And trust me, that is a question that is always difficult to answer out of nowhere, precisely because of the number of styles, colors and other features such as multi-dimensionality and texture…There is not a constant cost for neither granite nor quartz, but this last one is always a little bit higher than the other one. However, if you still have any other questions about a specific sample that you loved or if you are anxious to learn more, you should totally come visit us next weekend at the Mesa Market Place Swap Meet! Don’t let the heat be an excuse to visit our showroom in booth c-229! Let this Arizona weather be the reason for a nice walk around the Mesa Market; check our artwork exhibition and the rest of our samples!