interior design cabinets

Stone kitchen countertops are highly durable, and with proper installation and care, they will keep their luster and looks for a lifetime. Choosing between quartz and granite kitchen countertops is mostly a matter of personal preference. Read the basic comparison below to get an idea of the differences and similarities between these two popular and highly adaptable countertop surfaces.

Quartz

Although quartz countertops are just as strong and durable as granite countertops, they are considered engineered stone and not natural stone. This is because resin (usually 7 percent) is added during the manufacturing process as a binder.

You do not have to seal your quartz countertops as they are non-porous and stain-resistant. A quick clean-up is all you need for most spills. Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and complements different interior design styles.

Seams can sometimes show in quartz countertops. If this is a problem for you, choose darker colors so the seams are less visible. Keep in mind that constant exposure to direct sunlight can discolor your quartz countertops over time.

Granite

Mined straight from the earth, granite slabs come with natural whorls and interesting patterns that give each slab its unique design and character. Cleaning it is as simple as wiping the surface down regularly using a soft damp cloth with a pH neutral solution. Do not use abrasive cleaners for your granite countertop. It is also heat-resistant, which makes it the ideal surface for rolling out pie crusts and cookie dough.

As resilient and strong as this material is, you have to seal the granite countertops in your home each year to keep them looking their best. Seams are virtually impossible to hide in granite. Have your installer cut your granite countertop in such a way that the seams fall in the less conspicuous sections of your countertop.

Cost

There is a difference in cost between these two countertop materials. Our granite pricing is flexible based on where it comes from. The cost of quartz is also flexible depending on the pattern, but the price range is going to be more narrow than it is for granite.

As seasoned design professionals and a long-time granite and tile company in Ohio, we have helped hundreds of homeowners choose the right kitchen countertops for their renovation projects. Our design specialists can also enlighten you about tile kitchen countertops as well as cabinet designs and options. Let us help you get the most out of your available kitchen space by choosing and installing the ideal kitchen cabinets and countertops for your home.