Benefits Of Granite And Quartz Countertops In Your Kitchen

Granite and quartz countertops are both worthy options when you're looking to update your worn out kitchen. Both options yield a number of benefits to the average homeowner, and oftentimes, granite is the most popular choice as it is all-natural and it is virtually indestructible with the ability to withstand wear, tear, and even heavy hammering. Of course, the downside of choosing granite is that it is extremely expensive when compared to other available countertops.

Quartz is not all-natural, and these countertops are comprised of 93 percent crushed quartz with 7 percent resin. Manufacturers supply them with different colors and patterns to help homeowners match them with their kitchen cabinetry. One good aspect of choosing quartz countertops is that they are flexible during installation, but offer the same durability as the more expensive granite. Additionally, quartz is non-porous, does not need to be sealed in any way for everyday use, and these countertops are extremely low maintenance.

Another great aspect of quartz is that cleaning up spills and messes is extremely easy, and you will not have to worry about it leaving a permanent stain. There are some drawbacks to these countertops, and one that you will undoubtedly take notice of is discoloration due to UV exposure. If your countertops are directly exposed to sunlight, they may discolor over the years, and this is especially obvious if only half of your countertops is in direct sunlight.

Seams are to be expected when you choose quartz over granite. One way to circumvent the obvious exposure of seams, is to choose solid colored quartz. However, if you don't want to mess around, granite has natural veins that are perfect for hiding the seams. Some homeowners like the fact that with granite, you never know what you're getting. Since it is an all-natural substance straight from the earth, it can be hard to match the color and pattern.

Additionally, granite countertops can hardly be seen as low maintenance. Since the stone is porous, they are not stain-resistance unless they're sealed yearly. Though using sealant every three years is thought to be enough, it is best to protect your investment by doing a yearly re-seal.

Both countertops are extremely heavy and will need to be cut and installed by a professional company. If you're in doubt, and not sure which option is most suited to your needs, you can always ask for samples!