Cambria Quartz vs Granite Countertops: The Pros and Cons
Quartz VS Granite Countertops
Both natural granite and quartz countertops are similar in performance but completely different in their composition.
When it comes to kitchen countertops, granite is still a popular choice among homeowners. Granite is a natural stone, mined from the ground in large blocks processed, sliced and polished into slabs which are then cut into beautiful stone countertops. Quartz countertops have taken over as the most popular choice among homeowners in recent years. Often called engineered stone, they possess many of the characteristics of natural stone, they are man-made and composed of 92 – 94% natural quartz chips and dust combined with resin and formed into countertops. Both natural granite and engineered stone countertops are similar in performance but completely different in their composition. Is there a clear cut winner between the two? Both have their advocates, but the key to choosing lies in understanding them more fully in order to determine which most closely meets your personal needs and style. Let's look at the pros and cons of each material to help you gain an understanding of each. As you look at the options, you'll get a feel for which surface is right for you.
Like granite, quartz has both pros and cons. While the prices for both materials differ – entry-level granite starts at about $38 per square foot, while quartz starts at around $60 and higher-end products can cost up to $160 per square foot, ultimately your choice will depend on your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.
The Pros of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are just as strong as granite but are also more flexible. This makes them easier to work with during installation.
Because quartz is man-made, it is completely non-porous and does not require any sealing...ever! That not only makes it safer for food preparation as it is bacteria -resistant, and quartz is a virtually maintenance-free countertop option.
Quartz is very durable, but it isn't indestructible. It is, however, stain-resistant so a spilled glass of wine simply requires a quick cleanup.
Because of its uniformity of color and pattern, you'll never have to go to a dealer to pick out your quartz countertops. In fact, today most manufacturers offer extensive pictures of their products online so you can choose the perfect countertop from the comfort of your own home!
Finally, because it's a manufactured product, you can get your quartz countertop complete with a manufacturer's warranty, something you can never do with a natural stone slab.
The Cons of Quartz Countertops
Quartz can sometimes discolor over time if exposed to direct sunlight. If one area of your counter is exposed to UV rays, and another isn't, you may see a slight color variation over time.
Quartz is actually heavier than granite. However, it's important to note that all stone countertops, whether natural or man-made are heavy and require professional installation.
If you're looking to make a design statement with a unique look, it's important to note that quartz will never have the uniqueness of a material produced by nature. With natural stone, every slab is unique. Quartz always shows a more unified pattern. While this is a fact, in recent years quartz has made huge strides toward creating realistic-looking patterns that mimic natural stone. However, even the finest quartz product, will not have the depth of pattern natural stone offers. But as technology improves the end product continues to improve!
You can see seams with a quartz counter, but darker colored quartz seems to hide seams better. Quartz can hide seams better because it is uniformly colored and is a manufactured product meaning more consistency. Solid, dark-colored quartz is best for hiding seams. Because granite has natural veins and various colors throughout the stone you will never be able to hide the seams. If this is an important point for you, quartz might be a better choice.
The Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops
If you are looking for natural stone, granite is your choice. Because it is a naturally mined stone each slab is unique. It is durable and affordable. Prices for granite start at around $38 per square foot and depending on the rarity of the stone, can go up to around $120. Here are some of the pros and cons of natural granite.
The Pros of Granite
Granite is a beautiful natural product. Because granite comes out of the ground slabs have natural variations. This can appeal to some homeowners, and be a drawback to others. One selling point is that because it is natural, every slab is completely unique!
Granite countertops are one of the most durable choices available. While it is not indestructible, it is a natural stone and can be chipped or cracked if abused. For regular day-to-day use, with proper maintenance, granite countertops will last a lifetime.
The Cons of Granite
Granite countertops need to be sealed before you use them, and again annually for as long as you own them. Unlike quartz, granite is a porous stone and if improperly sealed, or neglected can stain. While some professionals say sealing should be done every three years, it's best to do it yearly.
Granite is heavy and inflexible, as a result, like quartz, it always requires expert professional installation.
Because granite is varied in color and design, it is impossible to hide seams. Expect seams to show up once it has been installed. If this is a major issue, granite might not be right for you.
When buying granite, try to choose from complete slabs. Samples can give you a general idea of what you may be purchasing, but because this is a natural material, if ordering based on samples it may not give you a 100% accurate reflection of your finished countertops.
Both quartz and granite have plenty of advocates. When shopping, do your due diligence. Read reviews, speak with a Toulmin Kitchen and Bath kitchen designer, and examine your needs before you make a final choice. The bottom line, whether you choose quartz or granite for your kitchen countertops you'll end up with a beautiful, durable and functional countertop that you're sure to love!
If you're considering a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project and are looking for the perfect countertop material, give our design experts a call. We're West Alabama's award-winning, premier kitchen, and bath showroom. We're experts who are known for a design-build process that makes the construction process stress-free. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a design consultation.
About Toulmin Kitchen & Bath Design - We're West Alabama's award-winning, premier kitchen and bath showroom. We're experts who are known for a design-build process that makes the construction process stress-free. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a design consultation.
