You want to update your kitchen, but you have enough money saved for the countertops only. After much contemplation, you’ve narrowed down your options to either granite or quartz countertops. But you’re having some trouble making a decision which one is better for your home decor. There are many delusions and assumptions out there about buying granite or quartz countertops. This guide will tell you what to expect and the distinct advantages of granite vs. quartz countertops.
granite or Quartz countertops
What to expect from granite countertops
Many people choose granite for the look it creates in any kitchen or bathroom. It’s simply stunning, and due to the nature of this natural stone, no two slabs are exactly alike. This means your California Granite Countertops will look truly unique.
It’s also hard as a rock. It’s durable and can take years of daily use without losing its good looks. It is also heat and scratch resistant as well as chemical and dent resistant. You can use your countertops for lots of different things and not worry about damaging the look of the countertops.
Also, apart from resealing your granite counters, there’s very little maintenance needed with them. A good sealant will prevent stains and make cleaning a breeze, so it’s easy to see why a lot of homeowners choose granite over quartz countertops.
The cost of granite countertops
The cost of granite varies depending on the type you use. It actually can be pretty cheap if you use tiles, but they also have far more seams and look less attractive than having customized quartz countertops made. If the grout doesn’t match the tile exactly, it can look cheap and tacky.
The cost of granite or quartz countertops usually is only a part of the price tag: Installation, seaming and the type of edge you choose all play roles in the project total. To start, granite is heavy, thus costly to move, so shopping with local suppliers is a good decision.
Streamline your granite project by opting for a standard eased edge, rather than something fancier such as a bevel edge. This lessens production time as well as the cost. You also use the granite only for the countertops and choose another finish for the backsplash. This reduces material costs, the amount of time necessary for installation and the overall work involved.
What to expect from quartz countertops
California Quartz countertops are much cheaper than the marble but more costly than laminates or solid surfaces. The final cost depends on several factors, including the thickness of the slab, how much material you need, the complexity of your design, and the quality of the stone.
Quartz countertops are man-made engineered stone formed by combining 90% ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) with 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This creates a sturdy granite-like surface. The appearance depends on how the quartz is ground: coarsely ground quartz produces a flecked appearance, while finely ground quartz produces a smooth look.
Advantages of choosing quartz over granite countertops
You will be guaranteed of a robust and durable material; glossy sheen; non-porous and stain-and-crack resistant; does not require sealing or resealing; wide range of colors; easy to clean with mild soap, water, and a soft cloth.
Where to buy quartz countertops
First, it’s essential to know the critical differences between a quartz stone fabricator and distributor. In the countertop business, you have companies that offer one or both services. So as you’re shopping around for Quartz countertops, it’s important to differentiate between a company that acts as a distributor or fabricator.
For starters, a distributor simply sells the stone, but won’t cut and install it for you. So unless you know about installing the counters yourself, this isn’t going to work. The key is to find a Quartz Countertops Company that sells quartz stone and offers to fabricate it for you. In this case, a contractor will come to your home and take measurements of your kitchen or bathroom. Then the slabs you choose from the showroom are precisely cut to fit the space it’s installed into.
granite or Quartz countertops
As you can imagine, hiring a fabricator can save you a lot of time, money, and a headache.
Your countertops are supposed to be durable and capable of withstanding the demands of cooking, storage, and other daily kitchen needs for years, whether you choose granite or quartz countertops. That’s why it’s best to your countertops from Block Tops, a team of designers and contractors who know how to get it right the first time.
