Granite or Quartz

Quartz samples.

Where to begin?

When remodeling your kitchen choosing the countertop is one of the toughest parts. With so many options out there, which one should be the centerpiece of your kitchen? The main contenders nowadays are granite and quartz. Granite is a natural stone, and Quartz is an engineered stone. Here are some things to consider when choosing between granite or quartz: maintenance, durability, cost, and design. 

 Maintenance

      In light of crazy times, we live in, being able to maintain a clean and sanitized home is vital. Regardless of whether you pick Granite or Quartz, how you would keep them is the same. Warm soapy water, with mild detergent. This will help maintain the seal on the granite. With the quartz doing this is a good way to keep it clean, without risk of staining the stone. 

     Quartz is a harder stone to stain than granite but it is possible. Something else that is great thing about quartz, it's less susceptible to harboring bacteria. Since it is an engineered stone it is denser which means there is less space for germs and bacteria to make it home. This means less work for you. 

Durability

     It is tough to know which one, granite or quartz, which is more durable. I will say, granite has been around much longer. Coming right out of mountains from all over the globe. Granite was used throughout monuments, throughout history a lot of them are still standing. When putting together the monument that is your kitchen, quartz is still a great option. Since granite is a natural stone it is prone to having air pockets that can break and leave little dimples on your countertops. We call these little things beauty marks because they are beautiful and natural. They happen regards to how often you seal it or how often you clean it, it happens. 

Cost

     Now we are at the meat of the matter. Cost of each. The general rule here is, Man-made is more expensive. How much more expensive, it depends on your kitchen and your imagination. The price of quartz has come down dramatically in the last few years. Because it is more popular now, but it is still a premium product and will be priced accordingly. 

     If you are thinking or doing some investing, and want to know which one is best as an investment. Go with granite. It is more popular, people are already familiar with the product will be more inclined to spend a little extra to not have to update their kitchen. Be advised we are not realtors, we are kitchen and bathroom remodelers. The best thing to do is check with a local realtor and get their opinion on it, ask them what your market is like, is it a granite market or a quartz market. 

Kitchen with Granite countertop and metallic backsplash.

Design

     What is the point of all this if your kitchen isn't the most beautiful it can be? When deciding between granite or quartz, the question to ask is, what do I want? Unique patterns throughout, or uniform look? Quartz has always been a sweetheart for interior designers because of how uniform the slabs can be. With minor variations between each slab, it is no wonder designers use it so often to achieve the look they want. 

     With granite, the thing to remember is that each slab is unique and there will never be one like it again. There can be some that are similar but it will not be the same. Granite has various variations and when you find the one slab you like, go with it. Because if you lose that slab there will never be one like it again. On the bright side, no one can copy your kitchen, it is yours alone. 

Final Thoughts

    It all comes down to what you are looking to do. If you want a very specific look for your kitchen, quartz is a good option. If you want more natural movements in the stone, with more earthy colors than granite is what you want. I would say, follow what you want, and what your wallet allows. 

If you would like a free estimate contact us at 772-335-2558. Here at American Kitchen and Stones, we offer free estimates. Give us a call and ask us what we think, granite or quartz?