For homeowners facing a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, or thinking of adding a bar to their entertaining space, choosing the right finishing materials can be difficult. While the look of the product is certainly a major consideration, knowing the benefits of each type of countertop material is essential to making the right choice.
Granite and Quartz Definitions
Granite, as most people are aware, is a very hard stone found deep in the earth. It is mined at many locations around the world, including areas of Minnesota in the United States and places in India and Italy. The color and pattern of the stone is determined by the minerals found in the area in which it is located.
Granite is composed of approximately 50% quartz; the remaining elements found within granite include softer minerals and impurities. Quartz is one of the hardest minerals found on earth, second only to the diamond.
Quartz countertop materials, such as Cambria, Zodiac and Silestone, are also comprised of quartz. Although the quartz is mined out of the earth, quartz countertop products are manmade. Unlike granite, quartz products are made of 93% quartz crystals, with resins and pigments making up the remaining composition.
Countertop Durability
Granite slabs create a very durable countertop. This stone is very difficult to scratch, and it will look good for years to come. However, granite does have some drawbacks in durability. When using granite for countertops, especially on a kitchen island or peninsula, homeowners must take care in keeping countertop overhangs to a minimum.
The overhang on a countertop allows for knee space underneath it. This cantilevered area is best utilized when support brackets are few, as they can interfere with the seating area. Most granite countertop installers will recommend that this overhang be no deeper than 12” from the edge of the cabinet. Support brackets should be installed about every 36” in width for best results.
Quartz countertops, because of the way that they are made, are nearly twice as strong as natural granite. Quartz products are very dense. They are also free of the invisible fissures (tiny cracks) that can be found in granite, which adds to the strength of quartz surfaces. Because of this extra strength, countertop overhangs can be deeper, and require fewer support brackets.
Heat and Scratch Resistance
Both granite and quartz are resistant to both heat and scratching. However, any type of thermal shock, whether from extreme heat or cold, can cause damage to both granite and quartz. Although these products can resist heat from hot pans, it is always recommended that homeowners use trivets when setting a pot on the surface.
Because granite and quartz have such a high concentration of quartz crystals in their composition, both products are very resistant to scratching. Homeowners should always use cutting boards when preparing food, as their knives will be dulled by the hard stone surfaces.
Food Safety and Staining
Since granite is a natural stone, it is porous. These microscopic holes in the surface of the stone allow liquids to penetrate it. This can lead to staining, as well as the growth of bacteria. The lighter granite colors tend to be more porous, making them more susceptible to stains. Keeping the granite sealed is the best way to avoid stains, and keep the stone looking new.
Granite is either sealed at the fabricator’s shop, or after it is installed. Thereafter, it should be sealed periodically to maintain its stain resistance. Some granites are now impregnated with sealer prior to installation, and do not need to be sealed afterward. Sealers do not keep out bacteria; for this reason, granite is not allowed for use in commercial kitchens and restaurant countertops.
Quartz products are nonporous. Because of this, they are resistant to nearly all staining, and sealing them is not required. The nonporous composition of these products also keeps them from harboring bacteria, making them suitable for commercial use. Homeowners like the low-maintenance benefits of quartz countertops.
Colors and Patterns
Quartz countertop materials have a completely different look than that of granite. Granite comes in patterns ranging from the very consistent to the extremely wild. With veins, blotches and iridescent flecks, each slab of granite is unique. Granite colors range from white to blue and from red to black.
For homeowners preferring a more regular pattern, quartz may be the product of choice. Quartz products lack the depth of light that natural granite possesses, and can tend to look flat. Although newer quartz products include veins and inconsistencies, they still do not rival the unique look of natural granite.
However, quartz products do come in color combinations not found in nature. From bright red to warm tones of chocolate brown and green, quartz countertops offer colors that are impossible to find in natural granite.
Although granite and quartz are similar in look and composition, they are very different products. In most areas of the country, even the pricing is similar. Knowing the maintenance and benefits of each type of countertop material is vital to making the best choice for each space. The Cambria website offers more information about their quartz countertop material. More information on granite can be found on the Marble Institute of America website.
Teri Larsen - Professional Interior Designer, Freelance Writer, Executive Editor of Metro Women Magazine, Mom of 2, Artist and Generally Creative ...
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