Countertop material is not something to go cheap on, nor is it something to decide on without doing the proper research. Countertops are investment in your home’s continued value and something that’s going to be getting the brunt of use in the kitchen or bathroom where they’ll come into contact with debris, water, and blunt use. This means you want to really do your research on the best countertop options to maintain your countertops for years to come.
Most often, the two countertops that come to the top of lists are granite and quartz.
So, which is right for you?
Below is some information about granite and quartz countertops and how they compare to each other.
What is quartz and granite?
What do the names of these stone materials even mean anyway? You likely know granite or slate or know when something is trying to look like granite. Granite is an incredibly hard and richly textured stone that is formed in the Earth’s crust over millions of years of pressure. Its natural beauty is unique and hard to duplicate.
Quartz countertops are man-made materials constructed from natural quartz and other minerals. Granite contains small quartz crystals throughout its composition which helps to give it the stunning and complex look its known for. Quartz displays the beauty of all types of stone slabs used for countertops and more.
What do granite and quartz look like?
Granite is diversely colored and sourced from different regions, so it has unique colors and traces of minerals that are common to the area it is from. That makes granite virtually universal when it comes to shades. It also means each granite slab is unique. While they can have similar patterning, no two pieces of granite will ever be the same.
Quartz, on the other hand, is engineered to have a fairly uniform look. Though it too is unique and comes in many different shades and tones, it’s going to look cleaner and less natural.
How much do quartz and granite cost?
Both granite and quartz sit at the top end of the price spectrum when it comes to countertop materials. But that’s not for nothing. They’re incredibly durable and beautiful pieces of stone. And they’re both almost identical in price. The difference is that the higher end granite can cost as much as $175 per square foot while the higher end quartz usually tops out around $140 or $150. So, you can have the highest level of quartz or mid-level granite for about the same price.
Additional Questions
Can I install a granite or quartz countertop myself?
Countertops in general aren’t a DIY project, but this is especially true for natural stone installations. There’s a specific process to follow to ensure the counter is secure and durable for the long haul. Not to mention natural stone is incredibly heavy and could result in injury if you’re not handling it properly.
Having your countertops installed by a professional is the best way to go, especially if you want it done right. Plus countertop installers can handle unpredictable issues that may arise.
Are quartz and granite countertops hard to maintain?
Neither is particularly hard to maintain, but they both require care, granite more so than quartz because it is porous and will absorb any stain left standing on it for too long. You’ll need to keep a regular reseal schedule (around once a year) and make sure to clean both up quickly after use and/or spills.
Advice from the Countertop Professionals
The best place to start with your countertop selection is with an experienced and reputable countertop fabricator and installer. They can answer your questions, show you examples, and make suggestions for counters that will suit your needs and budget. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
If you live in the Austin area, Texas Granite Group is happy to help! We have everything you need to make your remodel vision come true. Our experienced team has been installing and fabricating countertops for over 20 years making us one of Texas’s premier countertop fabricators.
Visit our showroom and get all the feels with a huge selection of colors in granite, quartz, marble, quartzite and more! Our designers will answer your questions and help you pick the perfect countertop solution for your amazing remodel or new build. Call today for a Free Consultation and find out why we are a #1 Choice for builders and homeowners!