Differences Between Quartz and Granite Countertops

By John Finney2

Kitchen countertops are an essential purchase to make a kitchen functional and keep them looking great. Stone countertops for example, are always a luxury affair. They are durable, and on the whole, enhance your kitchen’s look. They are especially useful if you make pastry dough on a routine basis. However, the downside is that stone is very heavy and quite difficult to install. Technology has improved so much that it has made stone countertops the most preferred material by home buyers and designers. Granite countertops do, however, make a stylish statement when stainless steel appliances are paired with it.

Granite has a crystalline texture to it. It is a great choice as opposed to marble countertops for your kitchen. It often includes mica, feldspar and quartz. When sunlight hits your granite countertop there is undeniably bright shine from it. The range of colors, grades and patterns in which granite is produces is endless. Quartz is a great competition to granite.

Emissions and maintenance

The major problem with granite countertops, is that the exotic types can emit hot waves. So, it is very vital to test your granite and then buy it. Make a learned decision. Also the look is becoming somewhat dated and for maintenance, it demands annual sealing. This maintenance problem is a popular one. Major varieties of granites are proven to be safe for homes. So, if you decide to buy a less exotic piece then you can rest assured that your counter top will give you less trouble. Quartz countertops encounter these issues with ease. They can perform quite well with very low or even no maintenance levels. The seam matching is nearly invisible. There are no issues what so ever with radon or radiation emitting from the countertop. Quartz countertops also present a fresh look in terms of style. During the manufacturing process microban is used. This forms strong resistance against the growth of bacteria.

Eco-friendliness and weight

Quartz countertops also have a downfall though. Raw quartz varies in terms of size. There is rock salt and coarse grains in it too. Quartz countertop manufacturing involves the usage of resins, pigments and raw quartz. There are several processes that go into producing the final product. For many environmentally conscious people, a quartz countertop is not ‘green’ enough to be in their kitchen. This is because one of its ingredients is resin. Another pitfall of the product is that it is less durable and not resistant to burn marks. One of the reasons for this is because of the usage or resins. Resin responds to heat immediacy thus, leaving marks on the countertop. These are the major areas where quartz countertops lose their shine in the countertop industry. Quartz is very heavy. Though it is easier to cut, its heaviness poses a problem to consumers.

No matter which rock you purchase, the countertops made from all of the above rocks will without a doubt enhance your kitchen’s appearance for years to come.

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