Granite vs Quartz Countertops
Granite counters are mined from pure stone. The stone is sawed into slabs or made into tiles and then polished for installation. Quartz countertops are manufactured from crushed quartz that is mixed with pigment for coloration and resin as a binder.
Granite Countertops
If you want authentic stone countertops, then granite is your only choice. Granite has a vast variety of colors and textures. Each and every stone is unique because no 2 stones are alike. They each have different characteristics.
• They are not uniform in color or appearance
• Will need to be sealed year after year
• Durable but not indestructible
• It is a natural rock and can break or chip
• Heat and stain resistant
• Water resistant and scratch resistant
• Natural stone may have mercury, lead, radon gas, etc
• Impossible to completely hide the seams in a granite counter
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are non-porous, and easily fabricated. The quartz content is typically 92% to 94%. These counters offer a virtually maintenance free kitchen work surface. Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable.
• Quartz is does not require any sealing - ever
• More flexible making them less likely to chip or crack
• Extremely durable but not indestructible
• Heat and stain-resistant
• Scratch & water resistant, easy to keep relatively bacteria-free
• Can discolor over time when exposed to direct sunlight
• Seams with a quartz counter are less visible
• Eco-friendly
• Does not have any type of impact on indoor air quality
