Introduction
The selection of worktop is a crucial decision and defines the look and performance of the kitchen essentially. Two varieties that can be found in today’s market are granite and quartz worktops. Each material has its benefits and can complement the aesthetics of your kitchen, however, you’ll decide whether one type of countertop is more suitable for you than the other taking into consideration the following facts. In this article, we compare granite and quartz worktops in terms of their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages so as to assist you make a decision.
Natural vs. Engineered:
The existence of core difference and its signification in a hotel business is, therefore, a source of considerable thought to the strategic managers or hotel owners.
Granite: What is meant by a slice of Nature
Granite worktops are one of the natural stones which have an advantage of being from the natural sources hence making them have a natural and raw look. The granite that goes into the countertops is in slabs, and no two pieces are alike in terms of color, veins or their general design. This property is one of the biggest attractions to homeowners seeking a worktop that enhances a home’s personality in the kitchen.
Quartz: A Man-Made Marvel
While on the other plate is quartz that is an artificial product, which is made from blasting 90-95% of natural quartz minerals and 5-10% of resin, and pigments. It also means that controlled manufacturing can provide a lot more and again, the choice of color and pattern than natural stone can. However the most visible difference between the quartz worktops is that they originate from natural stone but are more uniform than granite and this is good for people who do not like the moves swings of natural stone.
Aesthetic Differences
The granite and quartz both have nice appeal to the eyes, but they serve different markets in as much as the flexibility of designs as well as individuality is concerned.
Natural vs. Engineered:
The existence of core difference and its signification in a hotel business is, therefore, a source of considerable thought to the strategic managers or hotel owners.
Granite: What is meant by a slice of Nature
Granite work tops are one of the natural stones which have an advantage of being from the natural sources hence making them have a natural and raw look. The granite that goes into the countertops is in slabs, and no two pieces are alike in terms of color, veins or their general design. This property is one of the biggest attractions to homeowners seeking a worktop that enhances a home’s personality in the kitchen.
Quartz: A Man-Made Marvel
While on the other plate is quartz that is an artificial product, which is made from blasting 90-95% of natural quartz minerals and 5-10% of resin, and pigments. It also means that controlled manufacturing can provide a lot more and again, the choice of color and pattern than natural stone can. However the most visible difference between the quartz worktops is that they originate from natural stone but are more uniform than granite and this is good for people who do not like the moves swings of natural stone.
Granite:
Properly equipped, it can be a very dangerous opponent, but it also has its weaknesses and isn’t very resilient when attacked.
Quartz: Engineered for Strength
Maintenance and Care
Another factor one needs to put into consideration when choosing between granite and quartz worktops is on the maintenance aspect.
Granite: Regular Sealing Required
It is also important to note that granite worktops have to be resealed from time to time so as to ensure that they do not soak up stains and other bacteria. Depending on the type of granite, sealing may be required quite often, although usually once a year is quite sufficient. The maintenance process of granite is not complicated; this entails washing with warm water and soap in a daily basis
Quartz: Virtually Maintenance-Free
Quartz worktops are non-porous and therefore do not need any sealing which makes them easier in the long run to manage. In cleaning the quartz, it is quite easy since it can be cleaned using a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Quartz does not require a sealer because it is non-porous, stain as well as bacteria resistant, making it a perfect option of a homeowner who wants a low maintenance kitchen worktop.
Cost Comparison
Granite and quartz worktops cost also differ because of the quality, the brand and installation charges. Nevertheless, there is a tendency where granite is slightly cheaper than the quartz.
Granite: Price differs on the rarity of the product.
Quartz: A Premium Investment
Since it is a man-made material Quartz is, usually, more expensive than granite and it has uniform texture and color. Still, no sealing is needed in quartz and all in all, it might be cheaper in the long run than marble. If one wants a material that offers quality and hard-wearing capacity it also has the all important luxury factor, quartz is usually the one to go for.
Environmental Impact
Although both granite and quartz are environmental friendly, some people who own homes have a concern toward the environment.
Granite:
One is a natural but finite resource. The other is a natural but scarce resource
Granite is quarried, and this mean this natural stone comes with its own disadvantages some of which are the disruption of natural habitats and the energy used in the transportation. Still, as the material is very strong and resistant, it does not wear out very frequently, therefore there is less of it thrown away.
Quartz: Engineered for Sustainability
Despite being a man-made material Quartz is made from natural materials and it is possible to have the engineered product with less or no impact on the environment compared to quarrying of natural stones. Besides, some of the manufacturers in creating their quartz products also incorporated recyclable materials in its production making another attribute of quartz even more eco-friendly. Furthermore, quartz is as durable as solid stone unsurprisingly it does not need much maintenance as compared to marble thus making it a more environmentally friendly option in the long run.
Conclusion:
Granite and quartz worktops are, therefore, in a way similar to comparing apples and oranges; the choice boils down to taste, daily-use pattern and affordability. If you are a fan of a natural stone that has a personality that you won’t find in any other material then granite could be ideal. Therefore, if simplicity and maintaining of the same appearances for a long time are your main goals and you like minimalism and modern looking, then quartz countertops may be the best solution.
