Quartz Or Granite Countertops

High-quality countertop surfaces made from quartz or granite can offer a dramatic statement to virtually any room. If you're considering an update to your kitchen counters, bath vanities, or bar tops, you're bound to stumble upon quartz or granite countertops. These popular countertop surfaces are not only about the most desirable options, they are also your most durable options. I hope the contents of this article help sift through the conflicting opinions as to which surface is truly better for your home.

Granite countertops are made up of two of the hardest minerals found on earth " quartz & feldspar". Because of these two minerals, granite countertops offer outstanding durability. The resistance to scratching is largely dependent upon the hardness of the minerals that actually make up the stone. In most granite rocks, the primary minerals quartz and feldspar, account for about 90 % of the granite rock itself. Both quartz and feldspar rate between 6 and 7 on the Moh's scale. Unlike any man-made material, polished granite offers depth, clarity, and movement. Hundreds of granite colors are available in thousands of variations. Many popular granite colors are consistent, but not all. In fact, close to 50% of the granite slabs sold are stones that are considered "exotic granites". These granite colors tend to offer the most variation and movement within the slab. Countertops made from granite are resistant to heat, scratching, staining, and chips. In the unlikely event that your granite gets a scratch, stain, or chip, it can be repaired by a local stone fabricator. Granite can be used for both indoor and outdoor use.

Quartz countertops are also known as "Engineered Stone" countertops. These countertops are also made from one of the hardest minerals on earth "quartz". With quartz representing approximately 96% of the engineered stone, these countertops are also very durable and can be similar in nature to granite. Quartz countertops have a wide selection of colors available including the look of marble, limestone, and concrete, but much more durable. Quartz countertops also offer colors that mother nature does not offer on a consistent basis within a slab. One of the key benefits of engineered stone countertops is the level of variation a customer could expect. The samples you see are pretty much what you should expect upon delivery. Quartz countertops offer resistance against scratching, staining, and chipping. Quartz countertops can be used in most indoor applications but cannot be used exterior.

Unfortunately, the marketing departments of some of the engineered stone choices or "quartz countertop" manufacturers, seem to use some very questionable tactics to promote their products. As a supplier, fabricator, and installer of both quartz countertops and granite countertops, I feel that depending on your application requirements, one product will have a slight advantage, possibly even more appropriate. I do not want to imply that anyone surface is better than the other. The fact is, both quartz and granite surfaces are very durable and offer more than most consumers will ever need.