Choosing your countertop material is possibly the most important decision you will make among the multitude you will make when you remodel your kitchen. You will look at your new countertop more than any other part of your kitchen.
It is the face of your new kitchen and also the foundation upon which most of your daily meal preparation will be done, taking more wear and abuse than any other part of your kitchen. You should carefully consider your countertop options with respect to durability, appearance, ease of maintenance, and resale value.
Comparing Granite and Quartz
If you’re torn between choosing quartz or granite countertops, we’re here to help. Here we’ll compare both options we offer clients.
Strength
For durability, nothing beats stone as a countertop material. You can see some of the options on our website. Although nothing is indestructible , both engineered quartz surfaces and natural granite will take a great deal of punishment. Using these surfaces to cut upon occasionally will not usually leave marks, but why tempt fate – use a cutting board.
This protects the surface of your countertop and also saves the edges on your knives. The occasional hot pot will have little effect, although exposure to extreme heat can destroy the sealer in natural granite. It can also discolor the binding agent in the engineered quartz material.
Look
Granite and quartz countertops both look great, but they offer different styles. Granite has a natural beauty, and no two slabs are the same. Each piece has its own colors and patterns, which gives granite a unique look.
Quartz comes in many colors and patterns, making it easier to match your kitchen design. If you want a specific color or a more even look, quartz is a good choice.
Both granite and quartz offer many edge styles and finish options. You can choose a shiny, polished look or a softer, matte finish. Today’s installation methods also make seams much less noticeable than in the past.
You can’t beat the investment made in granite or quartz countertops for the resale value of your home. They are certainly the most popular materials and can really make a huge contribution to the appearance of your kitchen. But which one is better? It really comes down to your taste and preference.
Maintenance
Both granite and quartz are fairly easy to care for, but quartz has a small advantage. Because quartz is non-porous, it resists stains and does not need sealing, making cleaning as simple as wiping down with a damp cloth. Granite is also easy to maintain, but because it is a natural stone, it may need to be sealed occasionally to protect against spills and stains.
Many homeowners still choose granite because of its natural beauty and unique patterns. Granite is also considered a more “green” option since it is a natural product. The choice often comes down to personal preference. As the saying goes, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Since you will be the one enjoying your countertop every day, it’s most important to pick the material that appeals to you the most, fits your style, and makes your kitchen or bathroom feel complete.
Explore Our Showrooms
Cabinet Discounters is a partner of Creative In Counters, one of the area’s largest manufacturers of custom kitchen countertops. Our countertop manufacturing facility is located in Mount Airy, Maryland.
We carry one of the largest selections of manufactured and stone countertop products to help you choose the look that is right for your kitchen. Together with Creative In Counters, we offer a wide range of products and styles for customers in the Baltimore-Washington metro area and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
For more countertop information, browse our website. For phone numbers and locations, click here.