Choosing Countertops: Quarts, Granite, or Marble

Choosing the right countertops for your kitchen can be tricky. Some things to consider, like price, sturdiness, and scratch resistance. It’s also essential to consider the look you want to achieve. For example, if you’re looking for a natural look, consider choosing marble or granite countertops.

Durability

The distinction between quartz and granite may be on your mind as you select a new countertop or upgrade your current one. Quartz and granite are both high-end countertop materials that offer a premium look. The two materials share many similarities, but quartz does have a few key differences that make it worth considering.

Crushed quartz, a naturally occurring stone that has been processed, is used to make quartz countertops, which are held together by a tough resin. Quartz is a little more complicated than granite and is incredibly scratch resistant. However, quartz countertops are only heat resistant up to a certain point. Therefore, a different countertop material might be preferable if you reside in an area with a lot of direct sunlight.

Granite countertops in Phoenix are made from natural rock mined in large slabs from quarries worldwide. The slabs are then cut to fit your countertop. The resulting countertops are beautiful and unique. They can last millions of years in a natural state and can last longer in a home if they’re taken care of.

Scratch resistance

The distinctions between granite and quartz countertops should be understood whether you are installing granite or quartz countertops in your kitchen. Quartz is an artificial stone, whereas granite is a natural stone. Each of them has advantages and drawbacks of its own. The main difference is how well they hold up against scratches and stains.

Granite is more rigid than quartz, scoring seven on Moh’s hardness scale. This makes granite less prone to scratches. Granite also withstands heat better than quartz. This is because it has been sitting in quarries for millions of years. The more heat it can withstand, the longer it will last.

Granite has fewer seams, which can be hidden with custom epoxy. Granite is also less prone to etching. However, it is prone to stains, which require periodic maintenance. Granite can be etched with rust remover products containing hydrofluoric acid.

Quartz is less porous and more stable than granite but is still susceptible to scratches. Therefore, you should refrain from placing hot pots directly on quartz. Instead, use a trivet or hot pad to protect your counters from thermal shock. In addition, it would be best to use a cutting board to prevent scratches.

Cost

Making the decision between granite and quartz for your countertop can be a little challenging. Granite and quartz are natural products, but the choice can be based on your personal preference and budget. The countertop you choose should be found in the room you are remodeling.

Granite countertops are a prevalent choice. They are long-lasting and add value to your home. In addition, they come in a massive selection of colors and finishes. However, they can be expensive to buy and install. They are also heavy and require professional installation.

Quartz is also a popular choice for countertops. They are less expensive than granite but more complicated and more stain-resistant. They also repel dirt. Quartz is manufactured by partial vacuum molding, which originated in Asia. They are also non-porous, which makes them easier to clean.

Granite is also an eco-friendly building material. It does not release significant amounts of radon or volatile organic compounds. It is also a very durable material, which means that it can last for over 25 years. It is also resistant to scratches.

Marble vs. Quartz

Whether you want to install new countertops in your home or renovate your existing ones, you may wonder which material is best. You might be considering granite, marble, and quartz countertops. But before you choose one of these, you should consider the design and aesthetics of your home and what you need the countertop for.

A natural stone with a timeless appearance is a marble. It has veins that are gray or white. With age, it also becomes darker. It can be used in houses with an artisanal or colonial design. It is also softer than quartz.

Quartz is also a natural stone. However, it is an artificial stone that combines minerals with resin. Quartz is more complex than marble and is scratch-resistant. However, it is not as heat-resistant.

Marble can be replaced with the allure of quartz. It is simple to keep up. It doesn’t need to be sealed. It’s also tricky. Marble, on the other hand, needs to be filled regularly. It can also burn quickly.