WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? GRANITE vs. QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops | It’s time to remodel your outdated and embarrassing kitchen! You cannot wait until you have new countertops, but you can’t desice between granite and quartz. What’s the difference anyways? There are many incorrect assumptions about these materials, so let’s discuss the pros and cons of granite vs. quartz countertops here.

• Granite is a very hard stone and 100% natural. It is mined from quarries all around the world, trimmed down to a manageable size, and then polished to a fine finish. Granite countertops are in constant high demand for their beauty and durability.

• Quartz is different because it is not 100 % natural. Quartz countertops are manufactured from crushed quartz and is mixed with pigment for coloration and resin as a binder. The quartz content is typically 92% – 94%. You’ll see quartz countertops often referred to as engineered stone countertops. They are similar in appearance and performance, yet quite different in their actual makeup.

	GRANITE	QUARTZ
APPEARANCE	NATURAL VARIANCES Granite shows slight, natural variations in the hue of the stone. Colors range from earth tones to blues, greens, and roses. Granite comes in many different colors and patterns due to the way it’s formed (cooling and solidifying of molten materials).	CUSTOMIZED DESIGN The coloration of quartz is more consistent, and it is available in a  wider array of colors since they are produced with pigments added to the quartz. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design.
PRICE	$80 – $175+ PER SQUARE FOOT You can save money by purchasing the material from a wholesaler and doing some of the preliminary work yourself but the actual fabrication and installation of the countertops should be left to a professional.	$80-$140 PER SQUARE FOOT You can do some of the preliminary work to save money, but because engineered quartz is heavier than other stone surfaces, a professional installer needs to make sure your kitchen cabinets are structurally sound.
FOOTPRINT	Granite needs to be quarried and that uses a lot of energy. If you opt for a high-end slab from Italy, for example, there will be considerable transportation involved. Try using indigenous stone when possible if you are considering your environmental impact. Natural granite countertops do produce fewer carbon emissions during production than quartz countertops.	MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY Since quartz is engineered, it can be more environmentally-friendly than granite if you use regionally manufactured stone and local fabricators. This cuts down on the distance the material needs to be transported.
MAINTENANCE	MEDIUM CARE Granite countertops should be cleaned daily with soap and water or a mild household cleaner. Some oils and acids can stain so do your homework first to avoid stains. To ensure the longevity of your investment, consider having your countertops resealed once a year.	SIMPLE CARE Like granite, you’ll want to clean any spills on quartz countertops with soap and water or a household cleaner, but that’s about it in terms of maintenance. The solid surface means that there is no need to have your countertops resealed.
DURABILITY	Granite is a durable material that’s resistant to heat and many other kitchen elements. Due to its porous nature though, there can be some staining if spilled liquids are left sitting and damage can be done if your counter receives a high impact blow.	Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn’t porous like granite, it’s easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.

SELECTING COUNTERTOPS THAT WORK FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE

Most of us are only going to remodel our kitchen once and we want to get it right when considering granite vs. quartz countertops. We want something that fits into our lifestyle and meets our family’s needs. Choose a kitchen countertop that will not only be durable but will also be visually pleasing for years to come! Seeking an experienced partner to remodel your outdated kitchen into a one-of-a-kind dream kitchen? Contact Nicholas Design Build! Like you, we believe that remodeling your kitchen should be a simple and exciting collaboration.

WHERE WE WORK

Nicholas Design Build’s remodeling service areas | Seeking an experienced partner to remodel your outdated Indiana home into a one-of-a-kind dream home? Each year we complete over 100 remodels in the Northern suburbs of Indianapolis. Like you, we believe that remodeling your home should be a simple and exciting collaboration. We stand behind every project we’ve ever completed with a 3-year Confidence Guarantee. Do you have an upcoming project but don’t see your city in the list of service areas below? Reach out! We are always looking for ways to expand our impact.

THE FOLLOWING are our remodeling service AREAS

McCordsville, Indiana Fishers, Indiana Carmel, Indiana Lawrence, Indiana Greenfield, Indiana Zionsville, Indiana Noblesville, Indiana Whitestown, Indiana Westfield, Indiana Rocky Ripple, Indy, Indiana Meridian Kessler, Indy, Indiana Castleton, Indy, Indiana Meridian Hills, Indy, Indiana Fortville, Indiana Pendleton, Indiana LEARN MORE