4 Advantages of Choosing Quartz Over Granite for Your Kitchen Countertops
When you're renovating your kitchen, one of the most important things to get right are the countertops. These will be a focal point of the entire room, and it's both hard and expensive to switch them out for an alternative if you don't make the right decision the first time around. There are a few things to take into account when you're deciding on your countertops, but the material you choose is one of the most important considerations. For many homeowners, granite is their first choice, but many are surprised to learn that quartz can be a much better option.
Here are just four reasons why.
1. Lower Cost
Almost every renovation project is going to have a budget, and countertops often represent a healthy slice of your available funds. Quartz is typically less expensive than granite since it doesn't have to be mined or shaped, so it's a great material if you want to keep to a budget without sacrificing overall quality. Furthermore, quartz's flexibility as a building material means that the installation process will be quicker and easier, lowering the cost of labour.
2. Non-Porous
Granite is actually porous, as it contains tiny mineral channels. In contrast, quartz is completely non-porous. This is an important consideration when you're dealing with kitchen countertops since it is likely that food and drink will be spilt on it. Things such as wine can penetrate the surface of granite, causing staining, but this isn't such a problem when you're dealing with quartz. Additionally, the fact that quartz is non-porous makes it very hard for bacteria to gain a foothold, so your countertops will also be more hygienic.
3. Versatile Appearance
A decade or two ago, it would have been taken as a rule of thumb that granite would provide a more upscale appearance than quartz. This is because quartz blocks used to look quite artificial, but advances in the manufacturing process have ensured that this is no longer an issue. In fact, quartz now comes with a number of aesthetic benefits over granite. For example, it will be free of natural defects, can be manufactured in a huge variety of colours, and achieves a consistent colour across whole slabs.
4. Reduced Maintenance
Both granite and quartz are extremely tough, but granite requires more maintenance work. Most importantly, you will have to get your countertops regularly sealed, which is not something that quartz countertops will ever require. Additionally, quartz can be washed easily using just soap and water. Some cleaning agents will damage granite since it is a natural product, so this is something that you will need to concern yourself with.
For more information and options for countertop materials, talk with home renovations professionals.