Quartz vs Granite Countertops
Many times, the selection for a kitchen countertop gets narrowed down to 2 materials:
Granite which is a natural stone and quartz, which is engineered. Since both materials
seem to have similar characteristics, this is not an easy decision to make.
The following article gives more information about both surfaces, listing their pros and cons to help
homeowners choose the right material for their home project and know exactly what to expect of their surface.
Granite
Granite is 100% natural stone. Therefore no two slabs are the same. It is one of the most popular igneous rocks in the world, made up of primarily quartz, feldspar, micas and a mixture of additional trace minerals. Granite countertops are sourced from granite quarries, then they are cut into slabs and polished. Granite comes in a variety of colours, most commonly pink and brown (though not limited to these colours).
Pros of Granite
- Since it comes from nature, every slab of granite is completely unique.
- Granite comes in stunning, nature made patterns, which are hard to replicate.
- Granite is very durable and strong.
- Whilst not being the cheapest countertop material, since it is a very durable material, one can conclude that it is a very cost-effective surface.
Cons of Granite
- Whilst being very durable, granite is not indestructible. It can chip if a hard object such as a pan is dropped on the surface.
- Granite needs to be sealed to become stain resistant.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are man-made. They consist of mainly quartz combined with other materials such as polymers, pigments and resins. Quartz is relatively poreless so it is very strong and durable..
Pros of quartz
- Quartz requires relatively zero maintenance and is very easy to clean
- It is less prone to staining since it is non porous
- The fact that it is a non porous material makes it less susceptible to harbouring bacteria.
- There is a wider range of colours and patterns available in quartz than in granite.
- Whilst quartz still contains seams, these are barely visible especially in darker coloured materials giving a very modern look.
Cons of quartz
- Whilst being a very strong material, quartz can also chip if a heavy item is dropped on the surface.
- Quartz can get discoloured after prolonged sun exposure. Therefore, if the countertop is close to large windows, one needs to install proper UV protection such as UV blocking blinds.
Which material should you go for?
If you ask us, you cannot go wrong with either choice, whether you go for granite or you opt for quartz. Both surfaces are considered to be premium materials, which are likely to add to the value of your property.
One of the main determinants in making this choice is ultimately whether one prefers a man made material or natural stone. This is simply a matter of personal choice, but if your heart is set on owning a unique natural surface, then granite should definitely be your ultimate choice.
Is your decision mostly influenced by ease of use and maintenance? Whilst both materials are very durable, quartz has an advantage in this area. Since it is non porous and more flexible than granite, it is considered to be more durable than granite. It is also easier to maintain and clean and more resistant to stains.
Should You Be Concerned About Radon From Granite?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is naturally found in granite. However, various research has concluded that homeowners should not be concerned since the quantity of radon found in granite is extremely small and is unlikely to do any harm. Therefore, even though quartz contains zero radon, this does not mean that it is safer.
Still undecided?
Need more help? Our team at Halmann Vella are specialised both in granite and in quartz. Visit us at our showroom in Mosta Road Lija and we can help you decide which is the best surface for your kitchen project. Visit us for a quote today!