Granite and quartz countertops both have a clean and crisp look when installed in your kitchen. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be getting great performance and appearance for the foreseeable future. Sometimes it’s hard for people to choose between quartz vs granite countertops, and for that reason, it’s good to do your research on the benefits and downsides of each. After reading this guide, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision on quartz vs granite countertop.
Quartz Vs Granite Countertops
Quartz and granite countertops are both made from natural stone, but each stone has uniquely different characteristics.
If you go way back to elementary science class, you might remember going over the different types of rocks. Igneous rock was of those rock types, and granite is classified as an igneous rock. There are a bunch of minerals in which granite is comprised of:
- Quartz
- Feldspar
- Mica
These minerals are all combined together to form granite, and they result in a few different hues:
- White
- Black
- Brown
- Gray
- Pink
To construct a granite countertop, large slabs of granite are cut down to a predetermined size.
Quartz is a very common mineral throughout the world. The formation of quartz is a result of small pieces of minerals that are mined from the Earth and then crushed, ground, and blended together with polymer resins and pigments. The resulting product is a nice slab of beautiful quartz.
The Beauty of Quartz And Granite Countertops
A quartz or granite countertop is usually the centerpiece and key element of a kitchen. They have a shiny, sleek look that’s pretty much impossible to ignore when you enter the kitchen. Sometimes people get mistaken when they are trying to tell the difference between a quartz and a granite countertop because they tend to look fairly similar when you initially lay eyes on them.
Granite is known to be a completely natural product that is available in tons and tons of different shades, colors, and patterns. Every granite slab you look at will be at least a little different from the other. There is such a vast expanse of different tones and tiny little shades in a granite piece, and that’s exactly what makes them so unique. When a granite countertop is professionally installed, you shouldn’t even be able to see the seam that connects each separate piece of granite. Granite edges in Mississauga can also be polished and cut to increase the overall appearance of them even more. If there are children always running around the house, edges can be smoothed out so that accidents won’t hurt as much if someone runs into them. Some of the different edge styles you can choose from are:
- Straight
- Simple beveled
- Rounded bullnose
- Ornate ogee
- Custom
In addition to the granite countertops, you can also get a beautiful backsplash installed to compliment it.
With quartz, you’ll be getting an engineered countertop that’s made up of quartz aggregates, different color pigments, and polymer resins that make up 93% of the product. Quartz is similar to granite in that there are endless options of patterns, hues, styles, and sizes to choose from. You can get quartz that is:
- Bright blue
- Red
- Earthy colors
- Marble designs
When it comes to quartz, the options go as far as your creativity can take them. You can also choose from different finishes such as :
- Smooth
- High-gloss
- Matte
The majority of quartz countertops are customized to fit each kitchen. A customized fit means that the installation process will go much more smoothly. There are also different thicknesses and edging styles you can get for your countertops.
Quartz And Granite Characteristics
People not familiar with quartz or granite stone might instantly think that countertops made out of these stones are pretty much invulnerable. The stones are very strong and resistant to a lot of damage, but they can still break.
The characteristics that attract most people to granite are the amazing amount of different textures and striations in it. While these two things do make granite appear to be such an elegant work of art, they also are what cause it to be prone to breaking if not treated with care. Granite is of a porous nature and you’ll typically have to use a sealer on the surface in order to prevent it from staining. There is an easy way to figure out if your granite countertop requires a sealer. All you have to do is get a damp paper towel that is also ink-free and then lay it on the countertop. Let it sit there for about 5 minutes. If you lift up the paper towel and notice that it has left a darker pigment in the countertop, then that means it has gotten into the surface of it, which also means you should be using a sealer on it. The general rule of thumb is to apply a sealer around once a year to maintain the look of the granite countertop. If you’re a DIY type of person and are thinking of installing a granite countertop yourself, you need to be extremely cautious. Like windows, granite countertops are expensive and extremely heavy. If you’re unfamiliar with the process at all, it’s best to get a professional to do the job.
Quartz countertops have a high stone content that is bound together by resin, and that’s exactly what makes them so durable and strong. You don’t have to worry about maintenance with quartz in the same way that you do with granite countertops. This means you don’t have to waste time using a sealer on the countertop once a year. Quartz is also resistant to scratching, and this means your quartz countertop will be looking in tip-top shape for years after it has been installed. Big slabs of quartz are heavier in weight than granite ones. Just carrying a slab of quartz to the kitchen will require at least a couple of people. Installation of a quartz countertop is something you’ll want to get right the first time, and that’s another reason why it’s best just to get a professional to install it.
What Is The Installation Process of New Granite Countertops?
Getting a contractor to install the countertops is the suggested course of action to take, but there are a number of things that you’ll still need to be involved with throughout the process.
If you’re not familiar with how to take the measurements for your granite countertop, you can get the contractor to take them. These measurements are what will be used to determine the size of the countertop being installed in your kitchen.
After that, you’ll want to do some research into the design and type of slab you’ll want. Going to a showroom is the easiest way to see the many different types of countertop styles available. A lot of granite is imported:
- Brazil
- China
- Africa
Once it gets to a granite warehouse in Toronto, it should be carefully inspected for any blemishes. After the inspection process is complete, it will then be cut to the proper size. You’ll have to decipher what type of look you’re wanting to create in your home. Every person has a different style they are attracted to, and this is where your creative finesse can be put to work. After you’ve made a final decision, the contractor will then draft a proposal, write out a contract, take a deposit from you, and then go from there.
When countertops are being installed, the previous countertop and sink need to be taken off so that there is easier access to the base cabinets. All of the cabinets need to be completely level before the granite countertop is installed. If you’re not experienced in how to do this part, your contractor might offer to do the job for an additional fee. The contractor will then want to drop by and do a field measure to ensure that everything will fit according to the specifications. Doing this before installing the countertop is much easier than putting the heavy countertop in place and later realizing it doesn’t fit properly. A lot of contractors are able to do this very easily because of the digital technology they have available in figuring out the seams, placement of the sink, and layout.
At this point, you’ll have to pick a type of edge design that you want for the countertop.
Once that’s done fabrication will then start and that process will result in waiting for a few weeks.
When the product is ready to go, the installation process can typically range anywhere from a day to up to a week, but it all depends on how big and detailed the job is. You’ll want to ask your contractor what timeframe they can give you so that a plumber can finish hooking up the sink. When sinks are installed, a sealer will usually be applied.
What About The Quartz Installation Process?
Getting a quartz countertop installed is a little more convenient in comparison to granite ones. Two very common quartz fabricators are:
- Caesarstone
- Cambria
These two fabricators have a solid track record of producing very appealing quartz countertops. You’ll want to give yourself some time in order to choose the right style that’ll work for your kitchen.
Initial measurements will need to be taken when you’re going to be approaching a contractor for an estimate on how much the job will cost. Again, if you’re not familiar with how to take the measurements, ask if the contractor can come down and give you a quote based on the measurements they take. Many contractors will offer free quotes.
When you’re deciding on a quartz countertop, a couple of things to consider are:
- The color
- The pattern
- How thick of a slab you want
- The finish
- What type of edge profile you want
All of these factors can usually be decided on after visiting a showroom or meeting up with a contractor.
Once you’ve made your decision, the plumbing will need to be disconnected, the current countertop will need to be removed, and the backsplash will be taken off. Doing these things will make it much easier to take field measurements. When the countertop is installed, the sink and appliances will also be done at the same time, but you’ll have to get a plumber to connect the sink back up.
A contractor will use a digital fabrication method to ensure that the quartz countertop will fit exactly how it should.
It doesn’t take too long to install quartz countertops. Usually, the job will only take a day or two. The nice thing about quartz countertops is that they come with a limited lifetime warranty. When you register your product, this will leave you with peace of mind well into the future.
Final Thoughts
You can’t go wrong with quartz and granite countertops. Both products look extremely sleek, shiny, and clean. They also just create an upper-class feeling all throughout your kitchen.
With granite, there are endless options when it comes time to choose what colors, patterns, and edge profiles you want. Keep in mind that you’ll have to use a sealer to protect the surface of the countertop, but other than that, the maintenance required is actually fairly little. Granite is known to be a very strong stone, but if you’re being careless around it, it can potentially chip. Installing a granite countertop in your kitchen will take a little time and patience, but the end result is having a kitchen that will look and feel like an elegant work of art.
With quartz, you’re getting minerals that are crushed and bonded together to form visually stunning designs and patterns. Quartz requires very little maintenance, but if it’s constantly being exposed to the sun for long periods of time, the finish can sometimes tend to fade. There are many different quartz manufacturers out there, so it’s good to do a bunch of research before finally selecting one to go with. Quartz is known to be incredibly durable, but there is still always the chance of damage. A limited lifetime warranty is always good to have to ensure that you don’t have to worry about anything happening to it for a long time.
In the end, the decision to go with quartz or granite boils down to your own preference. With so many different options to customize your countertop with, you’ll be bound to find one that works for you.
