How do you choose between Granite vs Engineered Quartz countertops for your kitchen????

Are you thinking of updating your kitchen by replacing that laminate countertop? With more than a dozen surface choices in countertops, Granite and Quartz are the two popular choices. “What is the difference?” “How do I decide which one is best for me?” These are the most common questions I hear from homeowners that are looking to replace their countertop.

I will start with the fact that they are both made with the hardest natural stone, quartz. Granite is 40% – 60% quartz and engineered quartz is 93% quartz. One, granite, is taken right out of the ground, and cut into slabs. These slabs are then polished and ready to be measured, fabricated and installed into their forever “home” kitchen. The other, quartz is taken out of the ground and broken down into pieces, then “engineered” together with resin into slabs. Just like granite, these slabs get polished and are ready to be measured, fabricated and installed into their “forever” home.

Ok, and now the difference? Granite is a very porous stone (some colors more than others). Therefore, has a high possibility of staining and needs to be sealed by you at least once a year. The process of the “engineered quartz” makes every slab “non-porous”. That’s right!!! It never needs to be sealed to prevent staining! That spells “maintenance free” to me.

Granted, there are a lot of granite colors to choose from. You can choose from a consistent pattern to a pattern that is very unique . Quartz colors started out with patterns that were very consistent. Now, depending on the brand name you choose ( Cambria for example), you can choose a color that looks just like granite…..WITHOUT THE MAINTENCE!!!

How do you choose? Think about how you use your countertop and what is more important to you. Do you worry the kids might spill their grape juice? Do you entertain a lot and worry about a wine glass might tip over? Are you looking to sell your home and want to get the “wow” factor? Once you have these answers, shop with someone who is knowledgable and one that makes sure that you know exactly what you are buying. You are the one who is going to be enjoying it everyday!

This entry was posted in Countertops and tagged cambria, corian, countertop, countertop surface, engineered quartz, granite, kitchen, laminate, natural stone, quartz, silestone, stone on January 11, 2013 by THblog.