One of the most popular questions that I hear daily in our showroom is; “what kind of counter would you choose in your kitchen Tim, quartz or granite?” It’s really an easy answer when you break it down to these questions.

• Is it important to you to have a counter top that has no maintenance?
• Are you aiming to be as green in your kitchen as you can be?
• How important is color?

If you answer no to the first 2 questions then the third question is answered. Color has to be important so that is how I would decide on which product that I pick. I recently re-did our island top with quartz. I loved the granite that I had but was looking for another color scheme in my kitchen so I loved the color of the quartz that I picked. It has grey, blue and some black marks. It fit perfect with the colors that we painted the kitchen over with.

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

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. 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. 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. The manufacturer makes the colors that you see in the final product.

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

Granted, there are a lot of granite colors to choose from. You can choose from a subtle and consistent pattern to a pattern that is very unique . Quartz colors started out with patterns that were very neutral. Now, depending on the brand name you choose (Cambria for example), you can choose a color that looks just like granite…..WITHOUT THE MAINTENANCE!!! Also, with so many clients wanting a marble look, quartz is a great choice to get that look and not worry about scratches and staining. Since marble is a softer stone, it can be a nightmare for scratches and staining.

How do you choose? Think about how you use your kitchen 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, find a professional in a showroom who is knowledgeable and one that makes sure that you know exactly what you are buying. There is nothing worse than going through the process, spending the money and not being happy with the results. You are ultimately the one who is going to be enjoying it everyday remember, so choose wisely! There is no better investment!

Bon Appetit!

Tim Holick (Food A Holick)

This entry was posted in Countertops on July 29, 2016 by wpalace.