When the time comes to redo your kitchen countertops, homeowners everywhere seem to declare with a resounding certainty that there’s just something great about granite. Sure, there are many options out there on the market, but granite has fallen into the number one spot time and again for a reason. Granite countertops provide a sophisticated edge to any home that lasts for years to come. Designed with longevity and durability in mind, granite countertops are the perfect mix of tough and elegant.
Many factors can cause homeowners to start looking at other materials for countertops. Sometimes it’s pressure from outside sources such as friends and family who want to make sure their opinions are heard, and possibly implemented. Sometimes it’s simply worry over a stretched renovation budget. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to get caught up in options and forget why granite should be your first choice when all is said and done.
One of the materials that tends to pop up a lot in this type of situation is Quartz. While Quartz is a fine material to use, if it comes down to granite vs. quartz in the competition for your countertops, granite will come out ahead every time. To avoid getting lost in the chaos that can be countertop material samples, here are a few reasons why granite is the clear winner when it’s put to the test against quartz countertops.
The need for the natural stone effect
One of the most defining factors when it comes to granite countertops is the aesthetic appeal they hold. 100% natural stone, granite countertops bring an earth-based finish into your interior décor scheme that’s nearly impossible to replicate. Quartz is a manufactured material combining stone and resin that’s crafted to specific color schemes and textures. While it provides for its own type of visual appeal, quartz just doesn’t match granite countertops on the natural vibe. If it’s an authentic stone countertop appearance you’re aiming for, there’s no other way to go than granite countertops.
The cost without the same value just isn’t worth it
Granite countertops tend to run on the high end of the price tag because of their quality, diligent sourcing and careful installation practices. The price is based on the quality and guaranteed longevity of the product overall. The price of quartz is based on the fact that it takes a significant amount of time to manufacture as it is a hybrid of products. This means that granite countertops and quartz countertops run at a similar price value, without the same guarantee of durability. Properly sealed and maintained, granite countertops can last for the lifetime of your home. Quartz has a tendency to deteriorate more quickly under hard conditions. If you’re looking to invest in a product that is not only efficient but durable and visually pleasing, granite countertops are your more financially sound option.
The weight of the matter when it comes to Quartz
The mixing of materials causes quartz to be significantly heavier than granite when it’s molded into countertop form, and therefore, requires more extensive professional installation. This means that any money homeowners may convince themselves they are saving is simply being redirected towards the installation process. When looking to avoid a costly installation project with a final product that won’t necessarily hold up well into the future, make sure your home is fitted with granite countertops instead.
Edging and seams can be an issue
One of the benefits of granite countertops is the mixing and swirling of natural colors that shows up. The result of these color melts is that edges and seams tend to blend into the stone patterns and become fairly invisible unless you really know where to look. This creates a smooth and “seamless” surface that highlights all of your surface’s natural beauty without distracting lines or edges.
On the other hand, quartz countertops play host to a number of fabricated colors and hues. This means that edges and seams have a tendency to stand out more than they ever would in granite countertops. In order to be hidden, care would have to be taken to pick quartz that had darker color streaks that would then need to be matched up to attempt to blend edges.
Durability and design counts
Sometimes, what makes a product great lies primarily in its reputation. When you’re thinking of reselling your house in the future, prospective homebuyers are going to be looking for those quality details that make your home stand out on the market. Granite countertops have a great reputation for quality and beauty, and homebuyers don’t easily miss these important factors. Granite provides an interior design template that allows for flexibility, creativity and most of all, daily wear without losing its quality. While quartz countertops may get the job done for a while, granite countertops are the only product that will not only capture the attention of prospective buyers, but also hold it and make it hard for them to let go of the idea of their beauty and potential in a new home.