In some of the previous blog posts I’ve talked about different types of Quartz and Granite, but you may be wondering “well what’s the difference between the two?”
First things first, granite is a 100% natural stone with lots of colors due to the way its molten materials cool and solidify. Basically there are no two slabs that are the same. Quartz on the other hand is typically 95% ground natural quartz and 5% polymer resins. Quartz has the look of a natural stone but due to it’s man made origin, it’s a lot more customizable than granite. People typically spend more time looking for the perfect slab of granite whereas the quartz selection process is typically easier because there’s less choices.
The second biggest difference between quartz and granite is the way they’re affected by every-day use. For example, granite is formed under intense heat so it’s naturally resistant to high temperatures. Quartz on the other hand is not. Because quartz isn’t formed the way granite is, it’s a lot more sensitive to heat. You won’t be able to set a hot pot or pan down on quartz because the quartz will warp and it’ll leave marks on your countertop.
Granite and Quartz are both relatively easy to clean. They both require regular cleaning and you shouldn’t let spills settle. The only real difference is that granite should be resealed once a year while quartz doesn’t require resealing.
By this point, you’re probably wondering “so which one should I pick for my kitchen or bathroom?” Honestly it’s all a matter of personal preference. What’s your design scheme like? How much time do you spend in the kitchen? Will heat resistance be an issue you consider when choosing materials? These are all things you should consider when choosing a countertop. Thankfully, your friends at Granite Surfaces of Texas are here to walk you through this journey to finding the perfect natural stone surface.