THE KITCHEN GUIDE BOOK

Granite and Manufactured Quartz countertops are the most popular choices for heavy use countertops

because they are very tough. Granite and quartz countertops can range in price quite a bit with the change in grade, but a mid range granite compared to a mid range quartz can be comparable, with quartz sometimes being a little more.

The main difference to me when choosing granite or quartz is a style choice with granite having variability of pattern and character marks of a natural product, as where quartz is consistent because it's manufactured. Both countertops do have their own pros and cons.

                                                  Granite

The pros for granite is the amazing heat and scratch resistance. Granite out does quartz in these areas because it's a natural substance with out any chemical binders.

The main con for granite is the need to seal it every few years, but some granites are very dense and do not need sealing. Granite is porous so there is a possibility of harboring bacteria, but keeping it sealed well helps with that.

                                                                Quartz

The pros for quartz when compared to granite is the no maintenance factor. Quartz does not need to be sealed because it is less porous than granite, which also makes it more stain resistant and lass apt to harbor bacteria.

The cons of a quartz countertop mostly have to do with the chemical binders used can dis color a bit under very high heat or direct sun lite. Alcohol and bleach based cleaners can also deteriorate a quartz countertop.

Granite and quartz are both great choices for a kitchen countertop, you can't go wrong with either really, both will last many years until they go out of style and will be replaced.

Max Wall

ABC Kitchen and Bath