Quartz vs Granite Countertops

Image Credit: CaesarStone

A wide array of materials are available for countertops, e.g., laminates, ceramic tile, natural stone, solid surfacing, stainless steel, concrete, butcher block, quartz surfacing. Each material has its own qualities which made it suitable for a countertop purpose. Two of the high quality materials for countertops are granite and quartz.

Satisfying the requirement of creating an impressive statement to any area in the house, both quartz and granite are favoured by most interior designers and homemakers. Personal preference would play an important role when choosing which countertop will be installed in one’s house. Let’s check each of them.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are also known as “Engineered Stone” countertops. Quartz is one of the hardest earth minerals and quartz countertops are made up of about 93% quartz. Ground quartz are combined with coloring pigment resin binding agent to create a quartz countertop. It is an excellent choice as a countertop material for the following reasons:

• It is one of the most durable countertops available in the market today.
• It is cost-effective or less expensive. 
• It has non porous finish and beautiful unblemished surface 
• It is available in wide array of colors.
• It is water/oil resistant. 
• It is resistant to scratching, staining or chipping.
• It may be manufactured with granite and marble patterns for a unique effect.

Granite Countertops

Granite on the other hand, is another countertop material which is made up of two of the hardest minerals on earth and which is an excellent material for your kitchen countertop in polished, honed, flamed or tumbled finish. Below are some reasons why granite is a better material for countertops :

• It is heat resistant.
• It is durable and can stand up to almost anything (pans, heavy load, etc.)
• It is scratch, stain and ship resistant. Proper sealing is required to achieve these.
• It has simple and straightforward cleaning regimen; with mild soap and water.
• Its surface is suitable for food preparation without the risk of staining or contamination with the natural stone elements.
• It is available in many different colors and shades as there are no two slabs which are the same.
• It offers a great deal of savings in terms of installation cost, maintenance and prolonged existence.
• It can be cut according to the requirements of the sinks, taps and faucets. Customized cutting is an available option

As both quartz and granite countertops offer to add style, elegance, character, statement and functionality to any room or area of installation, designers prefer any of these two great dependable materials. Whether the installation is for an upgrade or improvement or an entirely new one, both quartz and granite countertops will create an impact to the surrounding space with their natural stone quality. The abounding colors can complement any decorating style and can accentuate and highlight a particular area.

So for those who are renovating or building their homes, the perfect countertop depends on your own personal taste and preference. Which countertop is perfect for you, then?

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Granite vs Marble Countertops – Which is the Best?

Many individuals need to know when granite or marble is much better with regard to counter tops in their bathrooms and kitchens. After all, both are stunning supplies each provide attractiveness and elegance to the house, and also both are for sale in many varieties to match any desire.

When building your home or restroom you've always dreamed of, these two are the most well-liked varieties for countertops are usually granitic and marble. No luxurious home is complete without those natural gemstones. But what types are better to use and easier to maintain? It's impossible to decide by yourself, but you may discover the details you need that will give you the right selection.

Granite vs Marble Countertops– The Truth

Marble comes from metamorphism and sedimentary carbonate rubble for example limestone or dolomite, while granite is an igneous rock shaped from magma. Marble come in a number of light to medium colors and designs with veining. Granitic can be a blend with mica, quartz, plastic, feldspar, and other mineral deposits and is available in an enormous array of colors as well as patterns. It is perfectly located at the World's mark vii brown crust area and contains a medium- to coarse-grained texture which is the manifestation of the material. Because of the differences in mineral make-up, marble is more porous and susceptible to scratches from citrus food items as well as drinks in comparison with granite. Additionally, granitic can withstand warmth through pots and pans as well as marble will certainly scald when subjected to high temps. Due to the porosity of those rocks, they can equally be susceptible to discoloration, even though marble is most likely than granite do.

However, there are some differences between these gemstones that you should know and think about before selecting.

The advantages and disadvantages of marble

First and foremost, Marble is a metamorphic rock. Its simple ingredients are available everywhere from limestone to calcium mineral carbonate lime green. The essential ingredient goes on a number of other names based on its application and its particular type. Limestone, the sedimentary type of calcium mineral, which is naturally found in the earth, experiences extreme heat and pressure inside the earth that made it formed into what we referred to as marbled.

This rock may also be confronted with heat and also milling to become a filler component regarding drugs, creating papers, plaster as well as cement hardener. This means that marble, although stunning and sturdy, is actually porous and could be easily ruined by any kind of chemical, heat, or water. Drinking water, acids such as lemon or orange juice, or perhaps high temperature coming from cookware will just about all destroy the seal coating and the marble beneath.

Since this is indeed permeable, additionally it could be easily discolored. A single scuff makes it possible for fluids as well as oxidation from the air to leak under the close up coating as well as stain the particular spot. This doesn't signify it should not be utilized. Marbled is fantastic for use in low visitors areas or sculpting incredible artwork.

The advantages and disadvantages regarding granite

Granitic is another metamorphic rock. It's a composite of quartz, plastic, feldspar, mica, and some other mineral deposits. It's also just as gorgeous as marble. It is not as porous as marble and is resistant to chemical compounds as well as acids. The existence of quartz within granite supplies the rock the sturdiness as well as hardness it has in contrast to that of delicate marble.

Granite is a lot more spot proof and wear resilient compared to marble. While it is not necessarily best, granite stands up much better use of including counter tops and also floor coverings. Using an appropriate close up layer on granite along with proper care, granite lasts for many years without scratching, yellowing and damaging. If properly looked after, granite may not have to be resealed every year.

This rock can be quarried locally. Which means that, unlike marble, it do not have to be sent through South America or The European countries. Granite could be quarried in Boise state Broncos, and some northern countries. It is also easier to ship. Set up granite originates from South Africa, Asian countries and even Europe, there's much more granitic obtainable. This implies it's much easier to obtain and less expensive to use.

The verdict of granite vs marble countertop

It’s up to you whether you wish to use marble or granite since come from durable and long lasting materials. However if you will only read more reviews and comments from people who already installed granite or marble counter tops, you will then be able to determine which one is actually the best. Through these comments you will also see which one will suit your budget well as the design of your home. So what do you think is the best one?

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Granite For Your Kitchen Countertop

Wondering why granite is the best for your kitchen countertop? The reasons are numerous and surprising. Read on…

Granite is really expensive but they are worth your money because of its unique qualities. It is made of the second hardest stone next to the hardest stone, the diamond. It is also made of unique minerals which makes it really elegant: quarts, feldspar and mica. These give its color, luster and trendy pigment.  No two granite slabs are identical. This makes granite really sellable despite its price. You can never compromise quality. Granite will make your kitchen look a million dollars more!

Some of its characteristics are: heat resilient and never scratches, requires little maintenance unlike others that are very cheap in price but later would add up on repair or even replacement due to poor materials and poor quality.

There are a lot of advantages that you should know:

1. It has a higher market and resale value compared to other countertops making your house much more expensive when you plan to sell it in the future.
2. It has very little maintenance and cleaning is very easy.
3. Granite is very elegant and attractive. You should have one in your kitchen to boast off!
4. It is heat resistant and color will never fade away. This adds to its unique features.
5. The extremely sturdy granite will take a very hard object to crack it as materials and stone is super hard.

Downsides of this product would include its price, repair of the whole portion, which costs more, and you would have to buy one of the same designs because none is identical.

In spite of the small glitches which are normal in a product, there are more benefits that we can get out of granite. Buying a non-granitecountertop is like not buying a countertop at all!

Kitchen Countertop Makeover

The kitchen is the most loved place in a home. This is where families meet and eat from day till night. There is a special feel to the kitchen countertop. It is where we prepare our ingredients, food and well, chat while doing all of these. Gone were the days when we ignore what our countertops look like, taking them for granted. Today, people spend an awful lot of money for kitchen remodeling and of course, choosing the best countertop to compliment the kitchen’s feel and look.

If you have a hard time choosing the right countertop for you, first, you have to take into consideration the colors of your kitchen. What type of countertop will match the color combination? Will it blend perfectly? Will it standout? To be absolutely sure, let us look at some of the types of countertops.

Laminate is one of the cheapest there is. But since it is cheap, it scorches with heat and it can    easily scratch. It comes in different colors. I would not recommend this though. Non- resistance to heat is also a disadvantage to another type of countertop, the more attractive Solid Surface countertop. If you would want a quality countertop, you can choose between Stone or Granite. They are both very expensive but they are known to be very durable and extremely resilient to heat.

I would strongly recommend granite for your countertop makeover. It is definitely one of the most in demand right now because it is the second hardest natural stone next to the diamond and it requires little or almost no maintenance. Choose the one that would suit your kitchen design. There are a variety of colors to choose from: Red and black, which are made in Egypt, Blue, which is from Africa and white, is basically from China. The nearer the granite comes from, the cheaper it costs.

There are also a lot of shapes in which you can choose from: Standard square or the more artistic shapes of egg, ogee and radius. You can choose its type of finish: if you want polished granite, this is the most common and looks very shiny, or if you would want it to be less shiny but will be more prone to staining, you can have it honed. There is also a brushed finishing, but it is for a more serious look for your countertop.

Remember that granites last a lifetime so you should save up for a countertop that you can be proud of with stylish design, superb quality and durability that lasts the longest.

Best Granite Kitchen Countertop Colors

With an array of colors and designs to choose from, how do you choose the best? It is best for us to know their color compatibility and their origin and of course how they can help beautify our kitchen in general. It is also best to know what you really want for your kitchen. Do you want it to look sexy? Natural or simply daring? Whatever you choose, be sure that you consult a designer or you read through this article to know a little background on the colors of your granite countertops.

Feldspar, Quarts and Mica are the minerals that give granite its distinct colors. Granite is made up of igneous and crystalline rocks.

Your granite may come from different countries and may be paired with different colors, so you should be very meticulous in doing so. Remember that granites do last a lifetime and so we must choose the best that we can give to our children and grandchildren.

Here are the different colors that you can choose from:

• Red- This is one of the most favorite decors for Asians. They give a feel of romance and it is very bold and bright. It was used before in Egypt as structural décors as well as in fashion. Color combinations include yellow, white, lavender and brown. Rose granites are one of the rarest of them all. It comes from Brazil and China.
• White- White color can give you a feeling of a clean and sanitized kitchen. It can also calm you when you are under a lot of stress. It also has a more modern touch compared to the other colors. They come from China, Brazil and Italy.  Examples are the Big White Flower from China and the Bianco White from Brazil.
• Yellow- If you want your kitchen to brighten up your day, choose this color. Yellow gives your kitchen a warmer and happy feel. Examples of this color are Tiger Skin Yellow from China. This is a must buy for all granite lovers!
• Beige- One of the most popular colors to choose from alongside brown, yellow and green. Beige is also synonymous with natural color so that your kitchen will look just natural and subtle enough. Great for pairing beige granite countertops with a dark cabinet. Combinations would be dark brown, with and light brown.
• Black- Black is always the more popular choices for these modern times. It can be paired with light colored cabinets. Variations with secondary colors of gray, blue, green and white. These stones come from Sweden, India and South Africa.
• Gray- This is popular in the US. This granite is quarried in Georgia. Color variations could be in black, blue and pink and from light to dark. This usually goes well with class, wood. Examples are Sierra White and Moonlight Grey.
• Green- This is  the  color has a wide variety of shades! It can compliment blues, blacks and greens. Examples are Emerald Pearl from Norway and Forest Green from India.

Ways to Maintain your Granite Kitchen Countertop

Buying a kitchen countertop is easy if you already have to budget for remodeling your countertop. Maybe you are in the dark on how to clean or maintain it. Sure, there are common ways but is it the proper way to go about maintaining it? Or does it make it dull? We would want to keep it in tip top shape. One we could still be proud of years from now. Let’s read on to see proper ways of maintaining your granite kitchen countertop.

Proper Sealing

It is important that you seal your countertop after purchasing it. This is done to primarily protect and shield it from stains and dirt that will leave a mark on the surface. You ought to call a professional to do this so that it can be done properly.

Proper Cleaning

Cleaning your countertop is very simple and can be done in a minute, tops! Have a neutral ph cleaner to wipe it on a damp cloth. We use this kind of cleaner because chemicals may damage the surface of granite. Do this regularly to dust off dirt and stains. This should remove all of these in a jiffy. In the absence of a neutral ph cleaner, you may use a granite disinfectant that can still do the job. Be sure to buy the cheaper ones with good quality. Remember not to use any kind of chemical other than these for cleaning.

Proper maintenance

Be sure to clean your countertop as prescribed regularly in order to maintain cleanliness and luster. When in doubt with the cleaner, ask your nearest dealer on the best cleaners for granites. This will save you a lot of guesswork and time. Avoid all sharp objects that may crack your granite when hit very hard. Remember that you cannot repair a small part when this happens. Instead, you will need to replace a whole portion, and cost will be pretty high. Frequency of sealing your countertop should be annually.

Follow these simple tips and your granite countertop will go a long way.

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Granite Countertop Pros and Cons

If you think that Granite countertops in your kitchen are ridiculously expensive, you might want to know why. They are the second hardest stone after diamonds. This makes it very durable with the highest quality of material. Granites are made from the finest minerals that give it its unique color and luster: the white color is from quartz, blue is feldspar and the black color pigment is called mica.

There is no identical granite slab. This is what makes it a one of a kind countertop. It never scratches and is heat resilient. It also requires little maintenance, which is really convenient because you will not only have the best countertop in town, you will also not be spending on maintenance and repair for an extremely long period of time unlike other countertops in the market today which are of lower price but compromised quality.

What are the Pros and Cons?

Pros

• High market and resale value- If you wish to resell your house; you can bank on your granite countertop to sell it at a higher cost.
• Easy cleaning and maintenance- This requires only wash and wipe for cleaning and you will not have to worry about stains and bacteria. For maintenance, it is so hard that it will rarely crack.
• Attractive- Who can resist the luminous finish of the surface and not to mention the grain like design which is classy and modern.
• Color- the color of granite will never fade or tarnish.
• Heat resistant- It is a coolant for heated frying pans. You will not have to worry for your countertops that will be burned because of hot pans.
• Unique- No two slab are the same. This is one of the outstanding design features of granite countertops.
• Sturdy- The durability and sturdiness is impeccable. You will not need to worry for any cracks or scratches. It is almost as hard as a diamond!

Cons

• Expensive- Since it is very expensive, not everyone can afford to purchase granite as countertops.
• Difficult to repair- if there will be a small crack; the whole portion of the cracked part has to be replaced because repair is not possible since it is very hard.
  
• Extreme Density- Since it is very heavy, you will need extra support for transport. Most of the time, special machines will be used for transport.

As evidenced by its quality, the advantages outweigh its disadvantages. This is why millions are choosing granite especially when constructing their new house or remodeling their kitchen. It is a luxury they cannot afford to miss!