When trying to make a decision between granite and quartz for your new countertops, you will no doubt get confused as you read about the virtues of both, or hear opinions from people who swear by their favourite. The fact is, when it comes to countertops in Ottawa, granite and quartz are both excellent choices. The few differences between them are what you will have to consider so you can make the best choice for your purposes.
Maintenance of Quartz and Granite Countertops
Your life is no doubt busy and maintenance of any investment you make for your home should be considered carefully. Since granite countertops are slabs of natural stone, they must have a sealant applied before they can be used. In order to maintain granite’s sleek, polished look, sealant will have to be reapplied on a regular basis. Quartz countertops are manufactured using quartz and epoxy, forming a solid surface that requires no sealing to repel liquids and resist stains.
The Question of Durability
Both types of countertops are highly durable, but your choice will depend on who will be using them and how they will be used. In natural stone, there is risk of cracking, chipping or breaking if they are put under extreme use. For the purposes of most families however, granite countertops should last a lifetime if well cared for.
While quartz countertops are more durable than granite, they are not indestructible and can be damaged by extreme use. The biggest concern however, is that quartz can discolour if it receives direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Be sure to ask your countertop specialist about the room you plan to fit with quartz countertops.
Colour and Pattern Matching
Some people are very particular about being able to have an exact pattern or colour and there is a great difference between granite and quartz here. Since quartz countertops undergo a forming process, pigment can be added or patterns created that are uniform. With granite, you are dealing with nature and patterns and colours that vary from one piece to another. With granite, a sample chip may be close, but not ever an exact match throughout the whole slab.
We hope we have helped you understand the difference between quartz and granite countertops for your Ottawa home. For more help or to choose your beautiful quartz or granite countertop, contact your StoneSense master stone cutters.