Decisions, decisions, decisions. Remodeling a kitchen means making decisions. Lots of them. One of the biggest and unexpectedly important decisions you will need to make is what kind of material to use for your countertops. Quartz and granite are two of the most commonly found materials, but one of these is clearly the superior choice for your home. (Hint: it’s quartz.)
Why quartz? Plenty of reasons…
Quartz is stronger than granite and is also flexible. Quartz is considered one of the strongest materials there is, so it’s the perfect choice for a highly-used area like the kitchen cabinets.
Quartz is a non-porous surface. This is ideal for a kitchen, where water gets splashed and food gets prepped on a regular basis. You want material that won’t collect germs, one that is easy to clean.
Quartz’s non-porous attributes mean bacteria will not seep into cracks and contaminate the kitchen. Its surface is simple to clean efficiently and effectively. No fancy cleaners are necessary to ensure quartz stays clean.
Your upfront kitchen remodel costs for quartz will be cheaper than the cost associated with granite. Upkeep costs are also less, because no sealing is required. Sealing is a necessity with granite to ensure it stays sanitary, but quartz’s natural properties already make it the more sanitary option.
Quartz can be custom designed to provide the color you want to see, the texture you want to feel, and any pattern that fits with the design of your kitchen. Your quartz countertops will not have defects, and since quartz does not scratch easily, if you care for it even minimally it should retain its smooth surface. Granite, on the other hand, is more easily scraped, chipped, worn down, and it fades much faster.
During a kitchen remodel, you choose the color of the countertops you want to have in your kitchen both now and in the future. Unfortunately, you may not receive what you expected if you choose granite, since many granite slabs are dyed and then fade over time.
This is not a concern with quartz. Quartz retains its color over time, and the only way you will have a problem with the color of quartz is if you expose it to direct sunlight too much. (Quartz is a great choice for indoor countertops, but not necessarily recommended for outside remodels.)
Most brands of quartz are NSF-certified, which means they meet a healthy standard for coming into contact with food without posing a risk to those who consume the food. Granite runs the risk of containing radon, which can be emitted into the air in your home. (Radon is a radioactive gas that has been associated with the development of various types of cancer.)
Deciding to remodel your kitchen means being ready to make a lot more decisions. Luckily, when it comes to quartz or granite countertops, that choice is easy. Quartz offers the most for your money and is a safer choice for everyone in your house.
Putting together your dream kitchen is always exciting, but it rarely comes all at once — there are decisions you have to make, and in order to make those decisions, you have to make more decisions…
Don’t let too many options freeze you! Are you at the point where you’re choosing your countertops and just can’t decide? Let us help make your decision a little easier.
Granite is a very durable material that stands up to cutting directly on the surface. Because the material is so dense, you can use practically any cleaner you like to wipe away messes. This counter will last you for a very long time because it is so durable and hard to scratch. It is much cheaper than marble or quartz. With the variety of color and shading along with the natural veining in granite, you have many options to choose from to accentuate your kitchen style.
Who is Granite Best For?
Prefabricated quartz countertops are man-made, derived from the crystal found in granite. It looks like granite in many ways, but also stands out with its own unique polish, and has some different properties worth considering.
A quartz countertop is antimicrobial and meets all the safety standards for use in food preparation areas. (Quartz is engineered from pulverized rocks and resin treated for food safety.)
Quartz is a little more adaptable to a custom design in a kitchen. Designing your dream kitchen might mean counters in corners or islands. It’s easy to pour quartz to the right shape; you can only cut and install granite.
Who is Quartz Best For?
Choosing your kitchen counter design depends a lot on how you use your kitchen. For those who want more appeal for aesthetic reasons, prefab granite countertops might be the better option. People who plan to spend decades cooking with family and friends often choose quartz for the germ-blocking abilities and safety factors.
We recommend quartz here at Summit Cabinets, but really there’s no wrong answer!
If you’re ready to move forward with your kitchen remodel in Corona, CA, reach out to Summit Cabinets today.
"Excellent service and amazing work! I would definitely recommend Summit Cabinets to my friends and family. They definitely take care of you here."
- Matt A.
