There are several differences in granite and quartz countertops, and it is important to consider the options for both when planning a kitchen renovation for a Minneapolis home.
Both are stone products, but granite is a true natural stone which is quarried in large blocks, cut into slabs, and then shaped and polished to be used for countertops. Quartz is also a natural stone, but it is not quarried. Instead, quartz, a commonly occurring mineral, is used in aggregate form, which can be small to larger pieces of various colors. For countertop material, there will be approximately 95% quartz. To the aggregate material, clear or colored resin is added, binding the mineral pieces together.
Porous and Non-Porous
Granite, as a natural stone, has small pores in the surface of the countertop, even when polished. These pores can allow liquids to permeate the surface, resulting in staining. Stealing will create a solid barrier and prevent this issue from being a problem.
With quartz countertops, the addition of the resin creates a non-porous surface. This means that quartz will not need to be sealed and will remain highly stain resistant for the life of the counter.
As mentioned above, granite countertops will require sealing on an as-needed basis. New options in sealants provide superior protection with the application required only every couple of years, even with moderate to heavy use.
Color Options
There are more color options and patterns possible with quartz countertops due to the manufacturing processes. The addition of colored resins can bring out the color or the contrast in the quartz, allowing for a color combination which would not be found naturally occurring in quarried stone.
Both options in counters are a great selection for a Minneapolis home. It is always a good idea to compare the different countertops in person, allowing you to see the differences and make the best choice for the home renovation project.
