
Are you thinking about having new countertops installed in your kitchen or bathroom? Maybe you’re renovating and want to add style and value to your home, but you don’t want to break the bank in the process. Which of these two countertop materials will give you the most bang for your buck? Here’s how to decide between granite and quartz countertops so that you can be sure you’re getting the best countertop material for your home renovation budget.
Pros and Cons of Granite
There are a lot of reasons to love granite countertops, but these will be of most interest to you:
- Granite can add a bit of flair to your kitchen that’s hard to match, so you’ll really stand out from other homes in your neighborhood
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Granite can withstand heat and moisture better than quartz
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Granite comes in all sorts of colors, which means it’s easier to find just the right hue for your kitchen
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The cost of granite countertops runs anywhere from $30 per square foot to $100+ per square foot—but even at the higher end, they’re much cheaper than some alternatives!
Cons: It’s not very easy to cut or shape granite If granite isn’t quite what you had in mind, take a look at quartz countertops; there are many options available today!
Pros and Cons of Quartz
Quartz countertops have become more popular in recent years due to lower prices and an aesthetic that’s quite similar to granite. However, quartz does have a few downsides that you should consider before making your final decision. When it comes to maintenance, quartz has some distinct disadvantages over granite. Granite requires no special care—just avoid acidic foods and household cleaners.
Countertop Maintenance
Both granite and quartz countertops are durable, long-lasting countertop materials. However, granite has been around longer than quartz—and it’s used in more kitchens. Granite is an igneous rock that lasts for decades if cared for properly; with proper care, a well-made granite countertop can last up to 40 years. Quartz, on the other hand, is a manufactured stone made of crushed sandstone mixed with resins; it takes less time to install than granite and tends to be less expensive as well. With proper care, however, you can get 10 or 15 years out of your quartz countertop (while similar granite countertops will last twice as long). When choosing between these two options—or any other stone or manufactured material option—think about how you want your kitchen countertops to look over time.
Cost Comparison
Granite is generally more expensive than quartz. On average, granite countertops can cost $45 to $85 per square foot, depending on thickness and other features. Quartz countertops, on average, are cheaper at $10 to $20 per square foot (depending on brand and quality). However, granite tends to last longer than quartz — 20 years versus 10 — so if you’re in it for the long run and want an upgrade that will last a long time, granite may be worth your investment.
The Main Differences between the Materials
Granite and quartz are natural, eco-friendly materials that are popular choices when it comes to kitchen countertops. Although they share many features in common, they have distinct differences as well. A major factor will be your personal preference; if you think both are beautiful then it’s just a matter of deciding which material better suits your lifestyle.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things to consider when it comes to picking out countertops. What type of lifestyle do you lead? Are you a homebody or someone who loves to entertain friends and family on a regular basis? What’s your decorating style? The answers to these questions should give you an idea of what types of counters would work best in your kitchen. After that, you can head down to your local countertop store B & F Cabinet Stone & Floor and check out samples in person.