Quartz and granite countertops are priced similarly per square foot, with granite counters having the wider variation in price. Granite can be more expensive than quartz at times, based on the availability of a color and pattern. Sometimes quartz is more expensive due to the treatments it receives during manufacturing.
There may be no kitchen countertop material more luxurious than marble, a natural stone that complements many high-end kitchens. Available in hues including whites, greys and even greens, marble countertops have long been appreciated by bakers for the naturally low temperature of the surface.
The most significant difference between high-quality and low-quality quartz countertops is the amount of resin used. Low-quality quartz has about 12% resin, and high-quality quartz has about 7% resin.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
Quartz is a great material but has its drawbacks, including being difficult to install, expensive, vulnerable to heat and having visible seams.
While white quartz countertops are still in style for many of today's homeowners, a new wave of countertops is on the horizon. That's right, with paint trends leaning warmer, I'm also seeing a LOT of demand for countertops that lean to the WARM side of things vs. the white and gray trend of the last 5-10 years.
There are three distinct grades of quartz: first choice, commercial-grade, and second choice. Each grade influences cost, durability, and beauty, as well as the overall value of the home.
You could be considering finishing, maintenance, staining, durability, color, or any other of the number of aspects that come with different countertop options. But when it comes to specific interests, namely doing high level cooking in the kitchen, top chefs in the world prefer granite countertops.
The nominees for “best kitchen countertop” in selling homes are… Drum roll, please (or rolling pin, since we're in the kitchen)! Without a doubt, quartz, marble, and granite each have redeemable qualities. You'll find passionate loyalists for each of these kitchen countertop materials.
Slate, soapstone, and honed granite are timeless materials for countertop and backsplash, for houses of almost any period. This marble look-alike surface material from Okite is a compound of natural quartz and resin, which complements this period-style kitchen.
One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme.
Quartz is Easier to Maintain than Granite
This countertop achieves a high level of durability without any sealant. As opposed to Granite, which requires re-sealing each year to maintain a less superior guard against the common hot pan, spilled wine, and dirty hands. An easy to clean countertop is the new kitchen dream.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
First Choice:
With there being more stone content in first-choice quartz, the cost range is the highest out of the three choices. The cost range is normally between $80 to $110 or more per square foot but quartz materials classified as first-choice have the highest longevity.
Brand Differences
Designs and Edges: The biggest difference you'll find among quartz brands will be the range of designs or the quality of the slabs visual appearance, Including: color, size and shape of minerals, streaks, and striations. Another key difference takes place with Edging.
Quartzite requires sealing to prevent staining the surface, while quartz needs virtually no maintenance. So if you love a plethora of choices and a reliable, consistent look to your countertops, or perhaps you're searching for a durable material that won't break the bank, quartz may be just the thing for you.
The first and most obvious difference between quartz brands is the range of colour offerings. Some brands can have a limited selection of only a couple dozen colours, while other brands can have well over a hundred different colours to choose for your new countertops.
Scratch quartz surface by a sharp key or a knife. If the quality is high, it will appear a grey line, which is the steel powder from the key or knife. You can wipe it off easily. If the quality is low, it will appear a scratching mark on the surface which you can't remove easily.
Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold – Its striking white color, golden hues and gray veins make this the most popular quartz color.
Some of the most popular colors for quartzite countertops include white, grey, beige, and blue. These colors can be complemented with a variety of edge profiles to create a unique and customized look. One of the most popular colors to start 2023 is Taj Mahal Quartzite.
Pick Classic, Neutral Colors
Quartz can be a single consistent color or feature the looks of beloved white marble and other soft natural stone patterns. When choosing a quartz countertop that's designed to last through the decades, stick with neutrals like beiges, grays, off-whites, and bright whites.