Choosing Between the Two Most Popular Countertop Materials
Most new homes today feature countertops made from substantial, hefty materials like natural granite or engineered quartz. Builders rarely skimp on countertops anymore, since buyers tend to be highly attuned to such issues.
People who live in homes that are still saddled with less-desirable countertops quite often find upgrades enticing. Most often today, renovating an older home's kitchen will involve putting in a new countertop, among other things.
That leaves quite a few homeowners trying to decide whether quartz or granite countertops will suit their needs and preferences better. Generally speaking, each of these popular options brings some distinctive benefits to the table.
Choosing Between Quartz and Granite is Often Easier Than Expected
For quite a few years, granite was the most popular material for new countertop installations, and by quite a bit. Over time, the strengths of engineered quartz material became apparent, and the material started to close the gap.
In some parts of the country, buyers prefer quartz over granite by modest but significant margins. In many others, as in Chicago, the difference is small enough that something of a balance prevails. With both of these materials being well suited to use as countertops, some of the most important issues relating to each are important to note.
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Granite. As a completely natural material that is quarried straight from the earth, granite has an undeniable appeal to many. Granite can be quite beautiful, although its appearance varies depending on where it was obtained. To be turned into a countertop, a piece of granite will need to be cut to size and then finished appropriately. The granite countertops chicago companies install for clients can weigh hundreds of pounds and be quite rugged. At the same time, the natural porousness of granite means it needs to be kept sealed over the years. Some find this particular requirement a significant enough drawback that they prefer other options.
Quartz. Most of the quartz countertops chicago homeowners have installed are made from ground-up material that is then bound together using resins. This process produces a countertop that needs no sealant and is extremely strong and resistant to scratches. While granite countertops are available in a wide range of colors, there are virtually no limits when it comes to quartz.
A Countertop to Enjoy for Many Years
Issues like these help make the choice between granite and quartz easier. Whichever ends up being chosen, a high-quality countertop made from granite or quartz should provide many years of service.