Granite Vs Quartz: Which Makes A Better Countertop

The upcoming trends in modular kitchen bangalore designs show a definite tilt towards either granite or quartz as the choice of the kitchen countertop. But choosing one from these two choices is definitely becoming quite confusing for the user or the client. A look at the pros and cons of the two is probably the best way to take the final call as to which is the better option.

Pros and cons of granite

The advantages which granite countertops bring to a modular kitchen are:

• Granite occurs naturally and is thus mined in the form of huge single slabs of natural stone thereby making granite unique in its design.
• The availability of jumbo sized slabs makes it possible to install a single slab even for large modular kitchen countertops. This eliminates the need for using sealants to join two slabs together and makes the countertop look smooth and beautiful.
• Granite comes in a huge variety of colours. Thus the user stands a better chance of getting a colour of his choice to install in the modular kitchen being constructed.
• Granite is a hard material and can withstand wear and tear easily thereby making it ideal for installation in kitchens which witness a lot of activity.
• From low-end granite slabs priced at around $55 per square foot approximately to about $150 per square foot approximately, the price range of granite slabs is quite carried thereby making it possible for many people to afford it.

The disadvantages associated with the use of granite as a countertop are:

• Granite is absorbent and has a tendency to soak in oils, wine, juice etc., thereby leaving a mark on the surface.
• It is also quite easy for granite corners to get chipped and undergo wear and tear from rough use.
• The variations in the texture and the tone of granite might not appeal to the users.

Pros and cons of Quartz

Quartz on the other hand is an abundantly available mineral which makes a very good raw material for making and manufacturing counter tops. They are thus man-made using 93% quartz, 7% resin for binding and colour additives. Thus its advantages are:

• They are manufactured in a huge range of colours, patterns and designs thereby providing the user much more choice.
• They are easy to maintain, do not need to be sealed, are resistant to stains and also not conducive to holding germs like bacteria and virus. Thus quartz countertops are also easy to clean.
• It is also much more durable, strong and flexible and therefore it is not easy to chip its ends easily.
• The finished stone slab looks so rich and real that it is difficult to understand that it is man-made.

Of course quartz too has its own set of disadvantages like:

• It comes with a relatively higher price tag since it is man-made and the price is typically decided upon by the company manufacturing it.
• While efforts are being made to give it a naturally beautiful look, quartz has yet to attain that natural beauty which comes from having formed within the depths of nature.
• Seams, if required, tend to stick out unless darker coloured quartz countertops are chosen.

While both quartz and granite have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, it is the choice of the customer which makes the final verdict.