Get beyond the brand names and your countertop options really just come down to a handful of materials. Heres a look at the six of the most popular. Quartz vs Granite Difference and Comparison. Properties. Granite surfaces come from naturally occurring granite rock which is mined and cut into large but manageable slabs for surface construction. Quartz surfaces, however, are engineered. They almost entirely consist of natural materials, but the combining of those materials is completely manufactured. Over 9. 0 of quartz surfaces consist of ground up quartz minerals, while resins the two most common being polyester and epoxy make up about another 7 of the materials. These resins bind the crushed quartz into a single form and to any additional color pigments or fillers, such as crushed mirrors, colored glasses, metals, and even shells. Appearance. Though it is possible to purchase solid color quartz surfaces, many choose the quartz surface designs that mimic natural stone. As such, granite and many quartz surfaces often have very similar aesthetic qualities speckled, neutral tones and can sometimes be difficult to tell apart from a distance. I have black laminate countertops in my kitchen. When I moved inI thought theyd be the first thing I would change. If you want cheap granite countertops, you have two options tile or modular. Learn why these are vastly cheaper stones than slab. This is somewhat unsurprising, as every piece of granite naturally contains quartz minerals, meaning there is often some overlap in appearance. Granites feature speckles and patterns caused by naturally occurring minerals like quartz, feldspar, and biotite mica. Close inspection of quartz surfaces that are designed to mimic natural material reveals quartz has more uniform patterns and colors. Its man made appearance is simply not as random as what is found in a natural stone like granite or marble, but this is improving with time and technology. Here is a side by side comparison of granite and quartz countertops found in kitchens. Install Granite Tiles Over Laminate Countertop' title='Install Granite Tiles Over Laminate Countertop' />Durability. Either surface is sufficiently strong for general use in kitchens or bathrooms. With proper care, granite can last a lifetime in good condition, and many quartz manufacturers offer lifetime guarantees on their surfaces. Where the two types of surface differ most is when it comes to their ability to resist damage. We Supply, Fabricate and Install Custom Granite Quartz Countertops for your Home. How to compare and choose the best countertop materialgranite, plastic laminate, solid surface, wood, stainless steel, tile or other types. We walk y. Get an overview of overlaysgranite or quartz products that lay directly over your existing countertop. Granite countertops have become a fixture in highend homes. They are available in numerous patterns and colors and are virtually maintenancefree. They are also. While granite is a very durable rock, it is not without natural flaws that have the potential to make it weak in certain places over time. These weaknesses, though rare, can make certain parts of the stone susceptible to cracking or chipping. In contrast, such flaws are essentially engineered out of quartz surfaces, making them harder and more durable than granite. The quartz mineral itself is one of the hardest in the world harder, even, than diamonds. Even so, the man made aspect of quartz can, on very rare occasion, also mean there are manufacturing mistakes which could cause some of the same problems for quartz that granites natural flaws can cause it to have. Purchasing granite or quartz from a reputable seller with good guarantees is a must. Though quartz is often touted to be more heat and scratch resistant than granite, neither surface will be easy to scratch or damage with heat during general use. Quartz, however, is much more resistant to spills and subsequent staining than granite is. Natural stone like granite is porous, meaning it absorbs liquids that are not cleaned up quickly enough these liquids can noticeably and permanently stain the stone, especially if the spills are highly acidic. Granite is not exactly easy to stain in fact, it is the most stain resistant of the natural stone surfaces but quartz, as a non porous surface, is nearly impossible to stain. To make granite more stain resistant, it is important to maintain a sealant on its surface. Applications. Granite and quartz are good in kitchens and bathrooms, where hard surfaces are often desired. They can be used for countertops, flooring, and even backsplashes and walls. Neither surface should be used outdoors As a slightly porous surface, granite will be vulnerable to the elements or to water in bathrooms. Depending on a quartz surfaces makeup, it can fade in direct sunlight. Maintenance. On a day to day basis, both granite and quartz are easy to maintain. Cleaning either surface is as simple as using water and dish soap with a cloth or sponge. Unlike quartz, though, granite requires additional periodic maintenance. A surface sealant plays a vital role in protecting granite from stains, and resealing is required annually or at least once every two years. Because quartz is non porous, it does not need a sealant to protect it from stains. Cost. Quartz is usually cheaper than granite. Granite prices range from 4. Quartz surfaces generally cost 5. Both surfaces are extremely heavy and require professional installation. When deciding between granite and quartz, it is also important to take into consideration the long term costs of granite, which periodically requires professional resealing. Quartz has few if any expenses after its installation. Neither surface is particularly likely to experience considerable damage, but in the event that some damage occurs, both are best repaired by professionals. Health Concerns. Bacterial Resistance. With granite only slightly porous and quartz non porous, both surfaces are fairly hygienic countertop choices and are resistant to bacteria, mold, and mildew. However, granites porous nature may mean it will harbor more bacteria over time than quartz will especially in the case of Silestone, which includes an antibacterial agent in its surface. At least one study has found granite is very resistant to bacteria, but further long term study is needed to draw any definitive conclusions. Regardless of surface type, regular disinfection is recommended. Radon Emissions. As it is possible for granite to contain traces of naturally occurring radioactive elements, some have voiced concerns about the natural stone and whether it emits toxic radon gas, which can cause lung cancer. There has been less public concern about quartz, even though it could have some of the same radioactive elements. The EPA states that granite is extremely unlikely to cause harm and that radon emissions were they to occur would likely be minimal compared to those that may come from other naturally radioactive sources. Similar conclusions have been drawn regarding quartz safety. The Marble Institute of America maintains an archive of misinformed statements on the subject of granite safety. Silica Hazards. Quartz is a type of silicate mineral. When it is ground up and then later cut into, as it is in the manufacturing and sizing of engineered quartz surfaces, crystalline silica dust is released into the air. While this dust is present when handling granite surfaces because they include quartz, too, there is a much higher concentration of it when working with engineered quartz. This can be very dangerous for workers, especially if a work environment has not implemented proper safety measures. Breathing in crystalline silica dust can lead to silicosis, an occupational lung disease that is seen in some other industries, such as mining. Silicosis makes one more susceptible to tuberculosis and puts one at greater risk for developing lung cancer. Environmental Considerations. Granite is not an eco friendly surface choice. A great deal of energy is required to mine, cut, deliver, and install dense, heavy granite surfaces. Granite mining leaves a permanent mark on landscapes and contributes to deforestation. Furthermore, granite is not reusable or recyclable. Quartz is more eco friendly than granite, but to what extent this is so varies. While quartz is one of the most abundantly available minerals on the earth, mining is still required to obtain the mineral. Also, the resins, coloring, chemicals, and fillers used alongside the crushed quartz in these engineered surfaces may or may not be environmentally friendly and, as mentioned above, the dust produced from quartz surfaces can be very dangerous for workers. Some fillers, such as glass, may be recycled, while others may have various drawbacks. The Cambria company is the only U. Buying Countertops Plastic Laminates, Granite, and Solid Surfaces. Three key factors Price, maintenance and appearance. When a sample of a kitchen countertop made from 6. I realized tops could be, and are, made out of anything and everything. Wood, plastic, granite, metal, concrete, tile, acrylictheyre all used. Seventy five years ago, stone and wood were the primary countertop choices 2. But todays kitchens and countertops are used for more than just cooking. The kitchen is a living room, study, dining room, entertainment area, craft center and showplace all rolled into one. The many functions of this room today call for a countertop surface that suits our lifestyles and activities. When people need a top thats durable, simple to install, easy to maintain and affordable, most still head for the laminate display. But theres a bewildering range of other choices out there today. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. Theyre all pretty durable no real stinkers in the bunch. They all require some maintenance or care. A wine glass dropped from two feet will shatter on any of them. So selecting a countertop really boils down to how you answer these three questions How much can you spend How much maintenance are you willing to doWhat material do you most like to touch, see, show off and work on Price. You can spend 2 to 2. Surprisingly, there are few choices that fall between the basic 1. Wood and tile tops fall in the middle, but of all the tops we looked at, these had the most critics. The scarcity of midpriced options can be a blessing in disguise if you have a limited budget, look at the many design possibilities of laminate. Kitchen specialists follow a few rules of thumb based on experience The longer you plan to stay in a house, the more durable and upscale the countertop you should select. The cost per year becomes a bargain as the years pass. Tops and installation usually compose ten to 1. Tops that fall outside this range may not look like they fit. Put your money where your heart isespecially when youre on a budget. If you love high tech appliances or custom wood cabinetry, spend your money there. Maintenance and use factors. Maintenance on most countertops is minimalbut fail to do it and permanent, or at least difficult to reverse, damage can occur. There is preventive maintenance mopping up spills, using hot pads, working on cutting boards and long term maintenance which usually involves applying some form of sealer or finish. Ask yourself, how careful really are you and your familyWhat do you expect your top to look like in five years Does it make more sense to stick with laminate until the kids are out of grade school Aesthetic and tactile factors. If budget and maintenance arent decisive factors in your mind, how the top looks and feels are the true deal makers. Both you and your countertop have a personality select one that you can get along with. Texture, aesthetics, glossiness, warmth, how natural the material looks and feels, and how it fits in with the design of your kitchen and home are all part of the final equation. One of the beauties of todays trend toward multiple countertop surfaces is, when torn between two tops, you can install them both Wear and Maintenance. A chart comparing laminate, granite, solid surface, wood and tile countertops is available in Additional Information below. Plastic laminates Pros and cons. Plastic laminate. Plastic laminate is a thin sheet glued to particle board. It offers a wide choice of colors and edging options. Plastic laminate tops may not grab many headlines, but they still account for 7. Theyre inexpensive, durable, come in lots of colors and can be installed by do it yourselfers. Plastic laminates are multiple layers of resin soaked kraft paper, topped by a patterned sheet of melamine thats subjected to heat and pressure. The resultant 11. It can be post formed at a fabrication plant to create tops with the rounded unibody backsplash and nosing. Post formed tops can be purchased off the shelf at home centers in limited colors or special ordered. This style top is the least expensive, easiest to clean and quickest to install. They can also be custom fabricated into an extraordinary range of styles. Laminate sheets are glued to particle board, then edged with laminate, wood, even solid surface strips. They resist grease and stains and clean with soap and water. Theyll take a good hit, and changing your color scheme wont cost an arm and a leg. On the downside, laminate tops can be damaged by hot pans and sharp knives, abrasive cleaners can dull the finish, and if water penetrates seams, the substrate can expand and the laminate bulge. Surface damage is difficult to repair. All of these problems can be avoided through proper installation and use. Things to know before you buy. Darker solid colors and glossy finishes show scratches and cut marks more readily than patterned or matte surfaces. Tops where the laminate overlaps the edging, rather than butts to it are harder to damage. New technology in printing has improved the clarity and depth. Many wood grains and stone patterns are amazingly crisp and realistic. Counter OpinionsLaminate worked with our budget. We chose great appliances instead of a costly top. Theres nothing wrong with laminate, but the high end kitchen magazines are showing all stone. As the 1. 95. 0s style swings back, laminate will be in vogue again. Jazzing Up Basic Laminate Tops. Three products on the market can help extend the versatility of laminate. Most are installed by your fabricator when your top is made. Counter Seal Photo 1 is a relatively new product that allows you to undermount a sink in a laminate top. Using templates and special tools, certified fabricators cut the sink opening, then line this opening with a closely engineered ring of solid surface material. The tight fit of the ring and special adhesives protect the particleboard core from water and moisture. Prices start at about 2. The company also makes a product for do it yourselfers wishing to undermount a sink in a tile top. Gem Loc Photo 2 is a solid surface edging integrated into a laminate top during fabrication. It comes in a wide range of colors and styles. Kuehn Bevel Edge is a specially milled laminate edging that eliminates the dark edge lines often found on laminates. Kuehn also makes other types of edgings. Photo 1 Counter Seal undermount sink system. Photo 2 Gem Loc solid surface edging. Solid surface pros and cons. Solid surface. Solid surface tops are usually solid slabs or acrylic or polyester with various fillers to add color and other features. Du. Pont introduced the first solid surface countertop, Corian, to the world 3. There are currently more than a dozen manufacturers offering countertop materials in hundreds of colors and designs. Most, if not all, solid surface tops are handled by trained pros who have been certified to fabricate and install that specific product. Solid surface tops are normally 12 in. Edges are built up with two or three layers of material for a thicker appearance. One exception, Wilsonarts Solid Surface Veneer SSV, consists of a 18 in. New Crack A Bottle Lyrics Clean My Wounds. Some initial problems with the product were resolved by bonding a moisture resistant layer to the bottom of the particle board core. Some have labeled solid surface tops the near perfect product. Theyre non porous, making them ideal for food preparation. Theyre difficult to stain. They can be formed into nearly any size and shape. Because theyre of uniform material through and through, light scratches can be buffed out, deep scratches and burns can be sanded out, and severely damaged areas can literally be cut out, replaced, then blended to be darn near invisible. Sinks can be undermounted and backsplashes can be integrated into the top, making them seamless.