Remodeling your kitchen or finishing the one in your new home is always an exciting yet daunting task.
I mean, there are so many decisions to make! From the design- to the selection of suppliers, appliances
and even service providers! The choice of countertop is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Quartz (engineered stone) and Granite (natural stone) are probably at the top of your lists. After
all, both quartz and granite offer beautiful texture and long-lasting durability for your surfaces. If you’re
unsure which of these materials is best for you, here is a simple guide, with the pros and cons of each, to
help inform your decision.
1.The Type of Stone
Granite is a natural stone that is mined from quarries, cut into slabs, and polished before installation.
Although quartz also occurs naturally, it’s considered an engineered stone because the surface is
manufactured using crushed quartz crystals that are combined with pigments and resin for binding,
which replicates the look of real stone.
2.The Look & Feel
Both granite and quartz countertops come in a variety of hues and patterns to suit the unique color
palette of your kitchen. The one advantage that granite has over an engineered stone is that every
granite slab is slightly different in mineral pattern and color, meaning that your countertop will be
unique. Quartz, as an engineered product, is more uniform in appearance, though many colors and
unique patterns are available, including forms that do not resemble granite at all.
On the other hand, Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing you to customize the design. It’s
available in patterns that offer the look of high-end marble at a lower price. While granite offers many
options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color
scheme.
3.Durability
Both quartz and granite are resistant to heat, scratches, and moderate impact. Granite is often cited as
the most durable natural countertop material available and is known for resisting cracks and chips.
Though both materials are very durable, Quartz does rank higher here. Granite is a relatively porous
stone that requires sealing upon installation. Quartz, on the other hand, does not require sealing, thanks
to the resins used in the fabrication of the slabs; and the material is uniform throughout, which means it
rarely cracks.
4.Care and Maintenance
Both countertop materials can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Gentle cleaners are also suitable
for quartz countertops, but some all-purpose cleaners might be too harsh for granite.
Granite countertops should be cleaned daily with soap and water or a mild household cleaner. Some oils
and harsh acids can stain, however.
5.Installation & Cost
Both granite and quartz countertops should be installed by a professional, as they are extremely heavy
and difficult to handle. Additionally, cutting holes for the sink is no easy task.
Granite and quartz countertops are priced similarly per square foot, although the price depends on the
color, pattern, and surface treatments the stone receives.
At the end of the day, whichever material you choose for your countertops, you can’t go wrong. You
simply need to consider your budget and specific needs.
At Elegant Fittings, we supply and install both Caesarstone quartz and Sensa granite in homes and
commercial spaces.
Talk to us about your next project on +254745969500 or email info@elegantfittings.co.ke