When deciding on new countertops, you will want to take several things into consideration. Do you go with granite?
Or should you stick with Durable and easy to care for? Well, have no fear, because we’re laying out each and every pro and con there is. You will be able to Figure out what’s important to you and your kitchen. And then figure out which choices fits the bill best!
Beauty and durability come together nicely within a quartz countertop. Trendy, stylish and incredibly versatile, going the man-made route has a lot of benefits and some challenges too. There’s a certain amount of luxury that one feels when they add quartz countertops throughout their kitchen. So let's discover the why – and why not – to go this route when it comes to your renovation!
Pro:
Manufactured, as mentioned before, this is a man-made product, so there’s a wider range of colors available than when going with a natural material like granite or marble. You’ll get your pick of the litter, essentially. Also, quartz countertops are waterproof and can be used with an under-mounted sink!
Pro:
Non-Porous, because it is a non-porous material you won’t have to worry about re-sealing the tops! The resin binds all of the crystals together making it a zero pour zone and exceptionally sanitary – which is absolutely perfect for the kitchen.
Con:
Not As Heat-Resistant be careful with the hot pots and pans! Quartz won’t ever be as heat resistant as granite or other natural materials. Don’t just throw your hot pots and pans on the surface on these countertops because it can and will cause damage! A sudden change in temperature could cause your quartz to crack or even melt if it gets too hot.
Pro:
Quartz won’t harbor bacteria or viruses in its hard-to-clean pours because it doesn’t have any! Just clean the tops and be confident in it. You won’t find and extra cracks or crevices to clean here, so there aren’t any germs settling in to areas that you can’t reach or clean.
Pro:
Durability, because this is a manufactured material, the durability is top notch like that of concrete and rivals granite. Of course, it’s not completely indestructible but will be very hard to use and abuse with normal, everyday wear. If you want to make a good comparison though, we all know how strong diamond is, quartz is just as hard.
Pro:
Natural granite is 100% nature-made and quarried naturally. If you’re looking for organic materials then this is the first choice!
Pro:
Durability, just like quartz though, granite is also extremely durable. It can last a lifetime when taken care of correctly – of course, keep in mind, that it isn’t unbreakable. As long as you aren’t consistently banging extremely heavy objects on top of the counters, your granite will last as long as the house does (if not longer). What’s even more beneficial about granite countertops is that you have the option to chop, cut and even slice right on the surface without worrying about any harm done. Finally, along with its durable nature, it can withstand the heat! Hot pots and pans will generally not burn or scorch the granite!
Con:
Not uniform, but because of its 100% natural quality, you will never get a completely uniform appearance. It was designed by nature so no two pieces will ever be the same – but remember, you get to choose your slabs so choose wisely.
Pro:
One-of-a-kind, we may have written about how its non-uniform appearance can be a con but some of us see it has a huge pro! We love how eclectic and unique each and every piece will be. The chicness and slick topping that granite countertops will not only give to your kitchen – but your entire home – is unlike other materials and that’s truly because of its one-of-a-kind appearance.
Con:
Sealing, granite does have pours and will need to be sealed year after year. And because of these pours, you’ll need to pay attention to the possibility of staining and bacteria buildup. But as long as you keep the surfaces sealed, you won’t have to worry about all of the germs or the fear of stains. Keep in mind that lighter granite requires more attention when it comes to the sealing process though.
Pro:
Variety, although, quartz and other man-made materials will always have a larger variety when it comes to color (and patterns), you’d be surprised what you have to choose from with granite! Sometimes there can be around 20 choices to think about with different mineral contents and striations. You also get to choose your edges as well – fortunately, you can add some personalization here as well with both beveled edges or even going with some bull-nose ends.
In conclusion, Granite or Quartz countertops, will indeed increase the value of your home, and provide durability and beauty to any given space.
