Quartz versus Granite
When thinking of high-end finishes
within a home it is expected that granite will be visible in the
kitchen and in the bathroom. However, there is another material that
is creeping up on the heels of granite and becoming a very popular
and safer alternative. Quartz has the high end look but is durable,
easily maintained and very safe. Quartz comes in a wide array of
colors and textures to fit any kitchen or bath décor.
There are heated debates everywhere as
to which is better, quartz or granite. Granite lovers valiantly
defend their beloved, all-natural stone while quartz lovers will
fearlessly tout the virtues and perfections of quartz. Viatera quartz
is a beautiful and healthier alternative to granite. What exactly is
the big difference of quartz vs. granite? Simply put the uniformity,
repair process and health aspect of quartz outshines that of granite.
Uniformity of Quartz
Those debating on the right material
for their renovations are pulled into the power struggle between
quartz and granite. Granite is breathtaking because of its lack of
uniformity. The patterns are stunning and unique. Many of the
granites do require additional maintenance and upkeep to remain
looking polished and new. A polished granite countertop will show
smudges easily and require more cleaning to remove smudges and
smears.
Quartz on the other hand, has
consistency and uniformity. It is stunning and is becoming a high-end
finish for kitchens and baths. Most quartz pieces will have little to
no discoloration. For many the evenness of pattern allows for a more
cohesive design throughout the space. When choosing a quartz
countertop, you do not have to worry about odd veins and
discolorations working their way into the unified design of the
space.
Installing and Repairing Quartz
Quartz is simple to install by
professionals and one of the best parts is that the seams are not as
visible, unlike the seams of a granite countertop which are highly
visible. Since granite is a natural material, flaws are expected and
it can have fissures and cracks that over time will require repair or
replacement. Quartz is low maintenance; it does not require
additional sealants to be applied every so often to keep it in good
condition. Repair on quartz is a simpler process than to have granite
repaired.
With granite, professionals must come
in and remove the countertop. It is repaired at a plant or shop and
then it is re-installed into the home. Since granite has such a
unique pattern for each slab, when it is repaired or patched there
will be inconsistencies that will be visible. Basically, it will look
like a patch job or a quick fix and could ruin the look of the
countertop. This entire process of repairing the granite will take
several weeks. Therefore, the homeowner is without the countertop for
several weeks and the entire aesthetics of the room will be off as
well as the functionality.
A Viatera quartz countertop, should it
ever need to be repaired, can usually be done in less than a day. The
professionals bring their equipment to the home and complete the
repair right where the countertop is installed. Once the repair is
made, the countertop is resurfaced and it is as good as new.
Quartz: The Healthy Alternative
Due to the non-porous nature of quartz,
it is an extremely safe countertop for a kitchen. There are no pits,
crevices or irregularities of any kind within the countertop. This
eliminates the hiding places for dangerous bacteria and mold that
will make a person sick if ingested. Keeping kitchen surfaces clean
is a must and it is now easier than ever when a quartz countertop is
installed. The cleaning of your workspace, including the food prep
area will give you peace of mind because you know that nothing is
lurking in the crevices of your countertop. The solid surface of a
quartz countertop is easy to clean and maintain. Those with quartz
countertops are not limited to the type of cleaners that they can
use. A bleach solution can even be used as a cleaning agent to ensure
that the germs collecting on the surface are effectively dealt with.
Unfortunately, granite cannot boast the
same. It has natural irregularities that enable bacteria and mold to
hide. When using the countertop as a food prep area, those germs can
be easily transferred onto the food and then into the mouths of your
family. Granite has certain limits as to what cleaning agents can be
used. There is the possibility that by using a lesser grade cleaner,
germs and bacteria are left behind, not just in the natural crevices
but also on the surface.
So while the debate of quartz vs.
granite continues to rage on, there are really only a few key
variations between the two materials that cause people to either love
it or hate it. Yes, most still consider granite the crème de la
crème of countertops, but quartz is quickly rising in popularity and
becoming the widely accepted alternate to granite. People are
beginning to recognize the benefits of quartz and see it as an
alternative to expensive granite. Its uniformity, ease of repair, and
sanitation benefits are giving quartz an edge over the classic
granite look.
