Quartz vs Granite

**This is an article that was written for a client based out of Atlanta, Georgia. This client has been uncommunicative and has refused to pay for the article. Due to lack of payment for the piece, it is still owned by me and I am using it as a part of my portfolio.**

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.