Granite and Quartz Countertops: Which Is Better? However, if you're looking at quartz vs. granite countertops for your Kelowna kitchen or bathroom countertops, one isn't necessarily superior to the other. Quartz may be a better choice for those who want a consistent, easy-to-maintain countertop surface, whereas granite may be better if you want a more natural stone or require strong resistance to heat.
Rourke Stone Countertops supplies and installs engineered and natural stone surfaces to Kelowna and southern British Columbia. The company also has two major suppliers, Silestone and Caesarstone.
What Is Easier to Maintain: Quartz or Granite?
Quartz is generally easier to care for. According to Caesarstone, the nonporous nature of quartz means that the surfaces do not need sealing. Basic maintenance and cleaning are typically the same throughout the year: warm water, soap, and a soft towel.
Silestone echoes this advice. Cosentino advises cleaning the surface once a day with neutral detergent, recommending the use of soap and water, and states that it is resistant to "ordinary stains."
Granite is also simple to maintain, but upkeep is going to depend a little more on the particular piece. The Natural Stone Institute says that some granite countertops won't require sealing, while others can become stain-resistant with a penetrating sealer.
For homeowners debating between kitchen countertop options in Kelowna, quartz has the edge if low maintenance is the main priority.
Granite vs Quartz Durability: Which Handles Daily Use Better?
Both materials can take the hard knocks of a busy kitchen, but they behave quite differently.
Caesarstone says their quartz surfaces are extremely stain-resistant and scratch-resistant. The company suggests that it doesn't matter if you cut something directly on the counter or use a cutting board, so long as it's not made from a soft wood.
Granite is one of the hardest natural stones that are used as countertops. The Natural Stone Institute defines granite as "durable, long-lasting, and highly resistant to scratching," which accounts for the countless years kitchens have had it.
In a granite vs. quartz durability battle, both will be able to give a home for years to come when fabricated, installed, and maintained properly. With quartz, you get predictable performance and high stain resistance, but with granite, you get strength and a natural stone look.
Which Countertop Handles Heat Better?
Granite has the stronger heat performance.
The group's Natural Stone Institute says granite is usually heat-resistant to approximately 250°C/480°F. That being said, the Institute recommends that you don't place concentrated direct heat, since rapid temperature differences can cause the stone to crack.
Quartz is durable enough to withstand everyday kitchen activities, but many brands have additional recommendations. Caesarstone recommends placing trivets under hot pots and pans and avoiding placing hot dishes directly on the surface of their quartz. Cosentino offers similar advice for Silestone.
If you tend to regularly carry hot pots and pans from the stove or oven to the counter, there may be an even better choice for your lifestyle. Quartz: Use of a trivet should be a standard part of your routine with quartz countertops.
Which Material Looks Better in a Kelowna Home?
Appearance is where personal preference matters most.
Granite comes from Mother Nature; therefore, you will find that no two slabs are the same. Every piece has its own mineral pattern, color variation, and movement. If you want your new worktop to be uniquely different from the next homeowner's, then you will love this natural variation.
Design Control Quartz gives more control in design. Crafted surfaces in it boast uniform colors, restrained patterning, and a marble-effect look. Rourke Stone will point you towards Silestone and Caesarstone for color and design options.
In a contemporary kitchen where the cabinets, backsplash, floors, and countertops are all meant to tie together, quartz can help bring the project along, especially if a designer's touch is desired. A kitchen where the countertop is meant to be the star might suit granite better.
What About Stains and Spills?
- Is there an alternative to quartz if you are worried about staining? A. Quartz is the more manageable one for homeowners focused on staining.
Cost: The fact that Caesarstone quartz doesn't need a sealer makes it more convenient for the kitchen, where coffee, sauce, oil, or wine may splash or stain the surface.
Like other natural stones, granite is low-porosity, according to the Natural Stone Institute. And many granite surfaces resist stains inherently. Some slabs may also need an impregnating sealer to provide additional stain protection.
Spills should be wiped up with either material and not left on the surface to sit for an extended period of time.
Are Quartz and Granite Roughly the Same Price?
There is no universal price winner.
Rourke Stone's current pricing is $65+ per square foot for quartz and any other stone surface product, with the statement that the price will vary based on location, type of material selected, and scope of the project.
So a comparison of any countertop material in BC should be more than a flat square-foot number. A good-quality quartz color can be more expensive than granite, and a rare or super-cool granite can be more expensive than many quartz options.
Final pricing can also be affected by edge details, sink and cooktop cutouts, backsplash, layout, fabrication, and installation.
Rourke Stone offers a custom design, precision fabrication, and installation, so the valuable comparison is the entire installed project and not a product name.
What Is the Top Material for a Kelowna Countertop?
Consider quartz if you are looking for low maintenance, consistency in color and pattern, and good stain resistance. Granite if: You prefer natural variation, higher heat resistance, and want each slab to be different.
When it comes to choosing countertops for their home, some of the top options for homes in Kelowna include. Because granite products such as Caesarstone do not need to be sealed, they can be quite easy to clean.
The bottom line: The most suitable surface for a particular countertop is therefore the one that takes into account the way the kitchen is actually used.
If heat resistance and variation are more important, then stone would be the more logical choice, whereas easier maintenance and relative predictability of design might lean towards quartz.
