SEO Title: Milwaukee Granite Countertops VS Quartz Countertops: What’s the Difference

SEO Description: Undecided between granite and quartz for your new countertop? To know
which one suits you best, read here
SEO Keywords: Granite countertops VS Quartz countertops
Granite and Quartz countertops remain the most favored types of countertops in homesteads
whether its for your kitchen or bathroom. To know why home owners choose either of these, first
you must understand the origin and composition of each individually. Granite countertops are
100% natural. They are mined from unadulterated stone which is cut into slabs then polished.
Quartz countertops are humanmade. Otherwise known as engineered stone, they are
manufactured by mixing different types of natural minerals such as granite, glass and marble
then a small percentage of actual quartz is added. Seemingly similar to the eye and used for the
same purpose, there are several differences between these two.
APPEARANCE
Both come in beautiful selections of pigmentation and patterns. Granite displays slight, naturally
occurring non-uniformity in its hues. To some, this is considered an advantage while to others
it’s a drawback. Its unique colors vary from roses, earth tones, blues and greens. Quartz however
is more predictable in its coloration and has a wide array of colors to choose from due to the
pigments added during its manufacture. From monotone to chromatic textures, quartz has a lot
more to offer than granite when it comes to appearance. That said, quartz can’t compare to the
natural beauty granite gives. Some customers don’t put much emphasis on the coloring of their
countertops while others are very keen to maintain as much purity as possible. This remains a
personal preference since beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. You can’t go wrong whether
you decide to choose the granite or the quartz countertop.
DURABILITY
Granite countertops have to be sealed when installed and resealed every one to two years. They
are considerably durable but not indestructible. Granite’s enduring nature makes it suitable for
outdoor use. If poorly maintained, granite countertops are prone to cracking and chipping since
granite is a natural stone. They also stain very easily compared to other types of countertops.
Quartz countertops do not require as much maintenance as granite countertops. The resins used
in the manufacture of quartz gives its countertops the advantage of being extremely stain
resistant and flexible enough to avoid chipping or cracking and the disadvantage not being heat
and scratch resistant. Quartz countertops have also been observed to discolor when exposed to
strong UV rays. Both have an approximated lifespan of 25-50 years which depends on how they
are used and the amount of care they are used with.
COST
The decision to invest in either granite or quartz countertops depends largely on the expense.
Granite is less bruising to the pocket than quartz. In most stores, granite is prized at 40-200$ per
square foot and quartz costs 70-175$ per square foot depending on the material. To have a 20
square foot kitchen countertop installed with either one, it would cost you around 500$. It’s
obvious that when it comes to either products, you’re going to end up paying a lot for fabrication
and installation. You may end up paying a slightly larger amount to have a quartz countertop
than granite but the difference is insignificant unless your kitchen is very large. The wise thing to
do in this case is to plan a budget with your installer and try as hard as possible to stay in it.
ECO-FRIENDLINESS
Customers are currently looking to go for the more sustainable option when it comes to
countertops. Some may argue that quartz is the greener choice since it’s manufactured using
recycled materials and the water used in its production is afterwards reused. However, both use a
large amount of energy in their mining and shipping. Quartz goes beyond that and uses more
energy to be crushed and mixed then bound together with polymers. Granite produces less
carbon emissions in its manufacture than quartz. Both produce insignificant quantities of radon
and volatile organic compounds. Although granite is seen to have a slight edge as an
environmentally friendly countertop material, the truth is that both choices are okay for kitchen
use and sustainable since if used and maintained well, they last a lifetime.
CLEANLINESS
Quartz is nonporous mainly because it is an engineered stone. This means that it is easier to keep
germfree since bacteria and viruses cannot harbor in it. Granite, as a natural stone, has pores
within it which make it permeable. These tiny capillaries on granite countertops are very
absorbent and they suck up liquid, making them prone to staining. These pores also promote
germ and bacteria growth. However, if sealed and well taken care of, granite countertops do a
fairly good job maintaining cleanliness. The ease in keeping quartz countertops clean and mold
free is an advantage over granite and it is why they are preferred by homeowners with kids and
the elderly whose immune system is relatively weak.

If after doing your research on discount Milwaukee countertops you decide that you prefer
authentic stone, then granite countertops Milwaukee are your choice. Have our professional
installer seal it for you on a regular basis and keep a dishcloth handy to avoid staining and they
will serve you long and well. If on the other hand you favor engineered stone over natural stone
and you would like one that offers a larger range of color and less upkeep, the quartz countertops
Milwaukee will work well for you. Either way, you can’t go wrong with whatever choice you
make between the two.