Quartz vs Granite Countertops

Natural countertops offer a variety of great benefits which have made them widely popular over the years. Because of their incredible durability and ease of maintenance, natural stone countertops are a great choice for any kitchen or bathroom renovation. However, probably the biggest thing that draws customers to natural stone countertops is their beautiful appearance. 

With the continued advancement in technology, manufacturers are now able to create man-made stone countertops that are nearly indistinguishable from natural stone. Quartz countertops can resemble the look of many of the most popular natural stone countertops, yet come at a much cheaper price. Although it may be enticing to purchase man-made countertops compared to natural stone, it’s not always worth it. 

At GMS Werks, we specialize in providing and installing natural stone countertops in both residential and commercial properties. We understand the advantages that natural stone countertops offer, and we can lend a helping hand in your next remodeling project. Below, we explain how granite countertops are made, how they compare to man-made alternatives and which one could be the better option for your next project. 

How granite countertops are made

Although granite is a natural stone, granite countertops go through a long manufacturing process with numerous steps. First, the rock is mined from quarries across the U.S. and around the globe. Next, wire saws cut it into manageable pieces with the help of powerful drills. The blocks are repeatedly separated into smaller chunks. Wire saws don't resemble the tools most people recognize. Instead, this equipment consists of metal wires that have beads of diamonds on them. Powerful motors make the wires revolve in loops.

After the slabs shrink to a comparatively small size, a side is polished and the stone is transported to a distribution center. Additional cuts are made to accommodate specific cabinets and fixtures before contractors install the countertops in homes.

How Quartz countertops are made

Man-made stone countertops are engineered using crushed stone and minerals and then are formed together using an adhesive. These countertops contain natural elements but are engineered using non-natural materials as well. Most quartz and man-made countertops are manufactured with a ratio of about 93% crushed stone to 7% resin and pigmentation. 

Why choose granite countertops 

Natural granite countertops offer a variety of benefits. Below, we go over some of the pros and cons of granite countertops: 

Pros: 

• Incredible durability

• Gorgeous appearance

• Easy to clean and maintain

• Heat and stain resistant

• Sustainable and 100% natural

Cons: 

• More expensive than other countertop materials

• Only a few different colors and patterns

• Needs to be resealed regularly

Why choose quartz countertops

Engineered countertops like quartz also offer a variety of great benefits that may be enticing to homeowners. Below, we go over the pros and cons of quartz countertops!

Pros: 

• Incredible durability

• Cheaper in price than natural stone countertops

• Does not need to be sealed

• Fully customizable, coming in many different colors, patterns and designs

Cons: 

• Not resistant to heat

• Not completely natural

• Difficult to install

• Can only be used indoors

Although granite and quartz countertops offer a lot of the similar advantages, they are both different in their own ways. From how granite countertops are made to the benefits they offer, granite is a great choice. But if you are looking for a cheaper alternative, quartz countertops may be the better option. If you need help in deciding which countertops you want for your next project, give our team a call today. We are more than happy to help you with your next project!