For countertop materials there are a huge number of options available in the market. So here are a few easy comparisons, to make your selection process easier.
1. Quartz vs. Granite Countertop
Both quartz and and granite both ar famous and preferred for their own reasons. Lets find out which will be better choice.
Composition
Granite is a purely natural stone. It comes directly from stone quarries. It is then cut into thin slabs, polished, and fabricated into countertops.
Whereas Quartz countertops are engineered stone formed by combining around 90 % ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) with 8- 10 % resins, polymers, and pigments fused under intense heat and pressure to form a solid slab.
Appearance
As granite is a natural stone every piece is slightly different in mineral pattern and color, meaning that your countertop will be unique.
On the other side Quartz countertops, as an engineered product, are more uniform in appearance, though many colors and unique patterns are available.
The choice here is a matter of personal preference. If you truly want the look of natural stone, then choose the truly natural product—granite. But many people find that quartz countertops offer looks that are different and better than natural stone.
Maintenance and Durability
Though both materials are very durable. Granite is a relatively porous stone that requires sealing upon installation, then periodic sealing on an ongoing basis. And granite slabs may have inherent flaws that make them prone to cracking.
Quartz, on the other hand, does not require sealing. The resins used in the fabrication of the slabs makes the surface less porous. Hence it’s resistant to staining and bacterial attack. Also the material being uniform throughout, is crack-resistant.
Environmental Issues
Both countertop materials are made of natural materials, but granite countertops come out slightly ahead since they are made from 100 percent stone, while quartz includes natural materials, color pigments, and polymer resins that bond the materials together.
Cost
Both granite and quartz are premium, high-priced countertop materials. The price differences depend on the style chosen, as well as on the type of edging treatments requested.
2. Quartz vs. Quartzite countertops
The main difference is, quartz is man-made, engineered stone whereas Quartzite is originally a sandstone, a metamorphic rock, it is completely natural. It is extracted from quarries and then cut into slabs to be used as countertops. Its properties are similar to natural stones like marble and granite. It must be sealed periodically as it is porous. AS quartz is non-porous it doesn’t require any sealing. Their price points are aso close to each other.
3. Quartz vs. Solid surface Countertops
Composition
Both the materials are engineered stone. Solid-surface countertops consist of 66% mineral dust (mostly marble) mixed with a variety of plastic resins and pigments (33%).
Quartz countertops are a newer entrant to the kitchen countertop world than solid surface materials. These engineered stone products consist of about 95-percent ground natural quartz and other materials with 5-percent binding resins.
Appearance
If a stone-like look and feel is your intention, quartz/engineered counters would have an advantage over solid surface counters. If you want a super-contemporary look, then a solid surface is the way to go. Solid surfaces can even be thermoformed or worked by hand into curvy, flowing shapes. It is not possible with quartz counter materials.
Heat Resistance
Hot items and utensils should be kept away. In the rare likelihood of scorching, solid surface materials can be sanded out and repolished to remove the stains.
Quartz countertops have a higher heat resistance than solid surface materials. However, very hot pans or utensils should not be kept directly on the surface.
Seam Visibility
With both solid surface and quartz countertops, diagonal seams are usually necessary at L-shaped turns. However for solid surface countertops, seams are created with a bonding adhesive. It creates such a tight seam that it is nearly invisible to the naked eye. With quartz countertops, seams are covered and visible but not highly visible.
Scratch Resistance
Cutting on solid surface countertops is not recommended as it is not very scratch resistant. However it can be easily sanded and buffed smooth again. It’s also a procedure that homeowners can easily do by themselves.
Quartz countertops tend to be more scratch resistant than solid surface materials. It is difficult to scratch with normal use. One should not cut directly on the surface.
Cost
Prices of solid surface and quartz countertops are almost the same. The prices vary depending on the style and color of the material selected.
Installation
Both countertops are difficult on your own. Solid surface slabs can be cut by ordinary power saws and routers. The seaming kits used to join pieces are also easy to use.
Quartz, on the other hand, requires special tools. It’s also about 33% heavier than solid surface countertops. Hence a bit difficult to handle
4. Quartz vs. Laminate Countertops
Appearances
Both laminate and quartz countertops are popu for their stone look. Both materials are available in a range of solid colors and patterns. Here are few factors that affect the appearance-
Depth: If the intent is duplicating the look of natural stone’s depth, quartz wins hands down. Although high-end laminates can also replicate the look of stone. It may never be able to duplicate quartz’s visual depth because it is not physically deep.
Veining: Laminates have better distinctive veining and crystalline structure quartz. Premium laminates can roll the veins over the edge of the countertop as if showing a cross-section of natural stone.
Solid Colors: Quartz comes in a limited range of solid colors and a wider range of flecked colors. Broad range of solid colors, from pastels and soft whites to vibrant oranges and rich grays and blacks are available for laminates.
Durability
Both materials are durable and highly stain-resistant. It doesn’t need sealing like natural stone does.
Quartz is highly abrasion-resistant, under normal conditions, while laminate’s top-most wear layer has long been its weak point. As sharp objects such as knives can easily damage laminate.
Regarding heat resistance, prolonged exposure to high temperature damages both the material. A hot, dry pan set down onto either surface is likely to burn it.
Installation
Compared to Quartz, laminate is an easy material to work with. It can be cut and finished with standard woodworking tools.
Cost
Laminate is the clear winner on price as Quartz are much costlier than laminate.
So there were few comparisons of Quartz countertop with similar products. As per your preference you can choose the required material for your project.
