Granite Countertops Vs Other Countertop Materials – Which Is Better?
When you’re building a kitchen, one of the first decisions you need to make is what type of countertop material you want. Two of the most popular choices are quartz and granite countertops.
While the two materials offer a variety of benefits, they also come with some tradeoffs. For example, quartz trades the heat-resistance of granite for better moisture and leak resistance.
1. Durability
granite countertop are a popular choice among homeowners for their beauty, durability and ability to stand up to heavy use. However, they’re not the only countertop material to consider.
Quartz, solid-surfacing and other materials can also be used to replace or upgrade your old kitchen countertops. Each of these options offers their own benefits and disadvantages.
Granite is a natural stone, quarried from places all over the world. It’s removed from the earth in large blocks and then sliced into slabs.
2. Scratch Resistant
Granite is one of the most durable natural stones available and it has excellent scratch resistance. It scores 7 on the Mohs scale, meaning that very few minerals can scratch it and it will resist scratches caused by knives, cutting boards, hot pots or pans, etc.
If you do find a minor scratch in your countertops, you should first wash them thoroughly with warm water and mild dish soap. Once the area is clean, you can buff it with a new dry and soft cloth.
However, if you are looking for a less expensive alternative to granite that is also scratch resistant, you may want to consider quartz. It is made of 93% natural quartz and 7% resins, which makes it more scratch-resistant than most other countertop materials.
3. Easy to Clean
Granite is a great choice for home owners who enjoy the ease of cleaning it. It is a natural material that resists many of the chemicals that are commonly used in other countertop materials.
It is also highly resistant to staining and can easily be cleaned with water or a neutral cleaner.
However, you should always use a clean cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals like vinegar or lemon juice, as these can be harmful to the sealant on your granite countertops.
For oil-based stains, try using a homemade paste made from baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain and let it dry over a couple of days, then scrape away with a plastic scraper. For stubborn stains, you may have to repeat the process several times.
4. Aesthetics
Having an elegant kitchen can be a great selling point for your home when it comes time to sell. It’s one of the most used rooms in your house and can be easily updated with a slick coat of new paint or a beautiful backsplash.
Granite countertops are a beautiful option for any kitchen design. They come in a variety of colors, making it easy to find the perfect match for your decor.
While most people choose white countertops because of their clean and classic appearance, you can also opt for a honed finish that gives the stone a matte appearance. Honed granite is more durable than polished granite and can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
5. Cost
Granite is a premium countertop material that comes in a variety of styles and colors. Its cost is largely influenced by the type of granite you choose and its difficulty to quarry.
Common options, like ubatuba, are easier to source and are less expensive than rare varieties, such as blue Louise.
Depending on the slabs used, granite countertops can range from $40 to $100 per square foot. Choosing unique patterns or complex hues can add up to more costs, as well.
Granite is also a heavy material, so labor costs are often higher than other countertops materials. However, these costs can be offset if you choose to install granite tiles rather than a solid slab. This allows you to reduce the overall project costs by removing the need for demo and disposal.