There are few design elements that spark heated debate and divide homeowners as much as granite and quartz. Don’t believe me? Tune into any show on HGTV and you’ll likely hear the prospective buyer/renter wax poetic about their preferred counter top material and shun the other vehemently. But is one really better than the other or is it merely a matter of aesthetics?

To help break down the granite vs. quartz quandary,we thought up five categories to help show the differences between both. By the end of this article,you can decide which one you prefer. Before we get into all of that though,exactly what is granite and quartz?

Granite is a very hard stone and 100 percent natural. It’s mined from quarries all around the world,cut down to a manageable size,then afterwards polished to a fine finish.

Quartz is slightly different because it is not 100 percent natural. Instead,countertops are produced using 95 percent ground natural quartz and 5 percent polymer resins.

Now that you know the basics,let’s see how they compare against one another.

1: Appearance
Granite

Granite comes in various colors and patterns due to the way it’s formed (cooling and strengthening of molten materials). Whether you’re looking for a subtle complement to your kitchen or a standout slab with unique mineral inclusions,there is an almost unlimited selection to select from and no two granite countertops are the same.

Quartz

Among the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is because of appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing property owners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in regards to appearance,you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme. With quartz,the selection process is a lot easier.

2: Price
Granite

According to HomeAdviser.com,the average cost to purchase granite and have it installed can cost between $2,000 and $4,000. You can save money by purchasing the material from a wholesaler and doing a portion of the preliminary work yourself but the actual fabrication and installation of the countertops should be left to a professional.

Quartz

Depending upon the quality of quartz and style of edging,HomeAdvisor.com places the average cost to install quartz countertops between $1,500 and $5,500. You can do some of the preliminary work to save money,but because engineered quartz is heavier than other stone surfaces,a professional installer needs to make sure the space is structurally sound.

3: Environmentally-Friendly
Granite

The only way granite ends up in your kitchen is if it’s quarried which uses a lot of energy. If you select a high-end slab from Italy,for example,there will be considerable transportation involved. Try using indigenous stone when possible or visit salvage shops for pieces that can be cut to fit your needs.

Quartz

Since quartz is engineered,it can be more environmentally-friendly than granite if you use regionally manufactured stone and local fabricators. This cuts down on the distance the material needs to be transported.

4: Maintenance
Granite

Granite countertops should be cleaned daily with soap and water or a mild household cleaner. Some oils and acids can stain so do your homework first to avoid stains. To ensure the longevity of your investment,consider having your countertops resealed once a year.

Quartz

Like granite,you’ll wish to clean any spills on quartz countertops with soap and water or a household cleaner,but that’s about it in terms of maintenance. The solid surface means that there is no need to have your countertops resealed.

5: Durability
Granite

Granite is a durable material that’s resistant to heat and many other kitchen elements. Due to its porous nature though,there can be some staining if spilled liquids are left sitting and damage can be done if your counter receives a high impact blow.
Quartz

Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus,more durable. In point of fact,quartz is nearly indestructible,and because it isn’t porous like granite,it’s easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat,so use heating pads at all times.
If you ‘d like to explore the differences yourself,contact Peakstone Granite at (336) 324-2875 or visit them at http://PeakStoneGraniteMarble.com

ByJohnSageMelbourne

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Face masks are very common nowadays because they provide good results without having to use any creams or lotions. The beauty industry has made Hope Protective face masks for a long time now and it has been a good thing for the beauty industry. There are several reasons why face masks are such a good idea,and the following will give you an idea on how to choose the best face mask.

Face masks are used to improve the look of your skin by adding some essence to the facial area of the skin,which then makes your skin look nice and fresh. There are various types of face masks out there and all of them have different ingredients. These ingredients are what give the mask its overall appearance. The ingredients include things such as essential oils,natural extracts,and other natural substances that can be used to improve your skin in many different ways.

Face masks are very popular for different reasons. One reason is that they can provide great results without having to use any creams or lotions. Another thing is that they are very cheap,so anyone can afford to use them. The only thing that you have to consider when choosing a mask is that you have to choose the right one for your skin type.

There are a lot of different types of face masks out there. One of the most popular ones is the natural mask,which can provide some good results if you choose the right one. Some of the best natural masks that you can choose include herbal face masks,which are great if you have sensitive skin,and they also include skin-care masks. These natural mask is usually made with different kinds of herbs that are known for their effects on the skin.

You should also consider using these masks if you have dry or oily facial skin. If you have dry skin,you should consider using the herbal face mask that contains lavender,as it will help moisturize your skin. You should also use a facial mask that contains aloe vera if you have oily skin,because it can help make your skin look better. Both the herbal and the skin-care masks that you can buy at a local beauty store should be good choices for you to use if you want to look good.

Face masks are great to use,because they give you more benefits than just looking good. You should consider using one if you have dry or oily skin,and if you want to make your skin look better. They can also be used for sensitive skin,and if you have sensitive skin you should not use any creams or lotions.