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

Bona Fide Beauty Pet Nail Files

 

The top electricians in North York,Canada,Next Step Electric,are committed to providing you with the best services and products without jacking up the prices.

North York electricianoffers a full range of services to meet all your commercial electrical and lighting needs. Lighting professionals can remove old lighting,repair existing lighting,replace existing lighting,help customers plan new lighting and install new & up-to-date lighting. Housing electrical codes are complex,and working with anything electrical can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. That’s why it’s important to seek the help and expertise of an Electrical Services Company that is uniquely qualified to meet the electrical needs of homeowners as well as commercial and industrial companies. You shouldn’t just let any electrical contractor into your home,as you have no time to waste on a service that is less than reliable and dependable.

Incandescent dimmers start at a very low price while fluorescent and compact fluorescent dimmers are more costly. You can replace your old,single fixture with the new fixtures,using the same circuit. Once you have installed your recessed lights,trims are the only parts that will remain visible. Generalized lighting can be low wattage or high wattage,depending on the needs of the space. Installing recessed lights in a ceiling with attic space above it is much easier than putting in recessed lights where no attic exists. Installing multiple recessed lights in a series is not difficult at all,and can be completed in a relatively short period of time.Overall lighting levels with solar tend to be quite a bit lower than with electrically powered lights.

A three-way wall switch is a common type of light switch that makes it possible to control a ceiling light or other electrical fixture from two different locations in a room. In parallel circuits,each light has its own circuit,so all but one light could be burned out,and the last one will still function. A bad electrical connection or faulty wire is dangerous,so you should not attempt electrical repairs yourself. When replacing a switch in in an existing 3-way circuit,you must replace it with another 3-way switch or the circuit will not function correctly.

Obviously,you’re here because you need help installing modern pot light fixtures. When it comes to installing any kind of electrical equipment to your exact needs,North York electrician is the most qualified service provider for the job. Give them a call today!