Granite countertops in Pompano Beach FL are a beautiful addition to any kitchen. They’re perfect for cooking and food preparation, and they add a touch of luxury to your home. Granite is also durable and easy to maintain, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial settings.
One of the benefits of having granite countertops installed is to enhance the beauty of your home by creating a sleek appearance and adding style to any room. However, these counters are porous materials that can quickly get stained if not cared for properly. To maintain the beauty of your countertop and protect it from damage, you will need to seal the surface. By following these simple tips, you can keep your counters looking like new for years to come.
There are several ways to seal your Pompano Beach granite countertops. One is to use a commercial granite sealer, which you can buy at your local hardware or any home improvement store. You can also make your own homemade granite countertop coating by mixing non-toxic ingredients; however, remember that not all ingredients are safe for food preparation surfaces.
Commercial granite countertop sealer products are meant to speed up the sealing process and provide a durable, smooth finish for your granite counter.
There are a variety of sealant products you can use to keep your beautiful countertops in Florida looking great year-round. No matter what your style or budget is, there’s sure to be something that enhances the look and feel of your counters.
Steps in Sealing Granite Countertops
1. Clean the Countertop
The first step is to clean off any debris, dust, or foreign matter on your counters with a clean, gentle cloth. Remove any spills or stains, and wipe the surface until dry. Also, you can use a damp cloth with water to wipe off oily substances. After the counter is clean, please wait for it to dry off before continuing with the next step.
2. Prime the Countertop
Prepare thin coats of sealer onto the granite surface by making drops of one or two tablespoons of sealer onto a clean cloth and applying it to the surface. Wait for a minute before applying another coat. Ensure that each drop is not too much so that it does not drip off the countertop and spill over the sides.
3. Seal the Countertop
Make sure you have spread a thin layer of sealer and waited long enough before applying another coat. You can use two to three coats of sealer on the counters, giving them at least a few hours to dry.
4. Wait for the Sealer to Dry
Depending on the sealer you used, waiting for it to dry could take anywhere from one hour to a day and a half. Make sure you do not lay anything on the countertops or leave them uncovered during this time. If you touch it before the sealer dries, even with your finger, dust from your hand could get stuck to the sealer and cause it to not be as effective.
5. Clean up
Using a sponge with mild soap, wipe off any excess sealer that may have gotten onto the sides of your counters or your cabinets.
Conclusion
Sealing your granite countertops is a great way to maintain the surface and keep it healthy for years to come. Use the right sealer product, give it enough drying time, and make sure to clean up any excess sealant when you are done. This will lengthen the lifetime of your granite countertops and make them even more durable than they already naturally are.
Granite is a popular choice for many purposes because of its striking appearance and exceptional durability. There are countless reasons to love granite. For one, it’s an incredibly durable stone that can be used for everything from monuments to countertops. Plus, its fascinating natural composition – primarily quartz and feldspar – makes it truly unique. It is an igneous rock created when lava cools and solidifies. Deep under the earth’s surface, granite takes thousands of years to form. The massive solid chunks of granite are formed as the lava cools down. The exquisite countertops or flooring you find in your house are made from this material after being purified and extracted from the earth’s depths.
The Mining Process
Granite mining is an important industrial process. Quarries are places where granite slabs can be found. Miners usually select sites that are close to the planet’s surface. To make a granite slab, they first extract raw granite from the earth’s crust in big pieces. Granite can be extracted from shallow mines because it is near the surface. To get the right block size and shape, they bore small holes into the granite while it is still in the ground.
To reveal the beautiful granite beneath the soil, the layers of earth that surround the stone are eliminated. Then, using an open cast mining procedure, the granite is carefully removed from the ground. To separate the particular stone blocks from the surroundings, hydraulic hammers are used to drill holes into the rock. Once the desired blocks are identified, cranes can then be used to elevate them to the surface.
Fabrication
After being extracted from the quarry, raw granite blocks are transported to production plants via truck. Weighing around ten tons per block, the granite is then chopped into smaller blocks for easier handling. These finer blocks are then polished to create a high sheen and show off the inherent colors and patterns. The tiny slabs are polished using a machine with diamond cleaning brushes. With every fresh coat of polish, the brilliance of the stone is brought out, giving it a smooth yet unpolished look.
What Happens Next?
The blocks will be then cleaned again before being shipped to various places across the world, where they will be unloaded and delivered to wholesalers in multiple towns in each country they are delivered to. These granite products are polished once more after delivery using a piece of mobile polishing equipment to eliminate any minor dings from the transit procedure. The granite slabs are now ready for sale and installation in a home or office near you! It is truly amazing to think that slabs of rock formed by the earth can become such amazing surfaces in our homes.
Key Takeaway
Thanks to the efficient extraction process, we are able to enjoy beautiful granite countertops in our homes. The stone is extracted, polished, and transported with care, then received, measured, cut, and installed by skilled professionals. The end result is a stunning and durable surface that enhances any home.
Granite is a natural stone that is quarried from the Earth. It is composed of feldspar, quartz, and mica. Granite is a popular choice for countertops, flooring, and other applications because it is durable and beautiful. Also, granite is easy to clean and maintain. Granite is a popular choice for countertops because it is heat resistant and stain resistant. Many people also choose granite flooring because it is slip resistant and easy to care for.
Granite is available in various colors, including white, black, gray, green, and pink. Granite is a popular material for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, and outdoor kitchen countertops. Granite is also scratch resistant and does not chip easily. In this article we will discuss where granite comes from and how it is made.
Where Exactly Does Granite Come From?
1. Found in mountain ranges
Granite is found in mountain ranges all over the world. The most popular source of granite is Brazil, followed by India, China, and Italy. Other sources of granite include Africa, Canada, the United States, and Australia. Many of these countries have extensive mountain ranges that are rich in granite.
2. Quarried from the Earth
Granite is quarried from the Earth in large blocks. The blocks are then transported to factories and cut into slabs. The slabs are then polished and finished before being shipped to customers.
3. Composition
Granite is composed of feldspar, quartz, and mica. Feldspar is the most abundant mineral in granite. Quartz is the second most abundant mineral. Mica is the third most abundant mineral. Granite is also a source of radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium. In addition, granite may sometimes contain traces lead, arsenic, and other harmful components, but not to worry, slabs with these trace elements are not used in countertops.
How is Granite Made?
1. Igneous rocks
Granite is an igneous rock that forms when hot molten rock (magma) cools and solidifies. Granite typically begins in the Earth’s crust at depths of 10-15 km. The molten rock that forms granite is called magma. Magma is formed when the Earth’s mantle (the layer of the Earth below the crust) melts.
2. Cooling and solidification
When magma rises to the surface, it cools and solidifies to form granite. The rate at which magma cools affects the composition of granite. If magma cools slowly, large crystals will form. If magma cools quickly, tiny crystals will form.
3. Weathering and erosion
Over time, the granite will be weathered and eroded by wind, rain, and glaciers. This process can take millions of years. The granite we see today results from this long process of weathering and erosion. According to recent research, granite takes between 20 and 200 million years to form.
Granite is an Amazing Substance
Granite is a popular choice for countertops, floors, and other applications because it is durable and beautiful. Granite is heat resistant, stain resistant, scratch resistant, and easy to clean. Granite is also available in a variety of colors to match any décor. When properly sealed, granite countertops are virtually maintenance-free.
Granite is one of the most affordable and practical luxuries that exist today for your home.
It will always give you an elegant look and is reasonably easy to maintain without a ton of effort or special care.
If you ask the experts in granite countertops, they will say at least have a few ideas in mind before coming to the showroom. Getting an idea for finishes, possible colors, as well as how much granite and where you want it are all good to think about before coming in to a showroom. It is because granite has a lot of styles. If you are not sure about what style you are wanting for your home, worry not, the professionals at Best Granite For Less are happy to help!
Granite Countertops and their Eternal Style
When it comes to home design, few materials are as timeless and chic as granite. These natural stone countertops add a touch of luxury and personal style to any space, but they’re especially stunning in the kitchen.
But beyond their good looks, granite countertops are also incredibly durable. They’re scratch-resistant and heat-resistant, making them a wise investment for any family.
The fact that you can use granite through out the entire home is a testament to the fact that they are eternally stylish. You can unify your home design by using the same granite in the kitchens and bathrooms, or you can go for a distinct style in each room. That’s one of the main pros of granite for your home; it makes a statement.
Why Should you Incorporate Granite into Your Home
Granite is a hard volcanic rock that can be found in many places in the world. Depending on where your source your granite from will effect the color, style and finish of the granite. This is why granite is a great way to bring the outdoors, indoors, as you add stylish flair to your home.
Granite has a timeless beauty that really is unrivaled. Materials such as quartz and other granite competitors just don’t have the same durability and quality that granite adds to your kitchen or bathroom. You are an individual and granite is a unique material that can be used to express who you are right in the place where you spend most of your time — your home!
Granite Countertops and their Maintenance Cost
Another great reason that granite is a true practical luxury is because you make the initial investment, and then you are good for years to come. That investment that you make in your countertops will pay off big time in the long run, as granite countertops are one of the easiest countertop materials to care for and maintain.
The maintenance cost is directly related to the size of your countertop. While some homeowners think that the cost of maintaining a larger countertop is more significant than maintaining two smaller ones, this isn’t exactly true. Because the materials needed to properly care for your granite countertops are relatively inexpensive, you can maintain a small or large slab of granite for little money spent in the years to come.
Conclusion
Whether you are remodeling your home, or building a new home, we hope it is plain to see after reading this article why granite is such a great choice for a countertop material. Not only does it last a lifetime, but it is also not extremely expensive and it comes in tons of different colors, patterns, and sizes. If you are considering installing granite countertops and need help with selecting your slabs, give Best Granite For Less a call!
Stone has been used to build things for thousands of years. The most common use of stone is in the form of walls, particularly those made to house homes. But while many people know that natural stones like marble can be found worldwide, they may not know that several other types of granite can also be found in abundance here in the West. Granite has a long and storied history that predates human civilization itself. And it is one of the fascinating aspects of this history: While granites are plentiful on Earth, they aren’t native to any particular place or region; instead, they have been transported over great distances by natural forces for thousands of years in search of new places to settle and create communities.
The Egyptians Used Common Tools to Bore Holes in Granite for Mortar
The Egyptians in ancient times used standard tools to bore holes in granite to use it as a building material. At some point, they discovered that granite was much more durable and resistant to decay than other types of stone. Therefore, they started importing granite from different places and using it to build their homes and temples. Ancient Egypt, where archaeologists have uncovered stone tools from at least 5000 BC that were used to make holes in granite. These holes were probably used for various purposes, including lining tombs with granite to preserve the bodies inside.
A Famous Unfinished Obelisk Was Carved from Granite
The obelisk is a type of building that is typically made from granite. These structures are distinguished by their slender, tapering shape and are often topped with a pyramid or cone. The Ancient Egyptians had a knack for building massive stone structures. And in the middle of their empire, they began constructing an enormous pyramid nearly 100 feet high. However, it was never completed. Why? Because the workers ran out of granite to work with, they could not complete their masterpiece. The unfinished obelisk remained as a monument without an end until an earthquake in AD 749 destroyed it.
A Compelling Argument for Lost High Technology in Ancient Egypt
The ancient Egyptians were so skilled at building and using granite that it is easy to overlook that much of what they created was made from stone. But there are several examples of this, such as a statue of Osiris, one of the most important gods of ancient Egypt. The figure was made from granite and is believed to be 3,000 years old. And while there are no written records to verify this claim, it is a compelling argument for the existence of lost high technology in ancient Egypt.
The Romans Used Granite to Construct Buildings
The Romans were a highly advanced civilization that had mastered many different techniques and skills. One of these skills was the construction of buildings, which they did use granite. They could do this because they had learned the method of moving rocks with levers, an advanced form of rock mining.
How Granite Made its Way From these Ancient Origins to Your Kitchen
We did not see the use of granite in countertops until the late 80’s. It was available in just about two colors though, which is a huge contrast to the amount of variation in color and design options we see in granite countertops today. One thing is for certain, the use of the material Granite for countertops came about because people recognized its strong and resilient nature! We hope that after reading this article you have learned more about how granite was used in ancient times to build really cool structures, and making it apparent to see why it is a wonderful material for modern day use!
Granite has become very popular due to its durability and efficiency. Granite is a natural stone and easy to clean. In addition, homeowners install it because it is beautiful, making the kitchen or bathroom more colorful. More construction specialists and designers are recommending granite to homeowners.
There are many types of granite to choose from when finishing your countertops. Therefore you need to think about the following factors before deciding.
Your Taste and Preference
Your taste is where you start from when buying anything. If you want to feel proud of your décor/ design choices and overall home, then you should pay close attention to the types of finishes and appliances you include in your home. Do you prefer to have bright or dark colors? Do you prefer a detailed countertop or a simple one? Which granite vein style best matches your style? These are some of the few questions that can guide you to your taste and preference when selecting granite for your homes countertops.
Color
The color of the granite should match or go well with the cabinets and the entire kitchen. The colors should be in harmony to ensure the look is maintained. When shopping, take some sample colors of your cabinets and flooring to be more accurate. Also, consider the lighting of the room when choosing the granite color.
Finish
There are three finishes to choose from polished, leather, or honed. A polished granite finish is shiny, smooth, and less porous. A leather finish produces a leather texture, while a honed finish produces a matte-like finish. Know your desire and choose what blends the entire room look.
Thickness
Granite countertops have two varying thicknesses. The 2cm or the 3 cm. the 3cm is heavier and more durable but more expensive than the 2cm. If you decide to install the thinner one, you will need to support the edges and overhangs.
Patterns
Due to its natural formation, granite has different patterns. Some may have shimmering flecks, two-toned veining, or have multi-colors. Before deciding which to take, find granite that suits your home and personality best.
Room Size
Small kitchens are usually associated with bright granite colors because it makes the room look bigger. Light colors reflect more light than dark colors bringing in the illusion of a bigger space. For a bigger room, you have a variety of dark colors to choose from, especially the matte black granite.
Edges
There are different edges, including the beveled edges, chiseled, rolled, bull-nosed edges, and the recently introduced waterfall edge. Know what you want because edges can be customized to suit your preference or home design.
Sink type
There are two types of sinks that you can install: the top mount or drop-in sink and the under-mount sink. Your choice of sink will influence the type of granite to choose. It is good to consult a professional when you are purchasing it.
The Verdict is In
Granite countertops are the best to install in your home. There are many options to choose from. Choosing from a wide range can be difficult, but remember that every home has its right granite match. Get to know every inch of your home. Do your research and consult a professional in the field before making your decision and buying the granite.
Granite counter tops are the undisputed king in Vero Beach. From its beautiful colors and crystalline textures to its affordable pricing point, there are many reasons why Granite should be your number 1 choice for countertops.
Why Granite Countertops Are Preferred Over the Others
Granite is an affordable stone that can withstand high temperatures
Whereas high-end materials like marble can only withstand heat up to 170 degrees, marble can take temperatures as high as 1,200 degrees. This makes Granite the perfect material for kitchen countertops — its incredible heat resistance makes it a worthy investment for your kitchen.
Granite can be easily cared for and enjoyed for many years
There’s no special treatment needed with Granite; just some soap and water are all you need! You can rest assured that you’re making a long-term investment. Granite is the same as non-porous, which will last for years and years to come!
Granite has an unmatchable variety of colors, patterns, and textures
Granite comes in over 20 different colors and nearly infinite varieties, so you’re sure to find the perfect granite countertop for your home!
Granite has a timeless quality that will never change the style
Granite is timeless and has the appearance of a natural, uncut stone. That’s what’s so great about it! You can be sure that your kitchen will look beautiful for years to come.
Granite works well in any kitchen, not just modern ones
The granite looks excellent in any kitchen style, from traditional to modern — it only adds to the aesthetic appeal! Some homeowners often use Granite for their bathroom cabinets and even as a tabletop material!
The more you use your granite countertops, the better they look
Unlike other countertop materials, Granite gets darker and darker with age. It allows the surface to have an organic feel and to show a natural beauty that no other countertop material can rival.
It has excellent strength and durability
Granite is so robust as a countertop material that most homeowners don’t even think about it. That’s why Granite is usually the first choice for homeowners trying to find a kitchen countertop material.
Granite is designed to withstand high temperatures, cracking, and chipping
Granite can withstand high temperatures and even underwater temperatures as high as two hundred degrees Fahrenheit. That’s great for a kitchen countertop, which is generally exposed to high temperatures!
Considerations when purchasing a granite countertop
Texture—When selecting a granite countertop, the most crucial consideration is the Granite’s texture. There are three essential textures: crush, natural and polished.
Coloring—As mentioned in the previous section, granites come in many different colors and patterns. You can also request a specific color if that color suits your kitchen better.
Finish—Many different finishes can be put on Granite, such as hollow, honed, and sandblasted.
Overall strength—A critical factor in a granite countertop’s longevity is the overall strength of the stone, especially when temperatures get higher. There are rarely any heat resistant coatings applied to Granite because its natural strength prevents it from cracking or chipping when subjected to high temperatures.
Reactivity—Unlike marble, limestone, and other stone countertops, Granite is not reactive.
Availability—Granite is often hard to obtain, as there are only a limited number of stone quarries capable of producing Granite.
Durability—Due to its natural strength, Granite is more complex and durable than other countertop materials, such as marble, quartz, and soapstone.
Bottom Line
Granite is a beautiful and elegant material perfect for your home, from its intricate veining to its overall strength and low maintenance requirements. Granite is sure to make your kitchen look both luxurious and elegant while also raising the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.
Many people seek out granite countertops to add a touch of luxury to their kitchen. However, once they get a glimpse of their new shiny counters, they are often left wondering how best to maintain them over time. In this article, we will learn a few granite polishing tips for polishing off your counters and keeping them looking as good as new.
Keeping Granite Countertops Looking Good
Invest in the tools—The first thing you will want to do is get a granite countertop polishing kit. This is a worthwhile investment and will help keep your counters looking great for years to come.
Wash with soap and water—The first step in granite polishing is to clean your counters with warm water and soap. Then rinse them thoroughly with clean water until all the suds are gone, and the surface is nice and clean. Once you have done this, pat dry with a clean towel, ensuring no remaining traces of moisture on your granite surface.
Begin polishing in small sections—Once you have dried your granite counters, the next step is polishing. To begin with, always choose a soft cloth and make sure that it’s only going to be used on small sections of your granite countertops. You are going to need a good amount of pressure and a steady hand when using your granite cleaner. The key here is to work in small sections to not damage or remove the existing grain of your granite countertop.
Finish with broad strokes—Once you have finished polishing in small sections, it’s time to polish in larger compartments. This is when you will want to use a large, soft pad and a lot of elbow grease to work your granite surface. You will need to make sure that your granite countertop is completely dry before moving on.
Dry with a soft cloth—Once you have polished your entire granite countertop surface, it’s time to clean and dry your granite with a soft cloth. Once this is done, you can wash and dry your granite much more easily.
Granite Countertop Polishing Tips
Use a polishing kit—If possible, always use a polishing kit, as they will help avoid damage to your granite surface.
Avoid chemicals—Never use any chemicals on your granite countertop, as they will remove the vital coatings for their long-term integrity.
Dry them first—Always make sure that your granite countertops are completely dry before polishing them. If not, the moisture may cause additional scratches and add to the time of the polishing process.
Only use on granite—Never use your granite cleaner on any other surface than granite countertops. Granite cleaners are specially formulated to maintain granite surfaces, and they can damage other types of countertops such as quartz.
Keep them clean—If you want to ensure that you have clean and shiny granite countertops for the long term, make sure that you clean them with warm water and soap after every use. This ensures that your countertops always look their best.
Go soft—Always choose a soft cloth for polishing as opposed to a hard one. You may accidentally damage the grain of your granite if this is not done correctly.
Avoid acids—As with any other material, you should avoid acidic or alkaline materials when cleaning your granite countertops.
Use the right cloth—Make sure that you always use granite countertop polishing cloths rather than clothes used for other purposes. This will help to avoid scratching and damage to your granite surface.
Use a grout scrubber—If necessary, always use a grout scrubber, but only do so after your granite surface has dried thoroughly. Never use vinegar in combination with your grout brush, as it can damage the finish of your counters.
Bottom Line
Granite countertops are one of the best investments you can make for your home. With a little care and regular maintenance, your countertops will look just as good as the day they were installed for years to come!
Luxury Granite for Cheaper in Fort Pierce and Delray Beach
As a business owner or property manager, you know that commercial buildings have different needs from residential properties. That’s true for everything from the flooring to the plumbing to the roof. But do consider, putting modern comforts into your office space is not hard to do. That’s why Best Granite For Less offers various types of commercial office countertops.
Today, we will run through the best countertops for commercial offices and business spaces. From the needs of small businesses to larger enterprises, Best Granite For Less is your source for quality countertop installation here in the South Florida.
The top of choice for commercial office countertops
Increasingly, employees in a commercial office setting have come to expect amenities that they’re used to seeing in their own homes. This includes full kitchens where employees can prepare and eat food, as well as places where they can take breaks. This may also include a coffee bar café style setting. Also consider reception areas that customers will encounter. First impressions are lasting impressions!
Office Reception Desk
If you’re a property manager, here are the two types of commercial office countertops that can help your property attract the right type of business tenants:
Granite countertops
Many people think of granite as the “king of countertops.” It’s versatile and modern enough to be used in a variety of settings, and it looks just as great in an office setting as it does in the home. It’s striking and conveys cleanliness and upscale amenities.
Granite countertops are easy to care for and clean, and they are very durable and can take abuse from knives, kitchen appliances, and hot objects. If you’re constructing a commercial space with countertops, this is an important feature, since you don’t want to be replacing your countertops every time a tenant moves out.
Granite is not as expensive as you might think especially for a larger project we can offer a bulk discount. Best Granite For Less buys our Granite in bulk, straight from the quarry. By cutting out the middleman and processing large orders, we can save you serious money on new granite countertops for your commercial project.
Quartz countertops
White Quartz Restaurant Bar
You’ve probably seen Quartz countertops before without explicitly realizing that they’re Quartz. This can be a great option for a countertop in a trendy, modern office space or restaurant bar. Many offices use quartz: it’s durable, relatively inexpensive, and clean-looking. It matches the desired decor of the 21st-century office space. Used in an interior installation it can provide a durable surface that lasts for years but is not recommended if used in an area that hot objects will be placed on the counters. See our post “10 Startling Fact About Granite VS Quartz”
If you’re a property manager deciding between granite and quartz, think about the desired aesthetics of the prospective tenants you want to attract. Granite matches the feel of law firms and doctor’s offices. Quartz just feels right in the office of tech startups and small businesses. Ask your current tenants what they think!
Two countertop types’ commercial offices should probably avoid
Not all countertops are the right fit for commercial spaces and offices. Here are two that you should probably steer clear of when you’re shopping for new commercial office countertops:
Marble
Marble is classical and elegant. It’s beautiful and truly unlike any other type of countertop. However, it’s not as durable as Granite or Quartz when it comes to discoloration or stains.
In a residential setting, this might not matter as much: many homeowners place marble in bathrooms where it won’t see too much use. Obviously, your office kitchen gets a lot more foot traffic.
In addition, marble can get pricey at the volume needed in commercial settings. If you want the look of marble, talk to the team here at Best Granite For Less. We may be able to find you a granite countertop that resembles marble so that you can have the best of both worlds.
Plastic
Plastic is incredibly appealing because it’s often the most cost-effective means of adding countertops to a commercial office. However, it’s just not durable enough for this type of use.
Knife nicks, burns, stains, discoloration, cracking—in a residential setting, plastic can go the way of the dinosaurs fast. But, in a commercial setting where office kitchens see a ton of traffic and use, that plastic countertop is going to need to be replaced really quickly. It might be the cheap solution now but in the long run it will cost you more…
Call Best Granite For Less to learn about our commercial office countertops options. We can recommend the best solution for your unique installation keeping your budget and your tenants in mind.
Still not sure what countertops are right for your office or commercial building? Give us a call at (954) 420-3134 or contact us online using the form below. We’re happy to answer your questions about countertops!
Call today to schedule your custom installation. To get your Free sink use Promo Code: GETMYSINK when calling. 954-420-3134
We will be discussing man-made Quartz slab versus Granite in this article.
This post is in response to our previously released post “Granite Versus Quartzite” released on June 16th.
Many questions are coming up regarding Quartz countertop material and actual Quartzite stone. Quartz slab countertop is a manmade material manufactured using ground up aggregate of Quartz and bound together using resin. Quartzite stone is natural quarried slab just like Granite.
Do you have a burning desire for new countertops but can’t decide between granite and quartz?
It may seem like an impossible choice. After all, both come in a gorgeous selection of colors and patterns and both make an incredibly durable work surfaces. However, if you talk to the real experts, the fabricators, most will be quick to tell you granite is a better choice than quartz.
1. Granite is More Durable Than Quartz
While it’s true that both are durable, it depends on the kind of abuse you throw at the two materials.
Do you cook or bake in your kitchen or is it more of a gathering place?
Most of us do cook in our new kitchens and on a daily basis we are cutting, handling hot pots and pans, moving heavy mixing bowls, and using small appliances like stand mixers and crockpots. You need to compare how each material holds up to accidents and flat out abuse. Both countertop materials have pros and cons.
2. Quartz Will Literally Burn Under a Hot Pot
Granite is formed in intense heat and is naturally impervious to high temperatures. Hot pots and pans won’t damage the surface, though they may damage any sealant on them.
Hot Pot Burned Quartz Countertop
Quartz, on the other hand, isn’t nearly as heat resistant. Even Silestone, the best selling engineered stone manufacturer in the world tells you to NEVER place hot objects on their products.
This quote: “It is always recommended to use a hot pad or trivet when placing hot objects on the surface” comes directly from their website.
The resins used to give it flexibility and shape will warp and melt under high temperatures. Low quality brands have been known to discolor under crock pots and electric skillets, so if you want put hot pans directly on the counter, cross quartz off your list.
3. Quartz Scratches Easier Than Granite
The same resin that makes Quartz susceptible to damage from heat also makes it more likely to scratch.
While it’s not easily scratched under normal use, it’s definitely more likely than granite to see scratches from dropped pans or slipping knives.
Granite, the tough, rugged stone that it is, can handle you cutting vegetable directly on its’ surface. It’s so durable that it will actually dull your knives so invest in a good wood cutting board. Best Granite For Less provides granite cutting boards made from you remnant granite slab material for free.
4. Granite Chips Can Easily Be Repaired
Granite Chip Repair Example
Accidents happen–dishes fall out of cabinets, kids drop things on countertops, adults aren’t much better. I’m sure if you have a heavy handed man in the house you hear things happening in the kitchen that make you cringe. (That would be me…)
If you drop a heavy pot on Granite or whack a corner with a heavy ceramic bowl, it’s more likely to chip than quartz. The problem is that those chips are hard to repair, but granite is fairly easy to fix and you can probably DIY. If you need any repair help Best Granite For Less is here to lend a hand just give us a quick call and we can advise you on the situation 954-420-3134.
Smaller chips and dings are simple to fix now a days, they sell granite repair kits at nearly every big box home improvement store. You can use similar kits with quartz but the repairs are usually more noticeable and hard to polish out.
5. Granite is Easy to Maintain
If granite has a weakness, it’s the fact that it is susceptible to stains because of its composition. Because it’s a natural stone some varieties can be porous, and stains can be a real possibility unless you take 10 minutes out of your day to seal it once or twice a year.
Sealing Granite is easy to do once or twice a year
Because of the man-made resin that is used to glue quartz together it is non-porous, so it’s stain resistant (not stain proof) and super-low maintenance.
Before you assume that this makes quartz superior to granite, consider the very reason it’s non-porous. Remember how it’s made of a resin-stone mix? The same resin that makes it low maintenance also increases its risk of damage and discoloration from the heat of your pots and pans.
Maybe you think that the ratio of resin to natural stone is trivial? Consider this.
The manufacturers claim their slabs contain about 7% resin. What they don’t explain is that the ratio is by weight. The actual volume of resin makes up about 30% to 40% of the finished product. It’s almost appropriate to call them resin countertops instead of quartz.
Sure, sealing your Granite countertop a couple of times per year is work, but a melted countertop from forgetting to use a trivet under a hot pan is a nightmare.
6. Granite is Cheaper Then Quartz
This is probably the first thing most people consider when choosing their countertop.
The final cost of countertops will depend on several factors, but generally, granite countertops cost $40-50 per square foot including installation. Quartz ranges from $50-75 per square foot installed. This difference can really add up if you have a big kitchen. Also consider specially made colors need to be custom manufactured so the cost can be prohibitive form most design experts.
7. Granite is More Environmentally Friendly
At first glance, quartz may seem more environmentally friendly because it can be engineered and manufactured close to where it will be sold. The manufacturing plants also love to boast about how they use recycled materials as well as how they conserve water.
However, both have to be quarried from somewhere–sometimes in the US, but usually overseas–so they are both expending the same amount of energy and resources to get into your kitchen.
Beyond this, quartz requires extra energy and resources since the stone is crushed and non-organic resins are added to basically glue the crushed pieces of stone together.
Granite is literally formed by Mother Nature, cut out of the ground in big blocks, sawn into slabs, and then polished to a shiny surface. It doesn’t get more natural than that. Plus you can’t really replicate the beauty of natural stone with a manmade product.
8. Quartz Expels Less Radon
You may have heard that granite is dangerous to use in countertops because it emits radon gas. Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that is produced by the breakdown of decaying uranium.
Why do people think radon is in their countertop?
Because it has trace amounts of radioactive materials in it–but so does the soil your home sits on and many other naturally occurring objects like stone and sand in your homes foundation.
The fact is that there is such a minute amount of radioactive material that it poses no threat to people. Even if radon gas is released as the radioactive materials in the stone decay, the released gas mixes with the regular air and is diluted to such weak levels that it poses no threat to people.
Of course, that’s not to say that radon gas isn’t a real problem–it can be, especially if you have cracks in your home’s foundation and holes in your home’s structure that are near the ground. However, radon from granite? There’s just not enough gas expelled to become problematic.
9. Quartz Fades In Sunlight
Very few shades of granite will fade when left in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. This is why stone slabs are often stored outdoors in direct sunlight.
Quartz, however, fades noticeably in as little as a few weeks of direct sunlight, especially the darker colors. Do not place Quartz outdoors in direct UV sunlight or places with UV lighting. If you have a lot of direct sunlight in your kitchen, you should avoid it.
10. Granite Offers More Color Choices
Don’t be fooled by the 10 different options available at Home Depot and Lowes. Head to your local stone yard or even better come in to Best Granite For Less. We are open to the public (following social distancing guidelines) and will literally have hundreds of slabs for you to choose from.
To make matters worse, most stone yards keep very few slabs of quartz in stock. They tend to just have samples for customers to view and choose from. This is a flat out terrible way to pick a countertop because samples don’t necessarily give you a true idea of how the finished product will look.
For granite, you’ll find lots of full slabs to choose from and you can see exactly how your countertops will look because you choose the exact slab and not just a sample. You’ll be able to compare the intricate patterns and subtle color differences before you ever have your countertops designed. If you can’t find exactly what you want the professionals at Best Granite For Less will go the extra mile to find it for you and make sure you are 100% satisfied with your final selection.
Are quartz and granite the only options you’ll consider? We recommend Quartzite as a great alternative as it is a naturally occurring quarried stone with similar propertied to Granite. See our post Granite Versus Quartzite for more details.
Would you like to design an elegant kitchen that fits your budget?
We are here for you. We can discuss all of the possibilities with you, help you select the perfect materials from our extensive available inventory. Best Granite For Less, it’s our name and we stand by it.
Call today to schedule your custom installation. To get your Free sink use Promo Code: GETMYSINK when calling. 954-420-3134
