How to Choose Between Granite and Quartz Countertops

When investing in a new countertop, you want to make sure you’re thinking deeply about the pros and cons of different materials. This becomes especially important when designing a kitchen due to the nature of wear and tear that happens in a kitchen. You want to invest in something that is able to withstand over time so that you don’t find yourself need a new counter in the near future. Two of the most popular materials for countertops are granite and quartz. Here are a few suggestions on how to choose between granite and quartz countertops. Begin by weighing the pros and cons of either material. While granite gives your home a classic and rustic look, it is also a porous material. This means that things like water and oil can permeate the surface. Should you opt for a granite countertop you’ll want to be sure you also invest in a high-quality finish so that you don’t have to worry about re-sealing the counter too often. Granite comes in many different shades and designs so finding the right one for you shouldn’t be too difficult, making it a very convenient option. However, quartz too comes in a variety of colors. On top of this, quartz is a non-porous material. You don’t have to finish it and you don’t run into the same issues as you would with granite. Since granite is porous, should your finish wear down it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Quartz is also a more flexible material making it a bit easier to install than granite. This being said, quartz does have a tendency to fade in color over time when exposed to direct sunlight. This means that should part of your counter be in constant view of the sun and another part not, over time the part in the sun will begin to appear discolored.