What should you choose for your custom home – granite or quartz countertops?
When building a custom home, you’ll spend a good deal of time and thought considering selections and features. Your new home will be an expression of your own personal tastes, with functionality for your lifestyle an utmost consideration. Choices for your kitchen, from appliances to counters to flooring are quite important, as most homeowners spend a great deal of time in this area of their home. And, you’ll want function and aesthetics to blend together, creating a space that works best for you. One question we hear often regards kitchen countertops. Which material is best? Granite or quartz? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each material.
Granite Countertops
Granite is a natural product, mined from the earth. Its beauty lies in its unique patterns, even among slabs of the same variety. When it’s time to choose your granite, we will send you directly to our supplier to select the slabs that will be installed in your home. With the wide variety of patterns and colors to choose from, chances are your countertops will be unique and interesting.
On the other hand, granite scratches more easily than quartz and is porous – which means it’s not naturally resistant to moisture and can be damaged by liquid stains. Therefore, it is recommended that granite be sealed, especially lighter colors, so care will be required. Granite is generally less expensive than quartz, although some more exotic granites may be higher-priced or close in cost to some quartz selections.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a manufactured product with some benefits over granite for countertops. It is low-maintenance and easily cleaned with soap and water. While quartz isn’t completely scratch and scuff resistant, it is a very durable, non-porous material, making it moisture resistant. Another benefit is that it does not require sealing. And, quartz offers consistent styles, perfect for homeowners looking for a clean look and feel to their kitchen.
However, the consistency of quartz countertops may not appeal to those who prefer a one-of-a-kind look in their kitchen design. Homeowners who desire an all-natural approach to their home will want to select granite over quartz. Lastly, you can typically expect to pay more for quartz.
Which Material is Better?
Granite and quartz have differences that should be weighed carefully against your needs and desires. For many, the pricing will be a major consideration in the equation. In general, homeowners who think function is more important than form might be better served with quartz, while those wanting a unique, natural aesthetic may opt for granite.
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Columbia Builders is the home builder of choice in Howard County, offering homes in Ellicott City, Elkridge, Laurel, Columbia, Marriottsville, Fulton, Clarksville, Dayton, and Brookeville. No matter what the size and scope of your project, we have the skills, experience, and resources needed to bring your vision to life. We offer a level of customization that is truly unmatched and are committed to using materials and craftsmen of the highest quality, so you can trust that your new home is built to last.
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