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What is better, quartz or granite?
Everybody is asking this question. Like any other field, the answers that can be found online are often contradictory or misleading. We, as fabricators and installers, can see all the applications (inside-outside, heat-cold, chemicals, pigments, counters, bars, walls, etc.) and also the long-term effects.
Dark granite is a bit stronger, heavier and less porous than quartz. Light colored granite is a bit softer and more porous than quartz; therefore, it’s hard to formulate a general answer to this question.
In fact, both are stronger than you need in your kitchen, so, this should not be a concern. Millions of existing granite and quartz counters testify for the strength and durability of them both.
The oil-based sealer we use makes them both maintenance free, the only requirement is to keep them clean.
So, in terms of quality we consider them equally good. When it comes to color taste, the differences start to show. If you want to have a simple, uniform color, quartz will be the best choice. The granite has natural variations in color throughout the slab and will be appealing only for those who appreciate natural veining, texture, and color variation.
Heat resistance makes a big difference between the two: granite can take up to 1200 degrees Celsius (2200 Fahrenheit), whereas quartz can safely resist temperatures up to around 80 degrees Celsius (180 Fahrenheit); this is why you cannot find ANY brand of quartz offering heat resistance warranty.
In our tests we could determine that almost any quartz can resist short exposures to temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius (450 Fahrenheit), but after 20-30 seconds, the damage can be permanent: burn marks or cracks due to uneven heating.
Another notable difference is the finish on the surface: the quartz will have that “perfect look”, although not really shiny, so, if this is what you appreciate, it will be the right choice for you. The granite will always have that “natural look”, small crack lines, pits etc. will be noticeable under intense light. If you appreciate these small “imperfections” along with its natural veining and non-uniformity as part of its natural beauty, granite will be the right choice for you.
How much more expensive are stone counters than laminate?
Level 1 stone is less expensive than most people think. For example, a 30 sqft. laminate counter will be around $1050 installed; the same counter in level 1 quartz or granite will cost $1650. It costs less than double, and it is supposed to last, to resist wear and tear in a way that is out of comparison.
Level 1 is not a lower quality stone, it is actually related to colors. It includes simple colors, less veining, uniform patterns, easier to find or fabricate. Upper levels contain more exotic colors, unique slabs, dramatic veining.
How often do I have to seal my counters?
This is another difficult question, all imaginable answers are on the internet. We have been sealing stone for the last 20 years and have seen all the different sealers available and the long-term effects.
The water-based sealer used to be the most popular; it’s a lighter sealer that doesn’t smell and is easy to use. It is true that it wears off and the stone needs to be resealed a couple of times a year.
Today, the oil-based sealer is used more, and for good reason: it comes with 15+ years warranty against stains! We only use this type of sealer, we apply it in the fabrication process and after the installation the counters are maintenance free.
Is stone counter too heavy for some cabinets?
If correctly installed, all cabinets are supposed to take the weight of the thickest stone counter available on the market.
Floating cabinets can be too weak to take the weight of the stone, we have seen boxes bending and giving up. The solution could be a skirt installed deep under the cabinets and / or to choose a thinner slab.
Does granite harbor bacteria?
Only very porous materials will harbor bacteria to a level where it can cause an illness. After being sealed, the granite surface becomes totally nonporous and, with regular cleaning, the chances to harbor bacteria are practically zero. This is why granite is preferentially used in the medical and commercial field, in food industry, in high traffic areas. In fact, it is a lot easier to sanitize granite surface than the other tops extensively used like wood, laminated materials, cement, resins etc.
The Center for Disease Control confirms the fact that there is absolutely no evidence of granite harboring bacteria or of people getting sick from it. The American National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, as well as the Hospitality Industry, give granite a clean bill of health.
Does granite harbor bacteria?
This myth emerged about 30 years ago, when the manmade stone-like materials appeared on the market.
Granite is rock. Like any other natural material, it has a measurable amount of radiation. In fact, everything that has natural components, from cement and drywall to tires and bananas will emit a measurable amount of radiation. The amount of radiation we get from our natural environment and from the building materials in our homes is measured as ANNUAL RADIATION DOSE. According to Environmental Protection Agency, radiation from granite countertops would not increase annual radiation doses above normal, natural background levels.
If these myths were true, all quarry workers and miners would be dead in a matter of days; Northern Ontario, which is sitting on an immense slab of granite, would not have any form of life.
Can granite be repaired?
First of all, granite doesn’t break or chip very easily; it has to be struck with a heavy object, which doesn’t happen too often. Granite companies don’t have a regular activity fixing counters. The good news is that it can be refinished or repaired with colored epoxies, polymers etc.
I am Victor, owner of Lot 284 in the trailer park. My company fabricates and installs granite counters, fireplaces, firepits, outdoor kitchens. I can offer preferential pricing for all the owners in the park, measurement and installation free of charge. All colors, thicknesses and materials available: 2cm, 3cm granite, quartz and marble. I can bring samples for you to see and also help designing your project. My trailer is available to see the stonework we have done here.
Our shop is in Kitchener, 1358 Victoria St. N, the showroom is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. You can check our Facebook page CAVA GRANITE to see thousands of pictures of the jobs we have done.
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FAQS
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What is better, quartz or granite?
Everybody is asking this question. Like any other field, the answers that can be found online are often contradictory or misleading. We, as fabricators and installers, can see all the applications (inside-outside, heat-cold, chemicals, pigments, counters, bars, walls, etc.) and also the long-term effects.Dark granite is a bit stronger, heavier and less porous than quartz. Light colored granite is a bit softer and more porous than quartz; therefore, it’s hard to formulate a general answer to this question.
In fact, both are stronger than you need in your kitchen, so, this should not be a concern. Millions of existing granite and quartz counters testify for the strength and durability of them both.
The oil-based sealer we use makes them both maintenance free, the only requirement is to keep them clean.
So, in terms of quality we consider them equally good. When it comes to color taste, the differences start to show. If you want to have a simple, uniform color, quartz will be the best choice. The granite has natural variations in color throughout the slab and will be appealing only for those who appreciate natural veining, texture, and color variation.
Heat resistance makes a big difference between the two: granite can take up to 1200 degrees Celsius (2200 Fahrenheit), whereas quartz can safely resist temperatures up to around 80 degrees Celsius (180 Fahrenheit); this is why you cannot find ANY brand of quartz offering heat resistance warranty.
In our tests we could determine that almost any quartz can resist short exposures to temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius (450 Fahrenheit), but after 20-30 seconds, the damage can be permanent: burn marks or cracks due to uneven heating.
Another notable difference is the finish on the surface: the quartz will have that “perfect look”, although not really shiny, so, if this is what you appreciate, it will be the right choice for you. The granite will always have that “natural look”, small crack lines, pits etc. will be noticeable under intense light. If you appreciate these small “imperfections” along with its natural veining and non-uniformity as part of its natural beauty, granite will be the right choice for you.
How much more expensive are stone counters than laminate?
Level 1 stone is less expensive than most people think. For example, a 30 sqft. laminate counter will be around $1050 installed; the same counter in level 1 quartz or granite will cost $1650. It costs less than double, and it is supposed to last, to resist wear and tear in a way that is out of comparison.Level 1 is not a lower quality stone, it is actually related to colors. It includes simple colors, less veining, uniform patterns, easier to find or fabricate. Upper levels contain more exotic colors, unique slabs, dramatic veining.
How often do I have to seal my counters?
This is another difficult question, all imaginable answers are on the internet. We have been sealing stone for the last 20 years and have seen all the different sealers available and the long-term effects.The water-based sealer used to be the most popular; it’s a lighter sealer that doesn’t smell and is easy to use. It is true that it wears off and the stone needs to be resealed a couple of times a year.
Today, the oil-based sealer is used more, and for good reason: it comes with 15+ years warranty against stains! We only use this type of sealer, we apply it in the fabrication process and after the installation the counters are maintenance free.
Is stone counter too heavy for some cabinets?
If correctly installed, all cabinets are supposed to take the weight of the thickest stone counter available on the market.Floating cabinets can be too weak to take the weight of the stone, we have seen boxes bending and giving up. The solution could be a skirt installed deep under the cabinets and / or to choose a thinner slab.
Does granite harbor bacteria?
Only very porous materials will harbor bacteria to a level where it can cause an illness. After being sealed, the granite surface becomes totally nonporous and, with regular cleaning, the chances to harbor bacteria are practically zero. This is why granite is preferentially used in the medical and commercial field, in food industry, in high traffic areas. In fact, it is a lot easier to sanitize granite surface than the other tops extensively used like wood, laminated materials, cement, resins etc.The Center for Disease Control confirms the fact that there is absolutely no evidence of granite harboring bacteria or of people getting sick from it. The American National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, as well as the Hospitality Industry, give granite a clean bill of health.
Does granite harbor bacteria?
This myth emerged about 30 years ago, when the manmade stone-like materials appeared on the market.Granite is rock. Like any other natural material, it has a measurable amount of radiation. In fact, everything that has natural components, from cement and drywall to tires and bananas will emit a measurable amount of radiation. The amount of radiation we get from our natural environment and from the building materials in our homes is measured as ANNUAL RADIATION DOSE. According to Environmental Protection Agency, radiation from granite countertops would not increase annual radiation doses above normal, natural background levels.
If these myths were true, all quarry workers and miners would be dead in a matter of days; Northern Ontario, which is sitting on an immense slab of granite, would not have any form of life.
Can granite be repaired?
First of all, granite doesn’t break or chip very easily; it has to be struck with a heavy object, which doesn’t happen too often. Granite companies don’t have a regular activity fixing counters. The good news is that it can be refinished or repaired with colored epoxies, polymers etc.I am Victor, owner of Lot 284 in the trailer park. My company fabricates and installs granite counters, fireplaces, firepits, outdoor kitchens. I can offer preferential pricing for all the owners in the park, measurement and installation free of charge. All colors, thicknesses and materials available: 2cm, 3cm granite, quartz and marble. I can bring samples for you to see and also help designing your project. My trailer is available to see the stonework we have done here.
Our shop is in Kitchener, 1358 Victoria St. N, the showroom is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. You can check our Facebook page CAVA GRANITE to see thousands of pictures of the jobs we have done.
