A kitchen remodel is an exciting venture. Updating your kitchen can elevate the style and value of your home. Even simple changes like new appliances or a better backsplash can make the whole room feel new. One of the biggest changes and improvements you can make is updating your countertops. Linoleum or wood countertops have pretty much gone out of style. If you want to keep up with the trends and make sure your kitchen is looking its best, you’ll want to invest in a natural stone look.
When it comes to countertops, there are a few different choices you can go with. The main stones people will invest in are either granite or quartz countertops. Each has its own unique look and can add flair to any kitchen. As you are planning your kitchen renovation, this is one of the first decisions you’ll want to make. Let’s take a look at a few factors that can help you make your decision between granite or quartz countertops.
What are the main differences between granite and quartz?
Before you can really dive into the issue, it helps to know what stone countertops are which. Let’s start with a brief description of each. Granite countertops are 100% natural stones that are mined from a quarry and cut down to a manageable size then polished to go in your home. On the other hand, quartz involves a small amount of polymer resin as well as natural quartz. These countertops are manufactured more than they are natural. Each has distinct pigments and durability. Both types of countertops will offer you a great look for your kitchen. Now let’s look at the pros and cons of each.
Consider the look you want
As you start debating on granite vs quartz countertops, you’ll first want to decide what look you’re going for. The beauty of granite countertops is that no two are exactly alike. Because it is created by melting molten rocks together, each type of granite will have a different look. This gives you many options to chose from but less of a chance to completely customize it to your liking. With quartz, you have the opportunity to pick out exactly what you want and match the color or design to your liking. While granite may give your space a more natural look, many homeowners enjoy the customization elements of quartz.
Think about the price
Chances are you have a fairly strict budget for your kitchen renovation project. Maybe the best choice for you is the lower-cost option. The granite installation allows for you to do some grunt work upfront to save money and will usually range between $2,000-$4,000. On the other hand, quartz is heavier and more customizable. This means an appraiser will have to check that you can install the material without any issue. Plus, the range of cost is much wider because of the options you’re allowed. You can spend anywhere between $1,500-$5,500 on these countertops. It may help to get different quotes to see which will be the better choice for your wallet.
Know what the upkeep will be
If you are someone who hates cleaning the kitchen, you’ll probably be looking for low-maintenance countertops. Consider this as you compare granite vs. quartz. Quartz material will need to be cleaned if you are dealing with a spill or an accident whereas granite will require more continuous cleaning. If you are trying to keep your kitchen countertop as nice as possible, you’ll need to wipe down your granite countertops every day with a general household cleaner. In this case, quartz is going to be an easier option for you if you don’t like cleaning.