Both granite countertops and quartz countertops are always in high demand here in Colorado Springs due to their durability and stunning looks. And, while Elite Granite Tops here Colorado Springs specializes in both for less, it’s always good for you as the customer to know a little more about each, so you can make the best choice for your home when it comes time to purchase.
To help you better understand the differences between granite and quartz countertops, we’ll shed some light on the differences between them both in terms of appearance, cost, impact on the environment, maintenance, and durability.
However, before we compare and contrast, let’s first learn a little about granite and quartz.
Granite kitchen Countertops are made up of a very hard, granular, crystalline, igneous rock consisting mainly of quartz, mica, and feldspar and often used as a building stone. Over the years, granite countertops have become the most popular natural stone choice to have installed in new and remodeled homes. Because granite is natural, it will have an unlimited variety of different colors and patterns. Granite is mined from quarries around the world where it is then cut to a manageable size and polished to a fine finish for final delivery to a local granite fabricator.
Quartz kitchen countertops, on the other hand, are made up of a hard white or colorless mineral consisting of silicon dioxide, found widely in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. However, because quartz countertops are manufactured and not naturally formed, the colors and patterns are custom designed by the manufacturer, and your only challenge is to find one that matches the decor of your home.
Now that you know the chief differences (composition & natural vs. engineered), let’s compare the two.
1. Appearance
As we learned above, granite is a 100% natural stone. It will, therefore, come in a variety of unique patterns and colors that naturally developed as it formed over the years. And, because it’s natural, you will never find two granite kitchen countertops that look the same.
Quartz countertops are engineered and will not have a unique color or pattern. However, if you like a more subtle stone look or perhaps want a solid color, quartz is a great choice.
2. Price
While the average cost of granite kitchen countertops in Colorado Springs is currently $77.04 – $100.35 per square foot, our price range is $45 – $77 per square foot, which includes the stone, fabrication, eased edging, and installation.
Similarly, the average cost of quartz kitchen countertops in Colorado Springs is currently $73.03 – $81.14 per square foot. At Elite Granite Tops, our quartz pricing ranges between $50 – $80, which again includes the stone, fabrication, eased edging, and installation.
3. Environmentally-Friendly
Because granite is a natural stone mined from quarries and then transported, it can be more detrimental to the environment if it has to be transported great distances. While using indigenous sources can help, stone purchased in the U.S. is significantly more expensive than when purchased from countries like Brazil and India.
Because quartz kitchen countertops are engineered, they can be more environmentally-friendly if you find a pattern or color you like and it’s manufactured here in the U.S.
4. Maintenance
Because granite is a natural and porous stone, it should be cleaned daily with mild soap and water. With granite kitchen countertops, you want to remember that it is much more likely to get stained from things like dirt, oil, coffee, etc. For that reason, you will want to seal it immediately after the install and again every year.
Like granite, your quartz kitchen countertop should also be kept clean. However, because quartz countertops are manufactured from quartz and resins, they are not porous and will not stain like granite. Also, because quartz is a solid surface, you never need to seal it.
5. Durability
Granite is certainly a durable product. However, as mentioned above, because it is porous, it can stain, is subject to retaining more bacteria, and can be damaged under the right circumstances.
Quartz is harder than granite and, therefore, more durable overall. And, because it is not porous like granite, you will not have to worry about damage from spills or bacteria. However, unlike granite, a quartz kitchen countertop is more susceptible to excessive heat and should never have a hot pan placed directly on it.
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Elite Granite Tops: A Full-Service Granite, Quartz, Cabinet, & Tile Supplier for Colorado Springs
Welcome to Elite Granite Tops; a family-owned business located in beautiful Colorado Springs!
As wholesalers and distributors with precision processes and low overhead, we’re able to provide you with significant savings on kitchen granite and quartz countertops, kitchen cabinets, and backsplash tile for your commercial, residential, or remodeling project(s).
We pride ourselves on being easy to work with, our ability to combine different construction materials that create an exquisite look for your home, and our quality of service.
Come visit our showroom and look around. Once you’ve selected your luxury stone, backsplash tile, or cabinet product, simply provide us with your plans and leave the rest to us. Our services include everything from measuring & templating your kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities, to removing old surfaces and cabinets, and installation(s).
Call us for today and see for yourself how our clients always pay less for our custom fabricated kitchen countertops and cabinets making us the popular choice for homeowners and contractors who are looking to add quality stone and cabinetry to their home(s) for less.