Active Question

Answered by DL Cabinetry Cabinets and Countertop 6101 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA, 70126, 504-331-8207 (Novice with 3 pts.)

Answered 14 years ago.

The difference is that Quartz is a man-made material made from granite rubble, and granite is a natural material mined from the earth.

Granite is the easiest countertop to maintain. Properly polished and fabricated (ask your fabricator questions about the quality of their work!), you can put hot pots on granite, it won't scratch, and a simple once a year "wipe on, wipe off" sealer is recommended.

The reason quartz is on the marketplace is because even 10 years ago, granite was very expensive and out of the average price range. However, there have been innovations in quarrying processes, and often granite is the same cost as a manmade like quartz or silastone.

Granite will always be easier to decorate with because the amount of different minerals in the stone is innumerable. It's been moving through the earth for thousands of years picking up different colors, so you can always pull something new out of it with a fresh wall color. Man-mades contain only a set ingredient list, thus a limited amount of colors to pull of out it.

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Answered by Granite Grannies 1001 Prince George's Blvd, Upper Marlboro, MD, 20774, 301-241-7077 (Novice with 1 pts.)

Answered 14 years ago.

Granite and quartz have very similar properties. Quartz counters are man made from the rubble left over from granite mining. There are millions of tons of this material. Cosentino, LG, and Dupont are the major manufacturers of quartz counter top material. As the Owner of a solid surface counter top fabrication company (Volusia Granite and Marble) we believe the customer should select what they like best setting aside the sales hype generated by the manufacturers.

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Answered by Southeast Volusia Bldg & Remodeling 223 N Ridgewood Ave, Edgewater, FL, 32132, 386-428-0303 (Novice with 2 pts.)

Answered 14 years ago.

Quartz countertops such as Caesarstone, Silestone, Zodiaq, and several other options are more easily cared for than granite. It is also a stronger material based upon 93% quartz materials, and a 7% resin base, making it by nature a stronger material than natural stone. Color is more consistant and the material does not have the strong veining that granite will have. Many carry warranties with 10 year, 15 year or even lifetime warranties on material. No sealing is required, and many are supposed to be scratch proof, and stain resistant. Be careful, tho, be more likely to choose a name brand that carries the warranty you want. There are several "knock-off" choices that are procuced in Viatnam and are not honoring their warranties, so choose carefully.

Granite, on the other hand, has a wide variety of color and veining in the materail. While durable and strong, the thing to remember with granite, is it is a natural stone, there for inherently carries fissures and pits. But it is a look that comes with only granite. Many fabricators will also carry a warranty on their work.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to the homewoner. The biggest things to consider are going to be: maintenance, usage, color scheme, cost and what you like. The very biggest thing to consider, is exactly that... What do you like? What would you like to live with for the next 10 years or more? Cost may be a factor, and honestly, some granite choices may come in at a less expensive rate than quartz.

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Answered by RW Gallion 12701 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA, 99216, 509-927-7777 (Novice with 6 pts.)

Answered 14 years ago.

Granite by manufacturer standards has 20% quartz! And rated 7 on the moh's scale of hardness!
Quartz is a composite material with polyester resin and quarts to make a solid surface! Quartz is rated 8 on the moh's scale of hardness, making it just above granite!
Its a matter mostly of personal opinion unless you have specific requirements, such as health codes. Granite is porous and Quartz isn't! Granite can hold micro bacteria if not cleaned properly and Quartz can resist micro bacteria!
Just my opinion but I like granite much better for the looks!
Links: solid-ground.webs.com

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Answered by Solid-Ground Marble & Granite 1320 East Mountain Street, Kernersville, NC, 27284, 336-497-7343 (Novice with 7 pts.)

Answered 14 years ago.

The only way to answer the question is to determine how you will care for the materials you install. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Granite will require some maintenance and sealing. Quartz, while mostly stain resistant, can sometimes stain. As you mull over this decision, talk to a good contractor (one who is fully licensed) about your lifestyle. That way, whichever material you select, you will be sure that you can properly live with it in your home. Factors to consider are costs, maintenance, appearance, and much more. If you would like to give us a call, please feel free to do so at 661-917-2433. White Stone Construction Inc is a fully licensed (CA 826566) General B and C-27 landscaping firm. You may also email us at dancole03@aol.com

www.whitestoneconstructioninc.com

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Answered by White Stone Construction Inc. 42601 8th St W, Suite 108, Lancaster, CA, 93534, 661-917-2433 (Novice with 110 pts.)

Answered 14 years ago.

The answer usually lies in what kind of look do you want for your kitchen. Quartz surfaces are generally speckled and monochromatic, where many exotic colors of granite are veined and patterned. It is hard, if not impossible to manufacture the look of real granite.
As for care, with a quality stone sealer/impregnator like HMK S34 Impregnator, you will have little problem with stains.

Answered by StoneCareOnline P.O. Box 395, Missoula, MT, Missoula, MT, 59806, 406-360-1684 (Novice with 2 pts.)

Answered 13 years ago.

What is Zodiaq®?
The Latest Natural Surface Material for Solid Surface Countertops Kitchen Magic continues to expand your options, bringing new and innovative products to the home. Zodiaq®, a premium quartz surface material, represents the latest miracle of science.
DuPont Zodiaq® quartz surfaces - a new category of surfacing material that captures the radiance of quartz crystal with depth, clarity and strength. Cool, tranquil and sparkling, Zodiaq® embraces both nature and technology.
The quartz in Zodiaq doesn't just give surfaces dramatic, radiant style. Quartz is one of the hardest materials in nature, so it also creates surfaces that are durable, practical and carefree.
Material
Zodiaq Countertops
93% natural Quartz
Acrylic Polymers
Durability
Stain-resistant
Scratch/chip resistant
Heat resistant
Non-porous
Won't support growth of mold, mildew & bacteria
Features
Over 25 color choices
More upscale than Corian® Hi-gloss finish
Benefits
10-year Warranty Never needs sealing, polish or reconditioning One of the hardest materials in nature.
Granite Zodiaq Comparison
Zodiaq is - Less expensive - No maintenance We proudly service CT, DE, MA, NH, NJ, NY (Long Island), PA and RI. Zodiaq countertops are installed with a 10-year warranty. For a brief overview of all the most popular counter top options please visit our kitchen countertops page.
Links: www.kitchenmagic.com

Answered by Kitchen Magic Inc 4243 Lonat Drive, Nazareth, PA, 18064, 610-365-3140 (Novice with 1 pts.)

Answered 14 years ago.

Quartz is practically impervious and less expensive in most cases. That said, there are new encapsulated granite products which no longer require annual sealing. The cost is still more than quartz, but you get the more organic look but without the performance issues (staining in cracks and fissures from lemon juice, wine, oils, candle wax, peanut butter and the like).

Answered by Home by Design - Lorelei Barrett 9017 N Country Homes Blvd, Spokane, WA, 99218, 509-599-7870 (Novice with 4 pts.)

Answered 14 years ago.

What is the best flavor of ice cream? Each countertop material has its advantages and drawbacks. Laminate is cheap enough to replace it often but is scratches. Soapstone is beautiful, but soft. Granite is beautiful but can have built in stress. Quartz is KING right now, but the pattern is uniform. Up and coming are stainless steel and glass. (small pieces of glass like in the quartz).