Natural Stone VS Quartz Countertops
Are you considering new countertops for your kitchen or bath but not quite sure which direction to go in? It’s no secret stone countertops add to the value of a home. Whether you decide to go with natural stone or quartz makes no difference in the extra value, however, knowing the difference and whether it’s right for you is important. So, today we’re talking natural stone VS quartz (man-made).
When shopping for stone countertops you will likely visit a granite “yard” or fabrication facility. The most common types of natural Stone for countertops are granite, quartzite, marble, soapstone, travertine, or limestone. All natural stone has their own properties and characteristics that make them what they are, some are stronger than others, while certain stone such as marble can be quite high maintenance. So, which natural stone is right for you?
One thing to note as you begin looking at the different stone, understand that just because you are looking at a level 1 or lower tiered stone does NOT mean is it of less quality. Natural stone is priced according to availability, color variations (true blues are costly), how much the earth produces of a mineral also determines the price. So just because you go with an exotic or high-level stone does not mean it is superior to a builder grade granite.
Natural stone countertops have different mineral make-ups making some more durable than others, knowing their differences will help determine if they are right for you or what area(s) they will do best. For instance, the kitchen. The most durable is going to be granite or quartzite. These stones are hard, tough, and can take wear and tear over time. They can withstand hot/cold temperatures, one may even cut on their granite countertops. However, it is recommended to seal your granite/quartzite every 1-2 years. Sealing is super easy and take little to no effort. (I will make another post for this later).
If you are looking for economical & budget friendly options, granite is the way to go. Another tip, if you are renting, flipping, or plan on selling the home in 1-3 years, stick with something economical low to medium range. If your plan is to hunker down for awhile or this is a forever space, do find something you love and can live with for years to come.
You may hear people talk about using soapstone or marble in the kitchen. I do not recommend soapstone unless you understand it will scratch and patina over time. Soapstone you leave natural (never sealing it) or oil it for a rich, deep appearance. Oiling soapstone is a lifelong commitment and will need to be redone every so often.
Marble, beautiful & timeless, classic, and gorgeous. However, marble is high maintenance. A lot of people are in to a very clean, simple, and subtle appearance and tend to gravitate towards the look of marble but have no idea how easy it is to scratch, stain, etch, or chip marble. Anything with a heavy acid such as lemons can etch the polish from the surface. Berries, red wines, colored spices can easily stain a marble. Bleach and cleaners with amino acids can damage the marble as well.
In my opinion, marble is best for the bathroom, guest baths, fireplace hearths, or areas with little traffic. OR you enjoy the patina it will get overtime as you use your home. I often joke and say you can stain a marble by just looking at it, ha! Often times I find it’s not the homeowner who ends up damaging their marble, it’s a guest or someone who has no idea what marble is or how to care for it. (Better get the “if you break it you buy it” signs ready!)
Hath no fear, if marble is the look you are after but afraid you’ll ruin those gorgeous tops, that’s where Quartz (man-made) comes into play.
Quartz is mostly natural minerals ground down with resins and dyes and made to look like the natural stones. Mainly marble patterns. There are a variety of quartz brands just like any other product on the market, all with a similar “make & model” as their competitors. Top quartz brands in the market are Silestone, MSI Q-Quartz, Caesarstone, Hanstone, and Cambria to name a few.
Quartz is a superior product and very durable. It’s made to be stain, scratch, and etch resistant making it an ideal option for those seeking that marble look without the maintenance of real marble. The only real downside to the quartz is being cautious with extreme temperatures. Since quartz is made with resins and dyes you can not put extreme heat on the surface or the quartz may scorch, such as a hot pot from a burner, coffee pot, or cookie sheet from the oven. Most quartz brands offer a 15-year, 25-year, or even lifetime warranty and scorching is just about the one thing NOT covered. Also, as quartz grows in popularity so does the cost. Expect to pay premium price per sqft. for quartz material.
So, are feeling a bit better about deciding on which countertops may be right for you and your space? The more you know the better you can make an informed decision. After all, this is an investment so invest wisely!
-Mindy
