Kitchen countertops come in a variety of materials and colors.  When searching for a home in Locust Grove, many buyers pay attention to the countertop type.  Whether it is granite, quartz, butcherblock, laminate, or solid surface, they all have their individual pros and cons.  While I think that liking the materials in the kitchen is important, it is important to remember that countertops can be changed where the layout of the kitchen may not be changed so easily.  

When you are thinking about changing the countertops at your home in Locust Grove, it is also wise to reflect on how you use the kitchen.  This can impact the choice you make.  Are you cooking at home everyday?  Do you have young children who will use the countertops to color, sculpt unidentifiable objects from play-dough, or paint? Does your family life revolve around seating at the island?  

If durability and stain resistance are at the top of your list of requirements for countertops, then two popular choices for your home in Locust Grove may be granite or quartz.  Which countertop material is better for your kitchen?  Keep reading about each type to decide.

How stain resistant are quartz and granite?

No one wants to install a new countertop only to have a spilled bowl of spaghetti leave a permanent red stain on it the following week.

Quartz

  • Quartz countertops are made from the crushed natural stone with polymer resins added to it.  As a result, it is non porous and has great stain and scratch resistance.  However, it is susceptible to heat, so placing a hot pan on the countertop can damage the resin in the stone and create a permanent discoloration.

Granite

  • Granite is a completely natural stone.  It is porous, so it must be sealed every year.  This is a pretty simple job for a homeowner; the hardest task is remembering to do it.  Granite, like quartz, has great stain and scratch resistance.  

How do I clean the countertops?

Both quartz and granite countertops need a wipe down with a soft cloth and mild detergent to keep them clean.  Avoid bleach and other harsh chemicals which can damage the surface and make the countertops more susceptible to staining.

How do the costs of buying granite or quartz countertops compare?

Granite can cost less than quartz.  The average cost for installation runs between $2,000 to $4,500 depending on the amount of countertops you need and the type of stone you select.  Quartz countertops can cost, on average, between $3,000 to $7,500.

How many different choices of granite or quartz are there?

There are many different types of quartz to select for your home in Locust Grove because it is a man made product.  There is more uniformity between pieces of quartz, and a quick glance at a store like Home Depot shows that there are many options.

Granite is a natural stone.  This means that each slab of granite is unique.  While you can look at samples of granite to get a general idea of what a countertop would look like, the sample may not be an accurate representation of all the variation in the stone.  This is why many people like to go and select the exact slab from which their granite countertops will be made.

Which is better?

Both granite and quartz are great options for people who spend a lot of time in their kitchens cooking.  While quartz edges out granite in stain resistance because of its non-porous nature, you still need to be cautious about placing hot pots and pans on it.  Either granite or quartz will add to the appeal of your kitchen if you decide to sell your home in Locust Grove.  I feel that the choice between the two materials really comes down to the visual.  You will want to select a countertop that fits in with the rest of your kitchen.