Frequently Asked Questions
Kitchen Countertop Comparison: Granite, Quartz and Solid Surface Countertops
We know the choices you have for selecting your kitchen countertop can be overwhelming. Apart from deciding what color kitchen countertop you prefer, you first have to choose what type of kitchen counter material works for you and your family. What are the advantages of granite kitchen countertops? What exactly are quartz countertops? How do solid surface counters compare with quartz and granite countertops? What is the best kitchen countertop material for my lifestyle?
Let us help you make a better informed decision on what type of kitchen counter to choose. We gladly provide you the following kitchen countertop comparison with some valuable information about granite counters, quartz counters and solid surface counters along with some insightful characteristics of each.
Granite Countertops
- Natural but not Perfect
Granite is a natural product used in kitchen counters. It is crystalline in structure, so it always has tiny pits or spaces between the various mineral crystals. It also contains natural fissures that may appear to be cracks, but they are not structural defects and will not impair the function or durability of the material. - Appearance Not Uniform
Movement is a term that is used to describe the shift in color and pattern in natural stone. Granite counters do not have a uniform pattern or color. The appearance can vary widely between slabs, and even within a single slab. - Samples May Differ from the Actual Stone
The sample of the granite color may differ from the slabs currently available for your kitchen countertop. They may have been mined from a different part of the granite quarry or they may have occlusions or color variances that give them a different appearance. - Seams are Visible
It is impossible to hide the seams in granite countertops. - Must be Sealed
Because granite is a natural stone product it has a certain degree of porosity and must be sealed before use with a solvent-based product which leaves only negligible surface residue and is not considered to be a health risk. The stone must be resealed at least once every three years. - Can Discolor
While granite counters are ordinarily considered to be stain-resistant, some pigments or oils can be absorbed into the surface. This could cause discoloration. The sealer does not prevent this discoloration, but it slows it down to allow more time for clean up. - Durable but not Indestructible
Granite countertops are extremely durable, scratch resistant, and impervious to water and heat. If not abused, it will hold its luster forever. However, because it is a natural rock, it can be chipped and broken if abused, and is very difficult to repair. - Must be Professionally Installed
Quartz Countertops (Engineered Stone)
- Man-Made non-porous material, made from a mixture of 93% quartz and 7% resin binders and pigments. It has the strength of granite, but is more flexible - making it somewhat easier to handle.
- Needs no sealing
- Mold & Mildew Resistant Extremely hygienic, making it a food-safe choice.
- Uniform Appearance It has the general appearance of natural stone, but with a consistent pattern and color. (The final product should be very close to what you see in the showroom.)
- Seams are Visible As is the case with natural stone, seams are visible - although the darker colors tend to minimize the seam.
- Durable but not Indestructible It is resistant to stains caused by wine, fruit juices, liquid food coloring, tea, nail polish and remover, and felt-tip markers. It can be damaged by high heat and prolonged exposure to heat. As with any other stone or surface material, strong chemicals and solvents such as Drano®, Liquid Plummer®, oven cleaners and floor strippers will damage the surface. Continuous long-term exposure to direct sunlight (UV rays) may result in slight discoloration of Quartz Stone countertops. Most indoor applications will not apply.
- Must be Professionally Installed Much heavier than granite
Solid Surface Countertops
- Man-Made solid surface countertops such as Corian®, Gibraltar® or Hi-Macs are 100% acrylic material which is colored by resins.
- Uniform Appearance Consistent pattern and color. The final product should be very similar to what you see in the showroom.
- Seams are Invisible
- Durable but not Indestructible It is mold and mildew resistant. It is not scratch resistant. Is suseptible to heat damage and burns. Avoid exposing the surface to harsh chemicals such as paint removers/thinners, acetone based cleaners, stove/drain cleaners, etc. If these come in contact with the surface, quickly wash off with water, using the appropriate safety measures to avoid injury.
- Virtually Maintenance Free Needs no sealing
- Must be Professionally Installed
Can I Use Windex on My Granite Countertops?
Windex should not be used on granite countertops as it may etch the stone or compromise the integrity of the sealer.
Granite is an extremely durable stone, however, certain chemical cleaners, such as Windex, should be avoided. Windex is an ammonia-based, multi-purpose cleaner that can be used on a variety of surfaces but is not suitable for use on granite countertops for health-related reasons. Granite countertops are often used as a surface for cutting and preparing food; using Windex increases the risk of food contamination and should never used on any surface that touches food.
Various sources on the Internet, including granite installers, may give the go ahead for using Windex on granite countertops; however, they are likely unaware of the damage that Windex can cause. The harm will not be evident immediately; in fact, granite countertops will more than likely shine after cleaning with Windex. After repeated usage though, the damage will show.
Granite is actually a low maintenance stone. Daily cleaning with warm, soapy water is usually sufficient. A mild, pH balance dishwashing soap is great for wiping up spills and crumbs. For tougher stains, a specially formulated stone cleaner works well. A mixture of bleach diluted with warm water is good for removing color stains. Denatured alcohol can get rid of adhesive residue without harming the sealer.
Never use any kind of abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Steel wool should only be used when trying to remove a scratch, and this too should be done with caution.