2006-07-25 08:12:55 · 4 answers · asked by plainswalker 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
My forte!
Granite is like a piece of diamond... every piece is mined and will be different. Color base and pattern varies as with its density. Take care when choosing a piece of granite (any good granite supplier will want you to do that). Granite is porous so you do need to seal Granite once a year! Sealing unlike a lot of people say is not hard... its easier than waxing your car! (Got flat surface) Granite also have a MOH (measure of hardness) of 7 to 7.5 depending on your granite density. Since Granite (as seen used in monuments) has been exposed to sun-light for longer than you or I have been on earth... it is colorfast even when used outside.
Quartz is a man-made product. Have a MOH of 8 (that of glass or topaz) You do not have to seal it whatsoever... although it will have a less polish look than Granite... you do need to polish Quartz more than Granite (Granite contains natural mineral and oils in it) to bring out the shine. Quartz is color enhanced... it will bleach a little in the sun... but I am sure we will developed a technology in the pigment to keep that from happening. Color and pattern consistency is less varied in Quartz.
Quartz is more mom-friendly since it is maintenance free. But Granite have a natural beauty and luster that man have not found a way to duplicate yet. Both are awesome surfaces... way better than Corian (its Acrylic and will scratch, never go with the marble vein look nor the dark color [shows too much scratches}), repairable but would you like to buff it every other week?
Both Quartz and Granite will not be scratched by a steel blade of MOH 6.5 or less, diamond coated blade is a no-no (they are cut by diamond blades to be use as countertops). If a piece of diamond can fracture under a laser (constant expose of high heat) so can Quartz and Granite... so use a protective surface (like a wood cutting block) when using a deep-fryer/crock pot. But if your pan caught on oil-fire... you can rest it on either Granite or Quartz to let it burn out... no problem... put out cigerette lights too.
Corian or other acrylic surface have no chance against any heat... (think cigarette burn marks on public toilet seats).
Since both are great products and will increase home values... more than anything it all comes down to color!!! Without the correct color to co-ordinate it with your cabinets and walls... it will still be a job not done right!
Best of luck!
P.S. Let me know if you need more information.. please message me.
2006-07-25 08:28:34 · answer #1 · answered by lolitakali 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree: granite is a much safer and more solid surface. I've never heard of quartz being an option. Granted, yes, you could do a counter top with quartz bits mixed in, but not solid quartz alone. Go with the granite. Marble is also a nice option.
2006-07-25 15:18:58 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Corian!! Granite and Quartz are nice to look at, but not practical..
2006-07-25 15:18:21 · answer #3 · answered by Muchacha Mala 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
granite..quartz too brittle
2006-07-25 15:16:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋