If there is a question we get asked very single day it would be, What is the difference between Granite and Quartz?

Granite is an igneous type rock created from molten material (magma) that flows and solidifies underground. The natural swirls and pattern are created as the magma slowly cools and is mixed with the contents of the stone such as quartz and mica. Large chunks of the granite are mined from mountains prominently in Brazil and India and are cut and polished into slabs then shipped all around the world.

Quartz is an engineered material created through a manufacturing process that mixes approximately 95 percent of natural quartz with 5 percent polymer resins to create the color and bond. There are many brands that manufacture quartz slabs with each brand offering their own unique collection and color pallette.

A Follow up questions is almost always, Which is more durable?

Natural stone is one of the oldest and most durable building material in the world. It truly stands the test of time as natural stone has been used for centuries all over the world. It is also durable enough for any type of indoor and outdoor application such as flooring, walls, building facades, counter tops, etc. It is heat resistant and extremely hard to scratch.  Being 100% natural stone, it is a porous material which does have to be sealed every so often.

Quartz is also an extremely durable material which can also be used for many indoor applications. However, it is not recommended for outdoors as its surface may discolor with the direct heat of the sun. Quartz is also heat resistant from pots and pans however scratches are more visible on its more solid surface. Quartz is not a porous stone and does not need to be sealed.

Lastly, What is the main aesthetic difference between granite and quartz?

All granite is created from Mother Nature. The coloration, pattern and movements of the stone will be unique and unpredictable each and every time. Like a snow flake, no two slabs of granite will ever be the same.

Unlike granite, Quartz is manufactured in bulk and created to be identical to match a color or repeat a design. Quartz is appealing to customers looking for solid colors or a more predictable pattern.

Natural Stone is not only the worlds strongest, most durable and reliable building material, it just happens to also be one of mother natures most beautiful and intricate creations!

If you have beautiful marble or granite counter tops, or are considering it for a future project, you may be wondering how to care for natural stone.

Heres what you should know: Marble and granite are mined from the earth. This means they are 100% natural. Although every material has a different composite, density and texture, natural stone is a porous material that requires maintenance.

But heres the good news: It is extremely easy to maintain your new marble and granite counter tops looking shiny and gorgeous for many years to come.

Your Maintenance Weapons

1. You will need a good quality stone cleaner safe enough to use on a daily basis. You can purchase these at any home improvement store or anywhere you buy your cleaning products. Just look for “Safe for natural stone” in the information bar. We also like Windex ammonia free, works very well.
2. Some stones can appear to get dry after some time. It is handy to have a quality stone polisher that you can be used every so often, maybe once a week or every time you feel your stone needs a little umph. A polisher is simply a creamy liquid you apply over the surface of your stone to give it a little extra boost and shine.
3. Lastly, a professional stone sealer is key! Your fabricator (We hope that you choose us!) should completely seal you counter tops prior to installation or at the time of installation. This insures your counter tops is completely protected and ready to use when the project is complete. A sealer is simply a liquid chemical that is used to penetrate and “seal” the pores of the stone to prevent stains. Depending on the type of stone you have selecting, you can reseal as often as once a year, or every couple of years as you see fit.

Common Myth: Sealing will make your stone indestructible.

Avoid using abrasive or antibacterial products such as Bleach and 409. These are too heavy and will dry out your stone. Every time you wipe with a product that is unfit for natural stone, you will be removing the sealer causing your stone to be unprotected.

We also recommend you take the small but necessary steps to protecting your stone such as using coasters and cutting boards. If you spill wine, juice, oil, or any other liquid that could potentially harm your stone… simply wipe the area with water or stone cleaner before it has time to penetrate and dry.

We hope you found this information helpful! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions on how to maintain your marble or granite counter tops!