If you’re wondering whether to go with granite (stone) or quartz (crystal) for your countertop, you are not alone. Both are popular choices for countertops and come in an enormous variety of colors and patterns. However, the price of stone is considerably higher and the composite material is composed of actual stone from the earth’s crust. A granite countertop is very sturdy and durable, but will also show mercy if a dish falls on it.
Cost
Depending on the quality and design you choose, crystal or stone countertops can cost between $50 and $100 per square foot. You can also choose to have them professionally installed by the good people at Pioneer Granite and Quartz if you don’t have the time to install them yourself. These materials can be shaped, stained, and cut to fit a variety of tastes and budgets, but only by seasoned workers.
Quartz is typically cheaper to buy than stone, but it can still be more expensive. The high-end variety is usually sourced from quarries in certain parts of the world, and it will be more expensive than the cheaper variety. Unlike granite, quartz is man-made and isn’t rare. The crystal is mined in factories, not buried in the earth for millennia.
Granite is a premium material, and its price can be high if you want a particular mineral pattern or color. However, stone slabs are often cheaper if you buy them from a wholesaler. While it’s important to consider the materials’ price, you should also consider the maintenance involved. Unlike stone, crystal countertops never need to be sealed and rarely need any maintenance.
Although stone is less expensive per square foot, it’s more expensive due to the availability and demand. Crystal countertops can be harder to clean if not sealed properly, so you may want to consider a few other options before committing to a purchase. However, both stone and quartz countertops are very durable and can add luxury to any kitchen.
When shopping for granite or crystal countertops, it’s important to compare their prices. Prices can vary widely for the same materials, so be sure to talk to several fabricators in your area. If you’re using a decent supplier, check whether the price reflects this. If the price is too high, consider using another fabricator.
Alternatively, if you’d like to save some money, you can go to big box stores or warehouse clubs for your countertops. These stores often offer favorable terms for countertops and don’t charge for full slabs. Granite countertops may need periodic sealing because stone is porous and it may stain easily. They should be cleaned with hot water and a mild cleaner to avoid damaging them. Avoid harsh chemicals, acidic liquids, and vinegar.
Resale value
If you are considering replacing your countertop, you will want to know the difference between stone and crystal. Stone is more expensive than crystal, and it can take months to find a good quarry. In addition, stone can be difficult to transport, which can lead to higher shipping costs. However, crystal is more readily available and is usually mined right in the United States. This saves the company money, which it then passes on to the customer.
Choosing granite or crystal countertops will add value to your home. Granite and marble countertops are among the most popular among homebuyers, which means they can help you recoup your costs. In some cases, they can increase the retail value of your home by 25 percent. However, it is important to note that these are not guarantees.
Stone was once reserved for high-end civic buildings, but after the 1980s, it became popular for use in kitchens. It is now more affordable, which means you can attract more buyers for your home. Quartz countertops are also more durable and require less maintenance, which makes them an excellent investment for home buyers.
In addition to their durability and easy maintenance, quartz countertops are the most attractive countertops in the market. Buyers look for homes that have stone or crystal countertops because of the natural stone appearance. Choosing a color that complements your home’s interior design will also increase its resale value.
The cost of installing a stone or crystal countertop is more expensive than that of installing a marble countertop. Stone countertops are generally about sixty to eighty dollars per square foot, and custom high-end countertops may cost upwards of $130 per square foot.
However, crystal countertops are becoming more popular in the real estate market, and granite countertops increase the value of your home by about three to seven percent. While crystal is naturally nonporous, granite is porous, which means it will stain easily if not sealed properly. A sealer is necessary at the time of installation and should be reapplied at least once a year.
Durability
Both crystal and stone are highly durable and have similar cost, but there are a few important differences between them. The first difference is that quartz is man-made, whereas stone is naturally occurring. Stone is also porous, whereas quartz is not. Because of these differences, stone is a better choice for homeowners looking for a high-quality countertop.
The second difference between quartz and granite is their stain and heat resistance. Quartz has better stain resistance, but is vulnerable to high heat. While granite is stain-resistant and heat-resistant, it does not do well with abrasive cleaners. While stone is resistant to damage, crystal is much easier to maintain and repair. Because of these differences, it is a good idea to check the materials’ characteristics before purchasing them.
Stone is harder than crystal and can be cut without dulling a knife. It also has fewer seams than crystals, which makes it ideal for large islands. However, seams may be visible in U-shaped and L-shaped layouts. These seams can be hidden with custom epoxy.
While stone is highly resistant to heat and liquid, it can be porous. Oils and moisture can penetrate stone and cause dark spots, which will eventually fade. If the spot is removed within a day, there is no long-term damage to the surface. However, puddles of water left on a granite counter will appear darker as a result.
Both granite and crystal are heat-resistant but aren’t as heat-resistant as marble and soapstone. Unless you’re careful, hot items may damage quartz. Therefore, you should use trivets for hot items. You should always protect countertops with a trivet when cooking.
Maintenance
While stone requires an annual application of a sealer, quartz can be easily cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. Stone also resists chipping and scratching. While you can clean quartz with a soft cloth, according to this blog, harsh chemical cleaners can scratch or ruin it. Fortunately, quartz manufacturer’s offer limited warranties.
They offer greater functionality and style options than marble, and the cost is comparable. But marble requires regular sealing, and it is not easy to clean without damaging the surface. So, while stone and crystal are both beautiful, they have different maintenance requirements.
Marble is easy to scratch, and regular sealing can help prevent scratches from ruining your countertops. Sharp metallic objects can cause permanent scratches on crystal countertops. You can avoid scratches by using cutting boards, but spills are likely to happen. In addition, you must be vigilant about scraping off the gunk. If you do spill something, try not to use metal utensils or harsh cleaners on your crystal surfaces.
Instead, use a plastic knife to remove any stains that may have hardened. While stone and quartz countertops are stain-resistant, it can still be prone to stains. This is because they are porous, and a spill can leave a stain behind, and the process is often lengthy. If you do spill something on your quartz countertop, you should wipe it immediately so it doesn’t spread.
