Kitchen countertops are available in all shapes and colors

Granite and quartz countertops are but the most craved-for. First, their charming natural appearance is a shot through the heart for beauty-loving home owners. Second, both granite and quartz countertops are strong and heat-resistant and therefore they seem to last forever. Third, they do not require complicated maintenance.

At the same time, there are a few significant differences between the two.

Quartz countertops a crafted from engineered stone sheets, which consist about 90 percent of quartz crystals and about 10 percent of a resin binder. Quartz countertops come in a broad spectrum of solid colors and, unlike granite countertops, boast consistency and uniformity. It is much easier to pick up a quartz counter to match your interior than a granite one, since there is a limited amount of colors for granite counters and they are not as uniform as are quartz counters. Seams are less visible in quartz countertops.

Engineered quartz is not porous and therefore more stain-resistant. Granite is a porous stone and therefore more likely to stain permanently without due care. It is much easier to remove food and liquids from quartz surface than from granite. Quartz counters do not require any harsh cleaners. Granite countertops do not either. A tiny bit of soapy water and a sponge will do the job. You should be a little more careful choosing a cleaner for a granite countertop, because aggressive and abrasive cleaning agents may damage the sealant and expose the surface to stains. In order to keep granite clean and stain-free, it must be sealed at least twice a year. Quartz countertops do not require sealing.

Granite is much less springy than engineered quartz. If you drop a heavy object on a granite counter, it is more likely to crack than a quartz counter.

Granite countertops are more sensitive to heat. If you fail to use a trivet or a cutting board, traces of your work may remain forever. Although quartz counters require the same careful attitude, they are still more refurbishable and likely to retain their beauty.

Installing a granite countertop is a challenge. Please, do not try to fix it on your own and call a professional. Because granite is a heavy stone, granite counters require a specific support structure. Although quartz counters are easier and cheaper to fix, it is recommended that you use qualified help.

Well, if you feel like you're being torn between the two, you must decide which is more important for you. If natural beauty is you sole dream and you are ready to go down a rockier path to get it, buy a granite counter.