Quartz vs. Granite Materials by Cambria
The beauty draws you in, but lasting performance matters just as much. Discover how Cambria quartz surfaces set the standard, and how they compare to other materials in durability and functionality.
Quartz vs. Granite Countertops
Quartz or granite countertops are an exceptional way to add functional extravagance to your home. If you love the look of granite, Cambria designs offer the same aesthetic, but feature the unique benefits, elegance, and resilience only quartz can deliver. Before you begin your next project, it’s important to understand the similarities and differences of both materials.
What Is Quartz?
Quartz countertops are made of abundant natural quartz crystals that are then combined with binders and pigments to create its final, beautiful product. This process enables quartz countertops to be extremely durable, non-absorbent, and resistant to stains, scratches, and chips. Available in a wide range of designs, colors, and consistent patterns, quartz also presents a uniform look from slab to slab.
What Is Granite?
Granite countertops are made from natural stone mined from quarries as large blocks later cut into smaller slabs. Each slab features unique patterns in a range of colors and designs. While granite is strong and durable, the process to create granite countertops leaves tiny spaces within the surface that can absorb liquids, potentially leading to staining if not regularly sealed.
Performance: Quartz vs. Granite
Quartz and granite stand out as popular surface materials. Discover the differences between how the two perform.
Maintenance
Quartz countertops are maintenance free, stain resistant, naturally nonabsorbent, and NSF-51 certified, and they never need sealing. To clean, just wipe with warm water, a soft cotton cloth, and mild soap, if desired. While durable, granite countertops need to be sealed to maintain their beauty and prevent staining.
Durability
Since quartz is naturally harder than granite, it offers exceptional chip and scratch resistance. While granite countertops excel in heat resistance and impact durability, quartz’s resilience makes it ideal for daily use in high-traffic areas like kitchens and baths. Cambria quartz surfaces are also backed by a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty and support of Customer Care professionals.
Appearance
Quartz countertops offer a wide range of consistent colors and patterns, ideal for any designs and ensuring a uniform look. Granite countertops offer natural, unique variations that can pose more challenges when trying to find a slab that matches a kitchen or bath design. Quartz is often preferred for its versatility within various styles and color schemes, with Cambria known as an industry leader in design innovation.
Environmental Impact
Quartz is harvested by removing small aggregate quartz stones, which leaves a smaller footprint and generates less waste. This harvesting practice allows for more optimal native vegetation restoration. Granite countertops involve extracting large slabs from the earth in an energy-heavy process.
Available at Cabinet-S-Top, 1977 Medina Road, Medina, OH 44256 - 330.239.3630
