Deciding the type of countertop for your kitchen or bathroom is a big choice. There are so many options. How do you know what to pick? Two of the most popular choices today when people are selecting new countertops are granite and quartz. Is one better than the other? Is one better for your lifestyle or taste? You can be the judge of that. We will compare the two types of countertops to help you select the best for your preference and habits. Is one more durable than the other? Does one handle heat better than the other? These are answers you should know before deciding on a particular type so you know what you want and how to treat these particular countertops.

Natural

Granite wins in this category as it is 100% natural stone that is sliced in a quarry, cut to fit each kitchen and polished smooth. Quartz is an engineered, man-made stone consisting of 93% natural quartz stone but then leftover 7% are coloring and resin materials. The combination of quartz and resin are combined to create superb strength in the quartz. While both options are made of stone, some feel the authenticity of 100% natural granite stone gives it the upper hand. It is a matter of preference in this area.

Durability

In the competition of durability, granite has been around much longer than quartz. Granite has withstood the test of time as it has been around for many decades while quartz is a relatively new kid on the block. Here is how both compare in these durability factors:

• Chips and cracks: Though granite is an extremely hard stone, in comparison to quartz, it is more prone to cracks and chips during installation. Quartz is stronger on the durability scale as it resists cracking and chipping over time. Both are still excellent options in the kitchen, though quartz ranks slightly higher when it comes to likelihood of chips and cracks.
• Scratches: Both options are scratch resistant but not indestructible, scratching is still possible and care should be taken. You can cut with knives on both surfaces but to keep these countertops in peak condition, a cutting board is advised, also since it dulls knives to cut on stone.
• Heat: Granite takes a lead in this area as it handles heat better. Quartz can handle heat to some degree but for a long period of time or at high temperatures, the resin within the quartz, can discolor and turn white. Granite on the other hand can withstand very high temperatures as it is natural stone.

Both quartz and granite have their weak spots in the durability area but on the whole, these two options are perfect choices for the kitchen and bathroom.

Cost

When it comes to countertops, both quartz and granite are expensive options and to get quality, you will need to spend a bit of money. The least expensive countertop option is laminate but everyone knows that the beauty in that option is nonexistent in comparison to granite or quartz. Both of these stones are expensive but for long lasting quality, the price tag is worth it. It also depends on the type of granite you select. Some granite slabs can price lower than quartz but as the quality increases, the price tag exponentially goes up. Rare and unique types of granite can be quite costly. Granite prices range between $45 to $75 per square foot comparing to quartz prices, which range between $55 and $85 per square foot. Both these stones can have much higher prices if higher end stones are chosen.

 Popularity

Granite has been the popular choice in countertops for decades. The mere mention of a house selling with granite countertops is a huge selling point. Adding granite to a home increases its value instantly. However, quartz is a trendy choice in recent years. It is in style and can be made in many different colors to match. Due to its demand, it is equally as desired as quartz. Granite is timeless and the appeal is always an attraction to potential home buyers. Upgrading to either option is sure to increase the value in your home, especially if you upgrade from the less pleasing laminate countertops.

Maintenance

Granite tends to be porous and needs to be sealed every 1-3 years to protect it from stains. Keeping it sealed helps keep its lustrous shine and beautiful quality it had on the day it was installed. If it is not sealed, over time it can become susceptible to stains absorbing in the tiny pores and capillaries within the stone. Quartz on the other hand, is nonporous and since it is an engineered stone it does not need to be sealed. In this aspect, quartz requires less maintenance than granite.

Cleanliness

Both countertop types in the granite vs. quartz debate are easy to keep clean. Though not as likely as other countertop options, granite can be porous if not sealed correctly and can absorb stains. However, it is very hardy and resilient to chemicals thus you can clean it with just about anything. Comparing quartz, it is nonporous and does not harbor germs, though careful attention should be paid when it comes to the type of chemicals used. Warm soapy water is perfect to clean quartz, but it is not as tolerant to harsh chemicals. Special care needs to be paid when cleaning these countertops.

Appearance

Granite is natural, thus you will see variations in the pattern and veins of color and natural, unique textures are-one-of-a-kind. Quartz is manufactured in a similar way every time, thus the designs and patterns in the stone are more uniform. One choice is not better than the other in this situation, it depends entirely upon your preferences.

 Weighing all the options

When it comes to granite vs. quartz, looking at your lifestyle, the price you want to spend and the overall look, you picking the type of countertop that is right for you should be easy. Our staff is happy to help you select your favorite color and style in the stone you desire. Our showroom is stocked with many varieties and colors to make your selection easier. We are excited to serve you.

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So you have chosen to accent your kitchen and bathrooms with stunningly beautiful granite counter tops. You already understand their durability and how you will be able to set things from your stove directly onto your counter without the worry of burning your kitchen. While granite countertops are durable, they will also transform your kitchen and make your bathrooms eye catching. While the list of positive attributes towards granite countertops go on and on, you will soon notice that one of the biggest issues you will face is finding the right one.

Arch City Granite wants to help you make the right decision. We have listed the most common things that will help you make the choice. This is how you can choose granite countertops.

How to Choose Granite Countertops 101

• Lifestyle: Often, the first thing that people jump to when thinking about their new granite countertop is the color. While color is important, you are going to want to take a moment and think about your lifestyle. If your children love making their peanut butter sandwiches on your counter, certain colors can help hide the mess. If you don’t enjoy cleaning up after every crumb left by your children you probably want to avoid dark colored countertops. If you want the mess to disappear, choose earthy tones with lots of color like our Vicenza Brown. When unexpected company comes to visit, your counters will look clean even if they have a few crumbs from lunch.

• Complementing Colors: Choosing the right color is definitely important. Remember, that you have the ultimate decision on the colors that work for your home, but here are a few tips to consider when you are thinking about the color schemes. A common rule is to contrast the colors of your cabinets with your countertop. Make certain you take a few moments and really look at your cabinets. If they are all one color, you probably want to avoid the same color for your countertops. For instance, if you have white cabinets, and you choose a white counter top, your kitchen will be overly white. Granted, bright white can make your kitchen sparkle, but if you really want to add character, you might want to pick a white granite with deep veins of color. So while the rule of thumb is to contrast, there are exceptions that can be stunning.

• Take Pictures: One of the most common problems homeowners face when picking out their new countertops is they don’t have good representation from their home. You might think you know the colors from your kitchen, but your memory might fade when it comes to knowing the exact color. Wait until your kitchen has the maximum amount of natural light and then start snapping pictures. You will be able to bring your pictures into Arch City Granite and hold them up to our granite displays. If you need help, our stone design experts can help you narrow down your decisions.

• Consider your Space: If you get your choices down to a few different countertops, you might want to give a bit of consideration to how much space is in your kitchen. For instance, if you have a small, tight kitchen using lighter colors of granite can make your kitchen feel larger than it really is. If you have a massive kitchen and you want to make it feel cozier, you can use earth tones or rich, dark colors. Dark colors make a room feel smaller.

• Lighting: First off, if your kitchen has a lot of natural light, going with a dark granite countertop with vivid white veins is going to make your new kitchen dazzle. A lot of natural light will make your kitchen feel larger even if you decide to go with a dark colored granite. On the other hand, if you kitchen doesn’t have a lot of natural light, you are going to want to avoid dark colors. Your kitchen might begin to feel a little claustrophobic if the walls are dark, the cabinets are dark, and there isn’t any natural light.

• Mix and Match: If you think you can only have one color of granite in your kitchen, think again. In modern homes, it is becoming more and more common to have an accent countertop. This works extremely well if your kitchen has an island. In addition, if you are having a hard time choosing between two different selections, you might be able to use both. Some homeowners have been using a main granite color for all of their countertops, but using contrasting colored granite to add a unique border. Kitchens with this type of color scheme will make your eyes pop. You will marvel at your kitchen or bathroom every time you walk inside.

• Our Kitchen Visualizer: We have a 3D kitchen visualizer where you can pick your flooring color, your cabinet color and then move through and select all of our granite colors. You will be able to visualize in real time what your kitchen will look like with every single color scheme. This is one of our greatest tools in how to choose your granite countertop.

Arch City Granite

We have a great selection of beautiful granite. You can walk through our show room and see how they look as a large slab. One of our stone experts is ready to assist you as you make the tough decisions. We can give you some good ideas, because we perform granite installations in numerous homes throughout the area. Arch City wants to help you choose the right granite countertops, stop by our showroom and take a look. When you pick the right granite countertop for your home, it will bring a smile to your face every time you look at them.

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In order to get accurate quotes from different stone fabricators, you need to have a fairly good idea of the size of your granite or quartz countertops project. Here are tips to make you confident of getting right numbers to calculate the square footage of your countertops project.

You know what they say about measuring twice! When measuring for your new kitchen countertops, definitely start with a tape measure. You’ll also need a pen, some paper with a “to-scale” drawing and a calculator. The more careful and accurate your measurements are during the estimation process, the fewer surprises there will be when you get to finalizing your countertops project.

Remember that these instructions are just for preliminary estimation purposes. There’s still more measuring work to do for the actual cutting and installation (this part is the responsibility of the granite fabricator who does your project), as you’ll see below.

How to Measure for Your New Kitchen Countertops

First, assemble your “tools” for taking the measurements:

• Tape measure
• Pen
• Paper
• Calculator

Then follow these steps to take accurate measurements of the countertop space:

• Draw a to-scale diagram of your countertop space on the paper (preferably graphing paper). In the drawing, don’t forget to include the backsplash areas as well. If graph paper is not handy, you can use any plain paper.
• On your drawing, make sure to include the spaces for your sink, cooktop, bar sink etc. Some home owners think that sink or cooktop areas need to be excluded from the measurement. But it is not true measurement because the sink or cook top cutouts are done in the entire countertop.
• Use your tape measure to measure the countertop length from wall to wall (in inches), not just from one edge of your current countertop to the other.
• Write down the length in the appropriate space on your scale drawing or piece paper whichever case may be.
• Measure this twice, just to make sure it’s accurate!
• Measure the depth of the countertops from the wall, but keep in mind, the standard countertop depth is usually 25.5 inches for a granite countertop; this is the common overhang from standard 24-inch cabinets.
• For custom and unusually-shaped countertops, Arch City Granite has some example diagrams you can view for guidance on correctly recording all of your measurements. These are all examples of countertops we have installed here in the St. Louis, MO area. These should help you design the drawing and take the measurements correctly.
• Don’t forget to measure the backsplash height! If you currently have a 3-inch backsplash, but want to bump that up to 4 inches, it will obviously affect your estimate.

After you’ve taken all the measurements and written them down, you’ll want to make some quick calculations on your calculator to determine your closely estimated square footage (from your inches).

Let’s say that you’ve measured the length of your countertop (twice!) at 112 inches. Multiply that by the depth of the standard countertop (25.5 inches):

• 112 x 25.5 = 2,856 (inches)

To get the square footage, divide 2,856 by 144:

• 2,856 ÷ 144 = 19.833 square feet

As for the backsplash, don’t forget to calculate that as well. Use the following calculation to get your estimate:

• Height (4 inches, for example) x length (112 inches) = 448 inches
• 448 ÷ 144 = 3.11 square feet

 Professional Digital Measuring for the Final Countertop Cut

After taking all of your measurements down and doing the preliminary calculations, contact us at the Arch City Granite office nearest you in either St. Louis, MO or O’Fallon, MO to schedule a consultation. After finalizing your project and placed order, our expert technician visits your home to take precise digital measurements of the countertop area before we start cutting or installing.

Then the only surprise you’ll get is how amazing your new kitchen countertops look!

People Also Read:

• 12 Trending White Granite Colors in 2020 [Updated]
• The Most Popular Quartz Countertop Colors in 2020 [Updated]
• Can a Quartz Countertop Take the Heat?
• Granite Colors that will Match with Oak Cabinets Perfectly
• Frequently Asked Questions

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A bathroom under serious remodeling
Source: istockphoto

Create Your Backup Plan

Whether you are renovating your only bathroom in the home or one of two or more, it will create some inconvenience. Consider setting up a portable camping toilet and camping shower in a private space elsewhere in the home. This way you can avoid emergency bathroom runs to the neighbors or a public toilet.

Staging Materials

A renovation project moves faster when everything that might be needed has already been purchased and placed close to the bathroom. This includes all building materials, tools, protective gear and cleaning supplies. Place items that will be used most or used first closest to the work site. Remember to keep a path clear for easy movement to and from the bathroom.

Handling Dust

Dust is inevitable during all renovation projects, but if you prepare for it, you can keep it confined to the bathroom. Hang plastic sheeting over the doorway and use a canvas drop cloth on the floor. While you could use plastic sheeting on the floor instead of cloth, it is too slick and hazardous. Canvas also traps dust better so that it is not tracked all over the house.

When your renovation includes beautiful new granite countertops, cover them as well. A little dust won’t hurt these durable countertops, but covering them will during renovation cuts down your cleaning and sealing time post-renovation.

If the bathroom has a window, keep it open and put a fan in it blowing outward to exhaust dust outside. In addition, keep dust out of your home’s ductwork and HVAC system by covering the room’s registers or vents.

Allow Extra Time

Projects often take more time than imagined. Instead of trying to squeeze the renovation into a short weekend, assume it will take several days longer. You can avoid stress by not making plans to have house guests or other at-home events near the renovation period.

When planning a bathroom renovation, be sure to contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc.. Our wide and beautiful selection of granite countertops and slabs can match any design style.

The post What to Do When Your Bathroom is Being Remodeled appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

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Where once white granite was reserved for government buildings, it is now growing in popularity among homeowners who want to make their kitchens feel more spacious, create a clean, classic look, and establish a welcoming atmosphere for family and friends.

White granite countertops has quickly become a top choice for homeowners who want to create a traditional look in their kitchens. It is durable, aesthetically stunning and able to work well with and complement any other accent color.

Here are five ways you can use granite that is white in your kitchen:

To add the illusion of space — If you have a kitchen that is on the smaller side, consider going with white. Combining white walls with white cupboards with white countertops will make even the smallest of spaces feel larger.

To add a touch of light — If you are already committed to dark-colored countertops and cupboards, you can still leverage the power of white to add a touch of openness to your kitchen. Consider using a piece off granite that is white as a backsplash. It will help you avoid that “stuffy” feeling that sometimes overwhelms dark-colored rooms.

To create a contemporary feel — Yes, white is typically associated with crisp, classic kitchens. But it can also be used to create a crisp, contemporary feel when it is combined with solid dark colors, especially black. Imagine the sleek contemporary look of a kitchen with black cupboards and countertops made out of white granite.

To add energy to your kitchen — Even though they are growing in popularity, white countertops are still relatively rare. When people see them, they often feel energized because they are seeing something new.

You can also find granite slabs with unique veining patterns ranging from the subdued and organized to the unpredictable and exciting. White granite countertops, simply by being different from most other countertops, add energy to kitchens.

Countertops made from granite that is white is growing in popularity. It’s no longer reserved for government buildings. For more information about how you can incorporate any color of granite into your kitchen, contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble today.

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As outdoor kitchens continue to grow in popularity, people naturally want to install granite countertops right next to and all around their outdoor grills, sinks, refrigerators and fireplace. And why wouldn’t they? Everyone knows that granite countertops are as durable as they are beautiful.

But it does raise an interesting question: How do you protect granite countertops from the elements?

If you’re like a lot of people, you might think that granite is impervious to the weather. After all, it comes from the great outdoors. In reality, however, the hot summer sunshine, rain, snow, sleet and freezing temperatures that St. Louis sees can damage granite.

Here are a few tips to help you protect your granite countertops from the elements and keep them looking fabulous for as long as you live in your home (and beyond):

• Make sure your counter fabricator uses an exterior glue on all the edges. Otherwise the constant cycle of freezing and thawing, freezing and thawing can cause your countertops to separate from their bases.
• Keep your countertops covered all winter long. Snow and sleet can really do a number on your granite and cause it to wear down more quickly. The less you allow it to land on your countertops the better.
• Provide shade during the hot summer months. You don’t necessarily have to purchase custom-made covers (although it’s probably the best way to protect you countertops), but you should try to use umbrellas or awnings to keep the sun’s rays off the countertops as much as possible.
• Seal your countertops. Sealing your countertops is simple, and you can do it in about 20 minutes.
• Keep your countertops clean. Sure, granite countertops are extremely durable, but they can still stain if spills are not quickly cleaned up. And if a spill–mustard, wine, juice, etc.–is left to bake in the summer sun, the damage it can do to your countertops can be more severe.

If you take these steps, the granite you have installed in your outdoor kitchen should stand the test of time. If you do notice that your outdoor kitchen countertops have become a little worn due to being exposed to the elements, don’t worry. It is possible to have them resurfaced by your granite fabricator.

Want to know more about protecting your outdoor countertops? If so, be sure to contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble today.

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Light-colored countertops can be bold. You can combine them with white cabinets to create a sleek, contemporary look. You can combine them with deep, dark-colored cabinets to give your kitchen dramatic appeal. And they can be combined with brown-colored cabinets to create a warm, welcoming look and feel.

The trick is to work with a granite fabricator in St. Louis to find a light-colored countertop material that is as durable and sturdy as it is stunning. If you are looking into countertop colors, take a look at these tough, light-colored countertops which are available through a top granite fabricator in St. Louis:

Granite is a beloved countertop material because it is incredibly durable and available in an array of stunning colors, including an array of whites and grays. Take a look at this River White Granite, which has a soft, inviting pattern that would create a calm environment in your kitchen.

You might also want to consider the Bianco Romano Granite, which has a surface with a greater sense of motion, or the White Ice granite, which offers a definite sense of drama.

Marble is another countertop material that comes in amazingly awesome shades of white and gray, and it also offers a tough surface. In addition to marble’s all-natural spectacular beauty, it can also withstand a lot of heat.

Look at this slab, which is available through Arch City Granite & Marble. It’s a classic cut of Carrara White Honed marble that is actually closer to a gray–but either way it will look great in your kitchen.

While it is true that natural stones such as granite, marble and soapstone are crafted to stand the test of time as countertops, it is also true that there are other light-colored countertop materials that offer a certain amount of durability. These include Super White Quartzite, which looks like a natural stone but is actually engineered to be stronger than both marble and granite (but not by much). Quartz countertops are non-porous, hygienic and look sleek and slick.

To learn more about how you can incorporate tough, light countertop materials into your kitchen, contact the best granite fabricator in St. Louis (which also happens to specialize in marble and quartz countertops) at Arch City Granite & Marble.

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But only if you keep them clear and roomy, which can be easier said than done.

In the hustle and bustle of day-to-day living, it’s easy for countertops to become cluttered–especially in your kitchen, which is the most-used room in the house. And, cluttered countertops can make your life more confusing and complicated than it needs to be.

With that in mind, here are five easy kitchen organization tips to help you keep your countertops clear and roomy:

Keep your mail organized. If you stop and think about it, it is easy to understand why mail is one of the biggest reasons kitchen countertops become cluttered. It comes six days a week. Most of it comes in an envelop that needs to be open. And much of it is important so you can’t just throw it away. Unfortunately, you can’t always open it right away, either, so you set it on your counters and it piles up. If you keep it organized by keeping it in a bin, it won’t create quite the mess.

Wash dishes regularly. There is nothing more frustrating than a big pile of dirty dishes in the sink, next to the sink and all over the counters. This is one of the most effective and least exciting kitchen organization tips ever created, because who likes washing dishes? But seriously: Wash your dishes regularly so they don’t pile up.

Use hooks. Hooks are incredibly effective at getting all of those items–the purse, shopping bags and towels–that are sitting on your countertops off of your countertops. Hooks are inexpensive, easy to install and effective.

Put dishes away. Even if you wash them as you go, air dry them or do them on a regular basis, dishes still count as clutter if they are not put away. So go ahead, take an extra few minutes each night and put them all away.

Expand your counter space. Okay, this isn’t technically one of the kitchen organization tips, but expanding your countertop space–by adding an island, for example–can help you stay organized.

If you’d like to learn more about adding counter space, contact the natural stone countertop experts at Arch City Granite & Marble today.

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If you’re building a new house, make sure to carefully consider the island among the kitchen design ideas you are exploring. Here’s a look at several innovative kitchen island ideas, each designed to meet specific needs:

The island with a sink. If you love to cook, consider installing a kitchen island that is equipped with a sink. Having a second sink to complement your primary sink makes cooking and cleaning up a lot easier.

The island with built-in cabinets. Storage space always seems to be at a premium in the kitchen. Islands with built-in cabinets can make it easier to keep your kitchen organized.

The squat, rustic island. It seems like kitchen islands are getting taller and taller. But if you want to add a touch of rustic style to your kitchen, consider going with a squat island that sits several inches below your other countertops. It can make smaller kitchens seem more airy and spacious.

The stone island. Islands crafted entirely of natural stone such as marble instantly become your kitchen’s vocal point–strong, sturdy and stunning.

The classic country island. One of the benefits of working with natural stones such as marble, granite and soapstone is that they complete a country look. Combine your classic cupboards with natural stone countertops for a look that is straight out of traditional country home. The classic country island has constantly ranked among the most popular kitchen design ideas for decades.

The classic contemporary island. For a look that is as cosmopolitan as it gets, consider topping your counters and kitchen island with slabs of crisp, white granite or marble. This works especially well if your cupboards and cabinets are sleek and painted white as well.

The blond and black island. Another twist on the classic contemporary is combining blond wood cupboards with black soapstone or granite countertops. It’s one of the kitchen design ideas that is contemporary but still warm and welcoming.

These are just a few of the ways you can incorporate a fashionable and functional island into your kitchen design ideas. For more help and ideas, contact us at Arch City Granite & Marble today.

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It also lends light to rooms, makes small spaces appear larger than they are and can be easily incorporated into both classic and contemporary decor.

On the other hand, it can also be a mistake to decorate with white. White granite counters, for example, can show stains, clash with your cupboards and create awkward color combinations if you are not careful about how you incorporate them into your kitchen.

If you are considering installing white granite counters in your kitchen–with all their beauty and durability–consider the following three questions and then stop by and talk to the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble:

Can you live with the drama? There is nothing boring about white. If you are going to invest in white granite counters, you are investing in a dramatic look in your kitchen. Whether the drama created by the white granite counters makes you feel comfortable or uncomfortable depends largely on your other decorating choices. But one thing is for sure: White will deliver dramatic feelings.?

Can you keep your counters looking clean? While it is true that white granite counters are incredibly easy to care for–mostly because all granite counters are durable and easy to clean–it is also true that white counters will show dirt, dust, smears and smudges more than any other color of granite countertops. So while it is easy to keep your white granite countertops clean, it may take a little more work to keep them looking clean all the time.

Are you creative? One of the great things about white granite countertops in your kitchen is that they provide you with a plethora of decorating ideas. Your white countertops can be incorporated into both classic and contemporary designs. They work well with sleek, cosmopolitan cupboards as well as hand-crafted, traditional cupboards. In other words, once your white granite countertops are installed, you will probably be inspired to change your kitchen’s design every few years. So get ready to be creative.

If you’ve answered the questions above and are ready to welcome the magical color of white to your kitchen, contact the granite countertop experts at Arch City Granite & Marble today.

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