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Quartz vs. Granite: Which Is Best?

Kitchen Remodel Fort Collins

 

Quartz vs. Granite Countertops

Are you shopping for a countertop and trying to decide between quartz and granite? Both quartz and granite are good choices when it comes to beautiful and durable countertops. However, there are some differences worth noting that can help you make a more informed choice. For starters, granite tends to have a more natural look, while quartz requires lower maintenance. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at quartz and granite countertops, so you can walk away knowing the pros and cons of choosing each one for your kitchen project.

What is the Difference Between Granite and Quartz?

Granite

Granite is a 100% natural stone. It’s formed during the cooling of hot magma. The flecked pattern seen on quartz comes from mica and other trace minerals. The combination of the different minerals gives granite its unique color. Whites and creams are common granite colors, but pink and red color variations and darker colors like black are also available.

Quartz

Quartz, the second most abundant material in the earth’s crust, is created when silicon crystallizes. When we talk about quartz, we generally are discussing two different types of quartz.

  • Quartzite – a naturally occurring form of sandstone that has undergone intense heat and pressure. Quartzite countertop slabs are very common, but like other natural stones, the porous surface needs regular resealing.
  • Engineered Quartz – fabricated, unlike quartzite. It’s made by crushing rocks and then binding them together with resins. Caesarstone and Cambria are the two major manufacturers of engineered quartz.

So, which is better when it comes to your countertops? It really just depends on your goals. What we can do is break down the characteristics of granite and quartz by evaluating aesthetics, affordability, durability, and maintenance.

Appearance & Colors

Granite

Pros
Cons
  • Natural appearance
  • Found in a wide variety of colors, ranging from common off-whites to exotic blacks and greens.
  • Seams are more noticeable.
  • Can have naturally occurring imperfections, although some consider this appealing.
  • Can only be found in naturally occurring colors.

 

Quartz

Pros
Cons
  • Can come in almost any color you can imagine, from a natural marble look to bright greens and reds. White with light gray or beige highlights are most common
  • Slabs have a consistent look throughout, which reduces the appearance of seams.
  • Over time, exposure to direct sunlight can discolor the resin that binds the slab.
  • Some think it doesn’t look as ‘natural’ as other types of stone, because of the more uniform look and size of the crystals.

 

Most Natural Looking Winner: Quartz

 

Cost Comparison

Granite

  • Averages $60 per square foot. If it features unusual colors or larger sizes, the price can be increased. Smaller pieces or tiles come in at a lower price point.

Quartz

  • Averages $75 per square foot. Special edges can increase the price.

The Most Affordable: Granite

 

Maintenance 

Granite

Pros
Cons
  • Natural stone is very durable and can last a long time when properly cared for.
  • The porous stone will absorb spilled liquids if they’re not wiped up quickly, resulting in stains and bacterial growth.
  • Regular sealing every 1 to 2 years is a must to help resist absorption.

 

 

Quartz

Pros
Cons
  • The non-porous material is highly resistant to staining and bacterial growth as it will not absorb liquids.
  • Some liquids or foods with heavy dyes can stain the surface of the counter, so make sure to wipe clean right away.

 

The Easiest Maintenance Winner: Quartz

 

Installation

Granite

Pros
Cons
  • Slabs can be cut to fit precisely into the exact shape of your kitchen counter layout.
  • Professionals should be used to measure and cut because a small mistake can require re-cutting or even replacing an entire slab.
  • Extra care should be taken during the transportation of the slab and placing to avoid cracking.

 

Quartz

Pros
Cons
  • Manufacturers will shape the slab to fit your requirements. Any seams will be less noticeable.
  • Cabinets will need to be reinforced because of the heavyweight of quartz. Special equipment is needed to transport, carry, and move into place.
  • Aligning cutouts for sinks can be a challenge to get right if you choose to install yourself.

 

The Ease of Installation Winner: TIE

 

 

Durability, Hardness, & Strength

Granite

Pros
Cons
  • Chip, crack, and scratch-resistant. However, it’s not recommended using your countertop as a cutting surface.
  • Can chip if struck with hard objects.
  • Edges and corners are vulnerable to chipping. Rounded edges can help reduce this risk.

 

Quartz

Pros
Cons
  • Highly resistant to chipping and cracking.
  • Because of the resin used in the manufacturing process, it’s more flexible than natural stone, making it less prone to breaking during installation.
  • Although it’s very scratch-resistant, it’s not 100% scratch-proof.
  • Scratches that do occur may be more visible because of the uniform color.

 

The Toughness Winner: Quartz

 

Heat Resistance

Granite

Pros
Cons
  • Because it’s formed through the cooling of molten rock, granite is very heat-resistant.
  • A possibility of cracking from thermal shock exists. Always use a trivet and never place hot pots or pans directly on the surface.

 

 

Quartz

Pros
Cons
  •  Can easily take temperatures up to 150 degrees, so hot water or warm plates pose no threat.
  • Although its relatively heat-resistant, the resin used to bind the stone together can become discolored when repeatedly exposed to excessive heat. Always use a trivet or hot pad.

 

 

The Heat Resistant Winner: Quartz

 

Moisture Resistance

Granite

Pros
Cons
  • Resistant to moisture and staining when polished well and sealed with a proper sealing compound.
  • Sealant wears down over time, making the stone more susceptible to moisture.
  • Moisture absorbed by the stone can result in staining.

 

 

Quartz

Pros
Cons
  • The non-porous surface will not absorb moisture.
  • Dark-colored liquids with dyes can stain the surface if left sitting for extended periods of time.

 

 

The Moisture and Staining Resistant Winner: Quartz

 

Repair and Maintenance

Granite

Pros
Cons
  • Repairs for small chips or scratches can be done with an epoxy kit that is available at most home improvement and flooring stores.
  • Can be accomplished yourself, but for larger or multiple scratches, it’s best to hire a professional.

 

 

Quartz

Pros
Cons
  • Small nicks and cracks can be easily filled with epoxy.
  • Discoloration from heat is permanent.
  • Cracks are difficult to repair because consistent coloring makes them more visible.

 

 

The Ease of Repair  Winner: Granite

 

Environmentally Friendly

Granite

Lots of energy is used to mine and transport large pieces of natural stone. Buying locally is one way to reduce the carbon footprint.

Quartz

Made from crushed rock, the mining is easier, and there is no need to preserve large slabs. Sometimes “waste” product from other uses is the raw material for engineered quartz slabs.

 

The Green Choice Winner: Quartz

 

 

Resale Value

 

Granite

It USED to be that granite countertops were specifically sought out when buyers were looking for a home, and it USED to be that having granite in the home added resale value that was equal to 100% of the initial cost. But, alas…it seems quartz is becoming the new granite.

Quartz

Quartz is all the rage these days, and can actually be the tipping point when a buyer is making a choice between your home and another one without quartz countertop.

 

The Most Likely to Pay for Itself Winner: Quartz

 

The Winner: Quartz

Whether you’re planning an upcoming bathroom remodel or have your sights set on the kitchen, we feel quartz countertop is the way to go. In the bathroom, countertops receive a lot of moisture that can sit for prolonged periods of time. Unless you want to always be wiping up water on your bathroom countertop, stain-resistant quartz is the better choice. In kitchens, quartz yet again edges out granite as the better choice. Just like bathrooms, your kitchen countertops receive a lot of moisture, especially around the sink. Plus, quartz is more heat-resistant and has a wider variety of colors to choose from. But, if you love granite and are diligent with maintenance, it can work great for your kitchen remodel as well. Feel free to reach out to us for more information about choosing a countertop or other home remodeling topics at 970-691-6995.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Home Gyms Are No Longer a Luxury in Fort Collins – Here’s How to Design Yours Today!

The world won’t soon forget the pandemic of 2020, and there’s no telling when the need for social distancing will end. While we all want things to go back to normal, many of us are still feeling a bit weary and prefer to stay at home, where we can remain safe and healthy. In this strange new reality it’s fair to say that at-home exercise and fitness solutions are no longer a luxury for health-minded homeowners. Fort Collins Home gyms have become a necessity.

Fortunately, designing and developing your own home gym is easier than you might think. Here’s how to get started!

1. Choose your Equipment

While you could design the space first and fill it later, working the other way around has its advantages. Different types of equipment may have different structural or electrical requirements, and laying out your equipment ahead of time will give you a good idea of how much space you’ll need.

A few examples of home exercise equipment to choose from include punching bags, stationary bicycles, rowing machines, elliptical trainers, treadmills, weight machines, and free weights/a weight bench, just to name a few.

Make sure to include both strength and endurance-focused equipment that you’ll enjoy using, along with floor space for stretching, in order to balance your workouts.

2. Find Your Space

Depending on your equipment and the amount of space it takes up you may be able to use a spare bedroom or a portion of your basement as-is. Or, you may find that you need to make some changes.

Finishing or remodeling a portion of the basement is probably the most common solution we see. Basements offer a cool, private, and out of the way space with plenty of room. With some drywall, good flooring, lighting, ventilation, and electrical access, basement gyms can be a winning choice. However, some homeowners find that the lack of natural light negatively impacts their motivation.

Spare bedrooms, on the other hand, already have light, power, and ventilation, but often lack the same wide-open open space and lack of distraction that you get in the basement. And when using an upper-level space you need to make sure that the weight of any heavy equipment is safely spread across your floor joists, not placed between them.

homegymfortcollins3. Make It Your Own

A home gym can be a simple as a floor mat and some headphones in the living room, or as complex as a brand new walk-out home addition with professional equipment. It’s up to you to do what you need to do to make your space a space that you’ll enjoy using in the long term, allowing you to cultivate healthy habits without heading out into public.

Some other elements and features you should consider including are:

  • Oversize mirrors for you to watch your form and track your progress
  • Audio/visual solutions so you can follow along with online classes or listen to music
  • Tough, non-slip, easy-to-clean hard flooring
  • Easy-clean rubber or foam floor pads and mats
  • Wall racks, hangers, and other accessible storage options
  • Ventilation, heating, or cooling to keep the air comfortable and remove stale odors
  • Lighting (preferably plenty of natural lighting as well)
  • Personal touches and décor to make you feel comfortable and at-home
Professional Basement and Home Remodeling

Remember, most home gyms pay for themselves surprisingly fast compared to a monthly gym membership. They’re an investment—an investment in your own health and convenience. 

If you’re interested designing and building your own home exercise center, contact Artisan Remodeling & Design at 970-691-6995 today. We’re an expert, local Fort Collins home remodeling company, and we would love to do what we can to help you get healthy and stay healthy right where you are.

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Age in Place with Bathroom Remodeling Contractors in Fort Collins

Bathroom Remodeling - Artisan Remodeling & Design - Fort Collins

Sometimes it seems that you lose so many of the finer things in life when you lose your mobility. Whether it’s the difficulty in making all the arrangements to go on that dream vacation or the embarrassment that comes with wheeling yourself into a luxury spa and having to get assistance maneuvering yourself from chair to table to pool for all the treatments, at some point you begin to let go of those things that you used to enjoy, and just say “it’s not worth it anymore.”

It doesn’t have to be that way. For example, you can still enjoy spa-level relaxation in the comfort and safety of your own home, by engaging bathroom remodeling contractors in Fort Collins to make some changes to your existing bathroom.

A professional renovation team can make sure that the bathroom is wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker, and install grab bars in appropriate places to help you maneuver around the room. But most importantly, they can install one of the great new walk-in tubs now available on the market. Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to help relax tense muscles, and gently flex and massage limbs that can move more freely with the buoyancy of water. Available water and air jets add to the soothing atmosphere and hand-held shower extensions help you get water everywhere you want it.

You can also choose between a traditional, full-sized bather tub and a taller tub designed for use while seated. If you find that lying down in a tub as you once did, surrounded by candles and immersed in gently scented bubbles, is now a frightening thought because you might not be able to get up again, the taller tubs will still allow you to immerse yourself in bubbles while you remain securely seated on the built-in bench. Grab bars can be installed to make it easier for you to stand and walk out of your walk-in luxury spa, and there’s still plenty of room on the sides of the tub to safely place a votive candle or two, along with your favorite mp3 player to provide the soothing music you are accustomed to.

So don’t give up on pampering yourself just because you’re losing your mobility. For the cost of a few months’ treatments at the spa you used to patronize, you can bring that luxury, convenience, and enjoyment into your own bathroom. Contact us today about our bathroom remodeling services, or if you want to read more about us, click here.

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Escape the Summer Heat with Our Fort Collins Basement Remodeling!

So are you one of those people who spends the winter skiing in their shorts, or heads outside in January without remembering the hat and gloves? Do you dread the heat of summer more than a visit from your maiden aunt, with her tinny voice and huge opinions?

Well, we have a cool answer for you: escape the heat of summer with a Fort Collins basement remodeling ! You might be amazed to know that the basic temperature of the earth, just a few feet below the surface, is a cool 55 degrees. That’s why your basement is usually the coolest room in your house in summer, and we think that being able to spend as much of a hot summer as possible in that cool spot is a grand idea.

Here are some other reasons why you might want to renovate your dark, windowless basement for cool summer living.

  • Are you a photographer? Build a darkroom into your basement and have the perfect excuse to take pictures all winter and spend the summer developing and printing them in cool comfort.
  • Do you exist for the next Start Trek movie? You can create an awesome movie screening room without worrying about the need to cover up all the windows.
  • Set up a subterranean bar, and no one can see what’s really going on when your friends come over for a drink at any time of the day or night.
  • You can pretend not to hear the doorbell when your maiden aunt comes visiting, and she won’t be able to find you by looking through all the windows.

So contact us today and let’s discuss all the cool things you want to do in your renovated basement this summer. Don’t worry, we won’t mind coming down to the basement—no matter what its condition is like right now—for the discussion.

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Fort Collins Garage Remodeling and Updating

One of the last places in the home many people think about remodeling is their garage. We all have lots of “stuff” and it often sprawls over the garage. But with the huge variety of products available today for finishing the floor and installing storage space, getting your Fort Collins garage remodeling done by a professional will provide storage solutions you might never have considered.

But first things first. Think about the floor. If your garage floor is like most, it is concrete and stained and maybe cracked and worn. It really needs an update. There are so many solutions these days that it might be difficult to pick the right one for you. Some options available include:

  • Paint the floor. Sounds pretty simple, but it won’t hold up very long and might not be worth the time and effort.
  • Epoxy paint the floor. This coating can last for decades. It’s more labor intensive, but can be done over a couple of days, considering the drying time involved. It consists of prepping the floor surface, coating with an epoxy and scattering paint or quartz chips over the surface. It’s easy to do team logos or other designs with this type of coating.
  • If your floor is in bad shape, a concrete overlay might be the best solution. A thin layer of concrete is laid directly over the old surface. Colorants and embossed designs can be added and the new surface can be polished or epoxy coated after the proper curing time.

After dealing with the floor, it’s time to consider storage options. Everything from ceiling and wall hanging racks to specialized storage units to conventional cabinetry can be used to corral your tools, your sports equipment or your kid’s toys. For instance, you can find numerous lift systems that raise your bicycle, canoe, kayak or ladder from floor to ceiling with ease. This frees up floor space and increases the storage capacity in your garage. A little research will show you more items than you can possibly imagine. The next trick will be remembering to put all your gear away in it’s proper place after you use it!

If you are ready to consider options for a Fort Collins garage remodeling, contact us to brainstorm the best products for your storage needs. The design possibilities are almost endless but the storage space you create will make you wonder why you didn’t do it years ago.

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