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Granite Countertop Pro’s and Cons

Choosing the right material for kitchen countertops can be a tough decision, but the experts at Excel Glass and Granite can help you weigh the pros and cons of various countertop materials from natural to engineered stone. Granite has been in widespread use in kitchen counters for decades, making it a classic choice with a wide variety of style options, though not all homeowners love it. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of granite counters. 

Advantages of Granite Countertops

Because it’s a natural mix of different rocks and minerals, granite is very hard and durable as well as having a wide variety of colors. This makes granite countertops fit into any interior design, whether it’s for a kitchen, a bathroom, or a commercial property. The flecks of quartz in the granite reflect light and brighten any kitchen remodel. Counter experts can also cut granite into tons of different shapes to fit complicated curves or create luxury edging designs. 

Things to Consider About Granite Countertops

From ongoing maintenance to initial cost, granite kitchen counters can have some drawbacks. Natural stone is porous, so it’s a good idea to seal your granite countertops. Sealing is performed as part of a professional installation, but you will need to reseal every few years so that your luxury countertops will properly resist staining and scratching. The upfront cost of real granite counters for your new kitchen can also be high compared to other countertop materials, but remodeling experts can recommend engineered stone products that mimic the look of granite for less cost.

The remodeling experts at Excel Granite and Glass are dedicated to helping their local Pittsburgh area customers create the perfect kitchen countertops, whether they’re made of granite, quartz, or an engineered stone product. We own our own warehouses and showrooms, so we have access to tons of different products that will finish off your interior design perfectly. Our remodeling experts have the design experience to guide you through the process.

Quartz Counters – What are the Pro’s and Cons?

So you’ve decided on quartz countertops for your kitchen or bathroom remodel, that’s great! Quartz, AKA engineered stone, has a ton of advantages like cost and versatility, but it may not be right for all remodeling projects. Professionals can help you go over all the options for your counters, but you can make a more informed decision if you understand the pros and cons of quartz countertops.

Pros of Quartz Countertops

Many of the advantages of quartz counters stem from the way this engineered stone is made, including a lower cost than natural stone like granite or quartzite. Because it has natural stone flecks mixed with synthetic polymers, countertop quartz can be customized to create an endless array of colors and styles, as well fabricated into the perfect shape to fit your counters. The resins in engineered quartz also cure into a very hard, non-porous surface that resists staining, scratching, and bacteria, making it great for both kitchen and bathroom countertops. 

Disadvantages of Quartz Countertops

Despite the durability and versatility of engineered stone products, quartz counters can have some drawbacks. Because it contains synthetic polymers, engineered stone isn’t resistant to UV rays and heat, so it breaks down outdoors and can scorch under hot pans. Since quartz countertops are fabricated by professionals, there are also some limitations on size, which is less of a problem with natural stone slabs. 

Let Us Help You Find the Right Quartz Countertops

At Excel Glass and Granite, we have our very own warehouse so that we can offer our Pittsburgh area neighbors a wide selection of materials for kitchen countertops, whether that’s a remodel on a residential home or new custom countertops for a commercial property. We have access to the latest in natural and engineered stone like quartz, so we can help our local customers choose the color and style of quartz countertops that will best compliment their counter design.

Guide to Kitchen Countertops in Westmoreland County PA

Whether you’re building a new kitchen or remodeling, choosing kitchen countertops is maybe the hardest decision. Do you go with a luxury stone like granite or a high quality engineered stone product? It’s a lot to decide. Property owners in Upper St. Clair and the greater Pittsburgh area have help from the kitchen countertop experts at Excel Glass and Granite. Before you explore your kitchen counter options at one of our showrooms, check out our comprehensive guide to kitchen countertops. 

Natural Stone Countertops

If you want naturally heat resistant kitchen counters, a stone countertop material is a good choice. The remodeling professionals have access to a wide variety of stone types, including granite, quartzite, marble, limestone, onyx, and slate. Within these natural stone types, there are also a ton of colors and finishes to match any kitchen design. In addition to design versatility, natural stone kitchen countertops offer superior durability. Some drawbacks of stone countertops include the possibility of chipping, the need for a sealant, and a higher cost than other materials.

Engineered Stone Countertops

While many people think natural products are inherently better, a lot of man-made materials offer distinct advantages when used in kitchen countertops. Engineered stone used in kitchen countertops is made up of 93 percent quartz stone and only 7 percent synthetic polymers. This means engineered stone kitchen countertops offer all the beauty of natural stone without the drawbacks. For example, engineered stone counters can be fabricated to any shape, no matter how complicated, including beautiful counter edging designs. Engineered stone countertops also have a nonporous surface and are highly resistant to staining and chipping. 

Let Us Help You Choose

Now that you have a handle on the different kinds of materials available for your new kitchen counters, you still have to choose your style, color, and finish. Those are some big decisions, but you’re not in it alone. The kitchen remodeling experts at Excel Glass and Granite have access to all the different varieties of natural and engineered stone, and they can go over all the pros and cons of different countertops.

Granite Counters Vs Quartz.. Which One Should I choose?

Granite Vs Quartz Kitchen Counters: Which one should I choose?

Whether you’re remodeling or installing new kitchen countertops, the first question on most property owners minds is granite versus quartz. Some people swear by the one of a kind beauty of natural granite stone, while others say granite counters stain and need maintenance like sealing. Others love quartz countertops because they’re engineered stone that avoids the problems of granite and costs less. The good news is that you don’t have to choose your kitchen countertops alone. Remodeling professionals can help you weigh these pros and cons, but before you call the experts, let’s compare quartz and granite countertops. 

Things to Love About Granite Countertops

Natural granite is a classic high end kitchen countertop material that’s been in use forever, and many property owners love the luxury style of granite in their homes and businesses. Though granite counters may need sealing and some maintenance, they are naturally water and heat resistant, as well as being available in a dizzying array of colors and finishes. 

Advantages of Quartz Countertops

Unlike granite counters, which are cut from a slab of natural stone, many quartz kitchen countertops are actually made from finely ground natural quartz mixed with man made polymers. This means that quartz counters are fabricated to order, which is a huge advantage for those who want complicated curves or luxury counter edging. Quartz countertops are also non-porous, meaning that there’s no tiny holes for moisture or stains to penetrate and there’s no need to regularly seal your counters.  

Let Our Stone Countertop Experts Help

The remodeling experts at Excel Glass and Granite are dedicated to helping their local Pittsburgh area customers find the perfect kitchen counter material, whether that’s natural granite stone or engineered quartz. In addition to our high end showrooms, we have our own warehouse so that we can offer the widest variety of colors and styles in natural and engineered stone. 

Granite Countertops in Mt. Lebanon PA

As a granite supplier in the Mt. Lebanon PA area since 1946, Excel Glass & Granite can handle all your kitchen counters, bathroom countertops and commercial countertop needs. We can help you select the natural stone or engineered stone that will work best for your scenario!

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For the past 70 years, Excel Glass and Granite has progressed with technology, skilled labor training and design expertise to bring the newest designs in the Kitchen and Bath Industry. This commitment to our craft brings the latest trends to the market. Our most recent waterjet and saw investment has enabled us to stay ahead of the design Read More→

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