Tag Archives: Granite Countertops

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: Which is Superior?

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Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: Which is Superior?

Today we’re looking at one of the greatest counter material face-offs and diving into the pros and cons of each: granite vs. quartz countertops. Which is it going to be?

Few things are as luxurious and timeless as stone counters in your home or business. But finding the right material that meets your wants and needs can feel overwhelming!

Granite and quartz slabs are among the most popular kitchen and bathroom countertops options. Each has its own advantages, disadvantages, pros, and cons. 

So which material should you go with? Continue scrolling to find out.

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops

Before diving into the ultimate battle, let’s do a mini-lesson on each of these materials to ensure we’re all on the page.

Quartz Counters — Quartz is an engineered stone often used for countertop surfaces. They combine the best of natural stone with modern manufacturing processes. Quartz countertops are made by combining roughly 90% loose quartz, and the remaining ~10% are resins and pigments.

Granite Counters — Unlike quartz, granite is an entirely natural stone mined directly from stone quarries. It is then cut into slabs, polished or honed (or finished in another way), and fabricated into countertops.

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: Which is Better?

Granite vs. quartz countertops is one of the biggest battles and controversies in the home interior and design world. Quartz and granite countertops are arguably the most popular countertop materials on the market today. But which reigns supreme? Many homeowners disagree about which is the premium surface for residential and commercial applications.

While quartz and granite countertops are similar in some ways, there are many differences between the two. Here’s a quick breakdown of each:

Pros of Quartz Countertops 

Here are a few benefits that quartz offers that granite cannot:

Unmatched Durability: Quartz is naturally nonporous, unlike natural stones, like granite. Because of its nonporous nature, it is more resistant to stains and bacteria buildup. It is also more resistant to cracking and chipping.

Extremely Low-Maintenance: One of the biggest perks of quartz countertops is that they do not require any maintenance like marble or granite. Outside of regular cleaning, you won’t need to do anything special to care for your quartz counters.

Appearance: Quartz mimics the look of a natural stone but is a bit more uniform in its appearance. When homeowners choose this material, there is a broader selection of design options in terms of colors and patterns.

Cons of Quartz Countertops

Here are a couple of disadvantages of quartz counters:

An Engineered Stone: The fact that quartz counters are not natural stone is only considered to be a “con” to some homeowners. Some homeowners are set on wanting a natural stone on their property. Quartz is manufactured – not the real deal.

More Heat Sensitive: Because of the resin found in quartz counters, it does not hold up as well to extreme heat because of its resin content. Quartz countertops are best used indoors since outdoor kitchens are subject to extreme temperatures.

Pros of Granite Countertops 

There are some areas where quartz counters fall short. Here are some of the benefits of granite:

Natural Material: Some people prefer granite over quartz because it is a natural stone.

Heat Resistant: Granite can withstand high temperatures. After all, it is an igneous rock — also called magmatic rock — which means that it forms through the cooling and solidifying of magma.
You could place a hot pan right on top of it without causing severe damage (though many homeowners still opt for trivets). Granite is often used for outdoor kitchen countertops because it can tolerate exposure to the sun and UV rays.

Versatile Look and Aesthetic: Granite comes in various colors and patterns. Each slab is unique and one-of-a-kind.

Cons of Granite Countertops 

Granite is a great countertop option, but it’s important to note its disadvantages:

Required Maintenance: Granite is porous and requires periodic maintenance, such as sealing. You can do this task yourself, but a professional will do it more effectively and efficiently.

Carbon Footprint: A lot of energy is used to harvest granite from the earth. Moreover, slabs imported from other countries leave a larger carbon footprint.

Irregular Design: If your design requires complete uniformity, granite countertops may not be your best choice. Granite is a natural stone, so no two slabs are the same.

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: Where They Tie

In other aspects, quartz and granite are neck and neck:

Real Estate Value: Quartz and granite are superior countertop materials and sure to impress prospective buyers. Compared with other types of counters, especially ones like ceramic tile or laminate, both granite and quartz can improve the real estate value of your property.

Comparable Costs: When it comes to granite and quartz countertops, the costs are very comparable. Both of these materials are high-quality and, because of that, neither is much more expensive than the other. The prices of each will vary from one slab to the next. Make sure to research and find a company that offers quality options at a reasonable price.

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops — Intermountain Stone & Marble Can Help!

Granite vs. quartz countertops is a face-off we love to dissect. But if you’re still not sure which route you should go for the countertops in your home or business, the professionals at Intermountain Stone & Marble in Salt Lake City are here to help!

Our team of experts is invested in your project and is here to help you find the best option for your kitchen and bathroom countertop needs. We are dedicated to providing you with a fantastic experience by offering the best customer service and high-quality materials, like granite, marble, quartz, and other luxurious stones, at a reasonable price that fits within your budget.
We are ready to serve those in Salt Lake City, Park City, and surrounding areas in Utah. Contact our knowledgeable team to check out our extensive style and color selection and get your quote today.

5 Advantages of Adding Granite Countertops to Your Home

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If you want to update your home’s look, feel, and function, adding granite countertops is a great place to start.

There are many choices homeowners must make for their property. Whether you are building a new house or renovating your current space, a decision on what type of countertop material to use throughout the home must be made. Granite counters are at the top of the list among the many options because of their many advantages.

Continue scrolling to learn more about the perks of having granite counters in your home below.

5 Advantages of Granite Countertops

  1. Strong Material — Granite is one of the strongest, hardest countertop materials, scoring between a six and eight (depending on your slab) on the Mohs Hardness Scale. One of the main reasons countless homeowners choose granite for their countertops is because of how durable it is. It is strong enough to resist scratching and chipping under typical wear and tear and everyday use. 
  2. Stain, Moisture, and Heat Resistant — Besides being scratch and chip resistant, granite counters are stain and moisture-resistant when adequately sealed. Granite is a naturally porous material, so sealing is essential to protect against staining and etching. Sealing maintenance is easy and only needs to be reapplied once yearly. Moreover, because granite is formed by heat and pressure, you can place hot pots and pans on its surface without harming it. Though, most homeowners still opt to use trivets or hot pads.
  3. An Affordable Option — Another major perk of opting for granite counters is how affordable they are. Many homeowners are surprised when they learn that a beautiful, high-quality granite slab can easily fit in their budgets. The affordability doesn’t end at the initial purchase and installation cost; granite’s life expectancy is usually 30 or more years, making it an excellent investment.
  4. Unique Piece of Art — Each piece of granite is one of a kind, differing in colors, movement, and characteristics. Each slab is like a unique piece of art, varying in lightness, darkness, veining, and patterns. You can select the slab that most speaks to you and your style and aesthetic.
  5. Adds Value to Your Home — Of course, a homeowner wants to do things to their property that will increase its value and add granite countertops throughout your home, especially in the kitchen. If you decide to sell your house at any point, granite counters are at the top of many buyers’ wish lists.

Want Granite Countertops in Your Property? Contact Intermountain Stone & Marble Today!

Granite countertops are a great, low-maintenance option for your home that comes with many benefits.

If you want to add granite counters to your property, contact the Intermountain Stone & Marble, professionals. Whether you are in the market for granite, marble, quartz, or another fine stone, we proudly offer our customers high-quality, durable, and affordable countertop options. If you are in Murray, Taylorsville, Salt Lake City, or a nearby city, contact our team to get a quote and view our extensive selection of various materials, styles, and color options for your countertops today.

A Natural Approach to Making Your Granite Counters Shine

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A Natural Approach to Making Your Granite Countertops Shine

Granite counters are an appealing material that many homeowners opt to use throughout their homes.

Granite is highly diverse, fits just about every design style, and is loved for its looks and durability. One of the best places to use granite in your house is in your kitchen. Because the kitchen is the heart of the home and is a high-traffic area, countertops, regardless of the material, get easily dirty. Between entertaining, eating, cooking, and a common gathering place for your family, these countertops can collect dirt and grime that need to be adequately cleaned. 

Continue reading to learn how you can make your granite countertops shine.

A Natural Approach to Making Your Granite Counters Shine

There are many granite cleaners available at your local grocery or hardware store, but did you know there are several at-home versions you can try using natural ingredients you probably already have at home.

Recipe #1 — Dish Soap and Water

This recipe is a basic approach to cleaning your granite counters and takes virtually no effort on your part. Simply mix one part with mild dish soaps and three parts warm water together. Use a soft, clean cloth to gently wipe away dirt and grime. While simple, this recipe is highly effective and will get the job done right. If you want a different approach that includes a customized scent and other luxurious elements, try recipe number two.

Recipe #2 — Water, Dish Soap, Rubbing Alcohol, and Essential Oils

This recipe is a bit more involved and requires a couple more ingredients:

  • A few drops of a mild liquid dish soap
  • ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
  • 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils (avoiding those containing citric acid)
  • Water
  • 12 oz or 16oz spray bottle

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, use the following steps to create your customized at-home, all-natural granite countertop cleaner:

  1. Pour the rubbing alcohol into your spray bottle
  2. Add three drops of liquid dish soap
  3. Add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils
  4. Fill the remaining space with water
  5. Shake well to combine ingredients before each use

Now that your cleaner is ready, spray your countertop surface and wipe it down using a clean, soft cloth.

Why is a Natural Approach Good for Granite Counters?

While there are countless already-made products available for purchase, many people prefer to make their own cleaner for several reasons:

  1. You know what ingredients are being used. 
  2. It’s less expensive — more bang for your buck!
  3. It’s fun and customizable.

Want Granite Counters in Your House? Contact Intermountain Stone & Marble

Granite counters are a great, low-maintenance option for your home, and with the recipes above, you can keep your countertops looking shiny and new for years and years to come.

If you would like to incorporate granite counters into your property, contact Intermountain Stone & Marble experts. Whether you are in the market for granite, quartz, marble, or another fine stone, we are proud to offer our customers high-quality, affordable, and durable countertop options. If you are in Taylorsville, Murray, Salt Lake City, or a surrounding city, contact us today to get your quote and view our extensive selection of style and color options for your countertops.

A Maintenance Guide To Granite Countertops

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A Maintenance Guide To Granite Countertops

Many homeowners opt to put granite countertops in their homes because of their beauty and low-maintenance characteristics.

It is an excellent natural stone that holds up well against everyday wear and tear and looks beautiful in the process. Despite granite requiring little maintenance, there are still a few things you will need to keep your countertops looking good for years to come.

Continue reading to learn more about maintaining these fabulous countertops below.

A Maintenance Guide to Granite Countertops

The best way to ensure your granite counters stay in tip-top shape is to avoid bad habits that can cause damage. Eliminate potential problems by utilizing proper countertop care. Here’s what you should do:

Clean Up Spills Immediately — While granite is not susceptible to etching due to acidic substances, they can become stained by them. Additionally, oils can leave stains. Whatever the spill, it’s best to clean them up right away.

Wipe Surfaces with a Soft Cloth or Sponge and Granite-Specific Spray — To keep your countertops in their best condition, use mild granite detergent and a sponge or soft cloth every day. Hot water can also be an effective method for cleaning your counters.

Utilize Coasters — While coasters are not 100% necessary on properly sealed granite counters, this good practice will protect your counters and help keep them looking brand new for decades.

Use Trivets or Hot Pads — Avoid the chance of thermal shock and use trivets or hot pads under hot pots and pans.

Always Use Cutting Boards — While granite countertops are very hard and are resistant to chips and scratches, it’s best to avoid chopping things without cutting boards. Besides, cutting items directly on your granite can dull and ruin your knives.

Polish Your Granite — Polishing your counters is not necessary to maintaining your granite. It does, however, enhance your stone countertops shine. Using a conditioning polish can help keep fingerprints away, improve cleaning, and offers a bit more protection. It is suggested that you polish your counters no more than once per week. Many people choose to make polishing their granite a monthly practice.

Sealing Your Counters — To ensure your countertops last for years and years, it’s important to seal the stone at regularly scheduled intervals. Easily control and prevent stains by sealing your counters.

Repair When Necessary — Finding a crack in your granite is not ideal, but it is not the end of the world. It’s best to address the crack right away, before it worsens, by contacting an experienced and knowledgeable stone repair specialist.

Contact Intermountain Stone & Marble Company

Granite countertops are an excellent, low maintenance choice for your home. Following a good maintenance guide will keep your counters in great shape and looking perfect for years and years.

If you are considering adding granite counters in your house, contact the experts at Intermountain Stone & Marble. We are proud to offer our customers high-quality, durable, and affordable granite options. If you are in Salt Lake City, Taylorsville, Murray, or the surrounding cities in Utah, contact us today to get a quote and to view our extensive selection of color and style options.

Everything You Need To Know About Granite Countertops

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Everything You Need To Know About Granite Countertops

Picking the perfect countertops is no easy task. There are various types to consider when it comes to durable materials, each with pros and cons. Since countertops are usually a permanent decision, you may feel pressured to get it right. One of the best countertop materials you can invest in is granite.

Stay tuned to learn more about this luxurious rock. 

Granite Countertop Basics

Granite is a tough igneous stone formed beneath the earth’s crust under heat and pressure, which is integral to creating an infinite array of colors and patterns. Several homeowners love granite countertops because they’re the finishing touch to modern kitchens and can last decades or even a lifetime. 

So, what are the benefits of granite countertops? Find out by reading our comprehensive breakdown. 

  • Granite Countertops Are Long-Lasting – You would be hard-pressed to find a more resistant stone-based surface than granite. Since it’s tough, it’s nearly impossible to scratch or chip it. Maximize your granite countertops by applying a sealant to make it resistant to stains. 
  • Granite Countertops Boost Your Home’s Value – One of the primary advantages of granite countertops is that they bring nature into your home since they retain their natural look. Anytime you bring outside elements into your home, particularly something as eco-friendly as granite, you’re adding value to your property. 
  • Granite Countertops Are Resistant to Almost Everything – Since the surface of a sealed granite countertop isn’t porous, most spills won’t soak into it. Your kitchen will be less likely to house bacteria, dirt, and other grime commonly found on countertops. Additionally, a smooth, clean surface will allow you to clean up messes easily from your meal preparation, helping you remain efficient.
    If you have children who enjoy helping you cook, you know how prone they are to spilling juice, water, or coffee—just about any beverage on your countertops! Perhaps you have older relatives who make mistakes, such as setting a hot pan on your countertops. Are you a cat parent? If so, you know how much your furry friend adores jumping onto countertops. When you switch to granite countertops, you won’t about your loved ones deteriorating them on accident.  
  • Granite Countertops Are Easy to Clean – Are you always on the go? By converting to granite countertops, you won’t have to spend too much time cleaning them. Many homeowners love these countertops because all they need to do is wipe them down with soap and a sponge to lift grease. We guarantee it won’t take more than five minutes to get your countertops looking good as new. If you choose to seal your countertops, which we recommend, you’ll only need to do this once a year.  

Upgrading Your Home? Contact Intermountain Stone & Marble

You won’t regret switching to granite countertops—you’ll only regret not doing it sooner. Intermountain Stone & Marble offers the highest quality granite countertops, and we can craft a piece that fits seamlessly into your kitchen’s design. We also provide expert edging services to add to your stone’s personality. 

We service Salt Lake County. Schedule an appointment with us today.