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The material your countertops are made out of matters—find out how to tell these two apart. Home improvements are meant to improve the home, and that means considering the materials and aesthetics at work in certain areas. When browsing countertops, you might be surprised by the sheer number of available options. Every new choice has its own colors, durability, and other offerings. Granite and quartzite are two popular options that can be a great fit—learn the differences between them.

Comparing Granite and Quartzite

Comparing one material to another will always be dependent upon what is most important to you. These two materials each have their charms, so let’s learn what they offer and what makes them different.

What is Granite?

Granite is a type of rock known for its association with magma. This beautiful material can be identified by its makeup and appearance, but it is most commonly remembered for the fact that it develops when lava cools down. Found in different locations around the world, it includes different compositions in many cases.

What is Quartzite?

Most people know quartz by name, but quartzite is a more natural equivalent. Quartz is a man-made material, whereas quartzite develops by itself in nature. Formed from heat and pressure, this type of stone is a popular natural option that looks great.

Differences to Know

There are quite a few differences between these materials—starting with their appearance. While quartzite is favored for its beautiful marbled texture and lighter color tones, granite is less predictable. Granite often includes more variety, making it easy for everyone to find a style that they love. Care is another area where these materials differ. Although they are both loved for being strong and resistant to water damage, granite is the more susceptible of the two when it comes to care. It is more likely to break down when exposed to certain chemicals. However, choosing mild cleaners can easily balance this.

Benefits of Both Materials

Each of these materials can be a great match for your kitchen or bathroom. Finding the perfect fit will require you to consider how you want to care for them and what you want them to look like. Regardless of which material you choose, you can rest easy knowing that you are investing in beautiful natural materials that are durable and will last your home a very long time with proper care.

Find Your New Countertops Today!

Looking to upgrade your home but unsure where to start? Don’t worry–we can help. We provide the countertops Denver residents love, whether you prefer granite or quartzite–or something else! Our team is here to help you choose the best countertops based on your needs and personal style preferences. We can help you decide which countertops are right for you and then get right to installing them!

Granite countertops have become one of the most popular surfaces for homeowners because they deliver a unique look, lasting durability and sleek style. However, all of that can come with a hefty price tag. There are a number of alternatives that can be less expensive, while still retaining the style and durability that granite countertops can provide. Depending on your individual style and aesthetic of your home, these alternatives can bring just as much functionality and beauty to your countertops in Denver. There are more options out there than ever before, meaning there is a right fit for your budget and the individuality of any home.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz provides a gorgeous alternative to granite and other types of stone countertops. It’s suitable for both kitchen and bath, and delivers durability on par with granite. Because it is non-porous, quartz won’t stain or absorb other chemicals and cleaning products. The cost of quartz countertops is marginally less than granite countertops, but does offer long-term value over time. Since quartz is a manufactured product, it comes in a wide variety of stunning colors – including numerous blacks, whites, grays and others. This allows for homeowners to use quartz to imitate the colors and styles of other natural stones. This versatility also helps homeowners better fit their countertops into their personal aesthetic appeal.

Marble Countertops

Marble countertops are more affordable than granite or quartz, but they do deliver a lot of the same benefits. Marble is not as hard as granite, but is still resistant to scratches and other cracking. This softness also allows for more detailed cuts and edges to your countertop – allowing it to fit into a multitude of spaces. The look of marble is very unique, as no two cuts are the same. It does require a little more maintenance than granite, but it naturally stays cool. This makes it a wonderful surface for the kitchen, and is one of the preferred countertop surfaces for most bakers and other cooking professionals. The versatility and unique look are the calling card of this surface, and marble is suitable for both kitchen and bath.

Other Options for Countertops

There are plenty of other surfaces that are suitable for countertops that can save you money over granite. Soapstone is an option that is another non-porous surface, that also requires a minimal amount of maintenance. This is a softer stone than the others that were mentioned, but can provide a unique and charming look to your space. One style similar to marble is quartzite, but they require simpler maintenance. It’s a durable, natural stone that comes in a wide array of options. Another surface similar to marble is travertine, and this very durable material comes in numerous colors, as well. These are both more affordable options to marble or granite. For more information on the variety of countertops out there, and how they can fit into your home and budget, reach out to the experts at Kitchen & Bath by Design today.

One of the most vital decisions you’ll make when remodeling your kitchen is selecting the right cabinets. Not only should they look fabulous, but they also should be the perfect fit and size.  

The Significance of Matching Kitchen Cabinets

Matching cabinets bring your kitchen sophistication and style. They also make it simple to stay organized. If your cabinets don’t match, it creates an unattractive look, making it hard to keep the appearance of your eating space in sync.

The Fundamental of Matching

Upgrading a kitchen with matching cabinets doesn’t mean they have to be the same color. Instead, it means the two components complement one another. This is either by contract or is the same color. This means your kitchen cabinets could both be various shades of white, or the kitchen cabinets could be brown and the countertops white. Additionally, the cabinets don’t have to be neutral colors. With the right approach, you can match elegant cabinets with colorful countertops. There are lots of unique combinations. However, you need to pick with care and an acute sense of design. If not, kitchen cabinets intended to match may clash with each other, as well as everything in the room.

Exact Matching

When it comes to kitchen cabinet matching, there are many differences. In some instances, you might want the colors to match. In other instances, your goal is to match the design or style. Another option is to do both.

Identify the Cabinet Brand

One of the first things you’ll need to do is find out your cabinet brand. This information should be somewhere on the cabinet. If you can’t find it, take a photo of your cabinets and bring it to a cabinet manufacturer in Denver. Most likely, they can tell you the brand and if they sell matching pieces.

Choosing Matching Colors

To choose matching colors, you can use an online color wheel. A color wheel places the top colors in logical order in the visual range. A color wheel isn’t flawless. You will still have to do some color research before deciding. Still, a color wheel is useful in narrowing down the sort of colors you want for your kitchen cabinets.

Thinking Beyond Design

When thinking about matching your kitchen cabinets, don’t let design be the one thing that leads you. Your kitchen is the focal point of your house. Kitchens should possess functionality and style, entailing more than only choosing colors. For your kitchen cabinets, you need to think about the resilience of the wood you use, as well as the type of hinges that enable the doors to open and close. These details are just as significant as the style of the doors. While you are thinking about kitchen cabinet designs, make sure you consider everything else too. Matching kitchen cabinets isn’t only about colors. Matching material and size are key as well. Regardless of your kitchen cabinet project, contact us so we can assist you every step of the way.