27

Nov

Paper Composite Vs. Granite Countertops

There are so many countertop materials to choose from, but when you’re concerned about the environment and the impact some materials or their manufacturing processes can have on the planet, the list shrinks quite a bit. Paper composite and granite countertops, both, are considered eco-friendly and durable options, but how do they compare against each other? Let’s find out!

Differences Between Paper Composite And Granite Countertops

The Material

First and foremost, when you’re comparing two materials, the composition of the material is what you want to look at closely.

Paper Composite Countertops

When it comes to paper composite countertops, the material composition is pretty obvious by the name. Paper must be the last thing that comes to your mind when you think about countertop materials. You might think that it will never last. Well, this is where paper composite will prove you wrong. Paper composite is a material that is 100% made out of recyclable paper and it is reinforced with petroleum-free resin.

Now, resin is also something that can have harmful effects on the environment, but paper composite is different since it is made out of resin that doesn’t have any of the toxic components or non-biodegradable substances in it. So, it will be the same as resin, but just better for the environment. The result is a sturdy and strong countertop material that is fit for the kitchen.

Granite Countertops

Granite is an igneous rock, and it is made when the core temperatures deep inside the Earth reach a point where rocks start to melt. This molten stuff gets mixed with mica that is nearby and when the stone is brought up to the surface to be quarried, the result is a stone that looks like a work of art. It is seriously a wonderful stone that has taken over the world of countertops.

Durability

Next up is the durability and this is something that you have to think about very carefully.

Paper Composite Countertops

In paper composite countertops, the main driving force is the resin. That is what turns the pulpy paper mixture into a rock-hard material that can be used as a kitchen countertop surface. But if you want to compare the durability, then it is obviously not as durable.

It is not fragile by any means, but when you look at other man-made materials, there are a lot of options that can be better in terms of durability than paper composite such as quartz.

Granite Countertops

Well, granite is known as the king of durability. This stone leaves all of the other materials in the dust and it is seriously something that will outlive many things in your kitchen, granted that you maintain it and take care of it the right way.

So, if you want to get something that is really good and durable and won’t shatter when you look at it wrong, then granite is the one to go for.

Maintenance

The next order of importance is the maintenance of the materials and this might be tricky for a lot of people.

Paper Composite Countertops

Paper composite countertops don’t need to be maintained a lot. You just need to install them and you’re good to go. They don’t need to be sealed, since resin is pretty much a water-resistant and waterproof substance and it provides a pretty good seal on its own.

The only thing that can bother you is the discoloration of the material after a while. Resin can turn yellow over time and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Granite Countertops

As far as granite countertops are concerned, even though they’re strong and sturdy, they’re not the best when it comes to maintenance. Maintaining granite countertops can literally cause people to second-guess their options.

Granite needs to be sealed. Since it is a natural stone, it needs to be sealed if you don’t want water or moisture to ruin the countertops and leave those hideous stains. Also, it needs to be cleaned up using special cleaners, which can honestly add up when you use them regularly and hate it as you might, cleaning is something you will have to do regularly.

Sustainability

Paper Composite Countertops

This is the category in which paper composite really takes the cake. This is a countertop material that can literally change the way you think about sustainable materials. It is made out of paper – recycled and used paper at that – so it is as sustainable as it can get.

Also, the fact that it uses petroleum-free resin says a lot about the material and how mindful the makers are when creating a material that will not only serve its purpose in the kitchen but also protect the environment and the planet.

Granite Countertops

As for granite, even though it is a natural stone and the process by which it is made is something that the Earth’s crust does on a regular basis, quarrying it is going to be really damaging to the environment.

Quarrying is the process of drilling the ground and extracting the stone from the ground and it uses a lot of heavy machinery and a whole lot of fuel, which is not the most environmentally friendly. Also, the cutting of the slabs as well as making specialty cleaners for granite countertops can produce a lot of toxic waste and that is just not it.

Price

This is a very important factor for a lot of people, but this is also where both granite and paper composite tie. Even though paper composite is very expensive as compared to other man-made options like laminate, solid surface, porcelain, etc., it is still considered very reasonable, judging by the fact that they’re made very mindfully.

Believe it or not, granite also falls in the same price category as paper composite. Yes, they’re both a bit on the expensive side, but when you compare the two, then it’s quite similar. However, if you factor in entry-level granite, then granite may be cheaper than paper composite.

Resistance To Heat & Water

This factor is extremely important to consider if you’re working in the kitchen. Heat and moisture are things that you’ll have to face when you’re in the kitchen, but when you have a material that doesn’t need to be handled with kid’s gloves and can handle everything the kitchen throws at it, then it’s all good.

Paper Composite Countertops

Paper composite is pretty water-resistant to begin with, so that will not be a problem, but what can be a hindrance is heat. Resin is not exactly super heat-resistant and if you put something very hot on it, then it can lead to heat stains. Solution? Use a trivet or a cutting board to create a barrier and you will be good to go.

Granite Countertops

Granite is innately heat-resistant. Heat doesn’t bother this beast much. What can bother the stone is water. So, it is highly recommended that you seal the slabs before you install them and also after every few years. Water might just ruin your perfectly good granite countertops and you don’t want to see that happen, so take appropriate measures.

Conclusion

Granite and paper composite countertops – this is a comparison guide you didn’t know you needed. Well, now you know exactly what you can expect from these two materials. To know more about these materials or check out samples, contact granite installers Rockville.

16

Nov

16 FAQs About Choosing Quartz Countertops Thickness

So, you’re choosing quartz countertops for your kitchen but haven’t really decided on the details like the color and pattern, the finish, the size, the thickness, and others? Well, this guide is all about choosing the thickness of quartz countertops, as we will answer the most frequently asked questions on the topic. Let’s begin!

Most-Asked Questions About Selecting Quartz Countertops Thickness

What is the standard thickness of quartz countertops?

The standard thickness of quartz countertops is 2 cm (3/4 inch) and 3 cm (1 1/4 inches). Quartz slabs 3 cm thick are common in kitchens, while 2 cm is often used for prefabricated slabs and bathroom countertops.

Is thicker quartz more expensive?

Yes, thicker slabs are costlier, whichever material you choose. Apart from the material’s cost, the installation cost may be higher as well for thicker quartz slabs as they are heavier and may require special tools and techniques for installation. Usually, 3 cm quartz slabs are considered thicker slabs and are commonly used in kitchens.

Is it better to have thick or thin countertops?

Short answers: For kitchens, a thick countertop (3 cm and over) is better than a thin (2 cm and below) countertop if your budget allows, as it’s more durable and won’t crack easily. For bathrooms, the same is true, but 2 cm slabs are considered thick, while anything lower than that is taken as thin.

Long answer: Thick quartz countertops are preferred for their higher durability and aesthetics, but they are usually costlier and heavier. They may require you to consider additional support for the cabinets. Moreover, thicker quartz slabs are good at noise reduction and enable you to entertain more customization options like detailed edging profiles, various sink designs, and other functional and stylistic improvements.

Thin quartz countertops are favored by people who want a cost-effective countertop installation and need a minimal and modern appearance. The installation is easier as you don’t need reinforcements for cabinets and the slabs are eco-friendly because they have a smaller carbon footprint.

However, the durability of quartz countertops reduces as you go for thinner slabs. So, 2 cm slabs are less durable than 3 cm slabs, while 1 cm slabs are less durable than 2 cm slabs, keeping the quartz quality constant. Moreover, thinner slabs may look cheaper at a glance and there are fewer customizations for thinner quartz slabs.

Is 2cm or 3cm quartz better?

For kitchen countertops, 2cm and 3cm are common thickness options for quartz slabs. 3cm is more durable, a standard for kitchen countertops, and offers more customization options and styles. On the other hand, 2cm slabs are more cost-effective, still fairly durable, and lighter. If budget is not an issue, 3cm quartz is always the better choice. However, if you want a cost-effective option, choose 2cm quartz slabs and use plywood support under the slabs.

For backsplashes and bathroom countertops, 2cm is a standard and you can choose it without worrying about durability issues.

What is the price difference between 2cm and 3cm quartz?

The price difference between 2cm and 3cm quartz is usually 20-30%, given that the quartz quality is the same. However, the standard for kitchens is 3cm slabs, but if you have a tight budget, you can choose 2cm slabs along with professional installation.

Can you make a thin countertop slab look thicker?

Yes, you can make a thin countertop slab appear thicker by choosing the right edging profile, like mitered, laminated, waterfall, and others. With these edging options, you can make a 2cm quartz slab look like 3cm or 4cm.

How to choose the thickness of your quartz countertop?

Firstly, you should know about common thicknesses for quartz countertops, which are 3cm and 2cm. The former is more durable and the latter is a bit less durable. Secondly, consider the budget as thicker slabs are obviously pricier than thinner slabs. You should also take some time to choose an edging profile, as there are many options and some can also create an illusion of a thicker countertop slab.

Moreover, consider the style of your kitchen because 2cm slabs work well with modern and minimalist kitchens, while 3cm quartz slabs are for traditional and luxury kitchens. On than that, choose a thickness by keeping in mind your usage because busy, high-traffic kitchens are better off with 3cm slabs.

Do 2cm quartz slabs need plywood support?

Yes, you need to install a plywood support underneath the quartz slab and then install the slab. This adds support, allows for overhangs, and reduces the risk of the slab cracking during installation or due to a sudden impact.

Are thin countertops in style?

Yes, thin countertops are commonly used in modern and contemporary kitchens as they add a sense of sophistication and sleekness. However, 2cm slabs are usually considered thin, whereas the standard for traditional and high-end kitchens is 3cm.

Do thicker quartz countertops boost the home value?

Thicker quartz countertops (3cm and over) are considered high-quality and durable, so they can have a positive impact on the home’s value if all other factors favor it, such as the quality of quartz, your home’s design and aesthetics, the countertop thickness standard in your neighborhood, and the condition of the countertops.

If the quartz quality is mediocre, the home’s design doesn’t complement a thicker slab, thinner counters are favored in your neighborhood, or the countertops are faded, then a thicker slab won’t be of any help.

How thick is 2cm quartz?

A 2cm quartz slab is 3/4 inch or 20mm. It’s considered a thin quartz slab best for bathroom vanities, vertical installations, and budget-friendly kitchen countertops.

A thicker low-quality quartz slab vs. a thinner high-quality quartz?

When comparing a 3cm low-quality quartz slab with a 2cm high-quality quartz slab, quality matters more than thickness. Therefore, a 2cm high-quality quartz slab would be a better option in terms of durability and longevity. Keep in mind that if the quality is the same, a thicker slab is better than a thinner slab.

How far can a 2cm quartz overhang?

Unsupported overhang of a 2cm quartz countertop can be 6-8 inches. However, if you add support every 24-30 inches, you can extend the overhang to 12 inches. Without proper planning, longer overhangs can crack, so have an expert install the countertop.

Can you mix countertop thicknesses?

Yes, you can use two different thicknesses for countertops in the same kitchen. You can do so by picking a thicker slab for the island while using a thinner slab for the countertops. This can help you create a focal point in the kitchen or a stylistic statement and also help you save money.

How thick should a quartz kitchen island surface be?

Your quartz kitchen island surface should be 3cm for durability and aesthetics. However, you can get away with a 2cm surface if you use high-quality quartz and install plywood under the quartz slab.

Is 1.5cm quartz too thin?

For kitchen countertops, 1.5cm quartz is too thin. The standard thickness for quartz and natural stones is 3cm, however, you can go with 2cm as well. On the other hand, you can use 1.5cm for bathroom vanities or vertical applications such as backsplashes.

Conclusion

The durability of your quartz countertop depends on the quality and the thickness of the slab. So, choose thickness carefully. Get in touch with a quartz countertop contractor Rockville for advice and countertop installation.