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Factors to consider with stone, concrete countertops
Countertops are one product where beauty and practicality can coexist.
Both granite and quartz made it through a gantlet of Consumer Reports' testing of
spills, hot pots, knives, and more with top scores. But quartz needs less care to
keep its good looks. Quartz - also called engineered stone - is a composite of stone,
pigment, and resin. Manufacturers are expanding beyond uniform patterns, creating
looks closer to natural stone. But granite continues to sell well because of its
many colors, variations, and lower prices. It's also heat- and impact-resistant,
but must be periodically resealed.
With such strong sales it's no surprise that companies are trying to get a piece
of the rock. DuPont and Home Depot now offer branded granite with limited warranties.
But DuPont's warranty doesn't cover damage caused by normal wear and tear. Home
Depot's Stonemark® granite, by Innovative Stone™, offers a 15-year stain
warranty. Though this granite performed slightly better than regular granite in
the magazine's tests, testers said they don't know if the sealer will hold up any
better over time. The warranty says that only the company will help you repair stains,
not replace the counter. Finish doesn't matter. Sealed stone counters are sold with
glossy and honed (matte) finishes. Contrary to popular belief, the magazines tests
found that honed finishes resisted stains no better than glossy ones if stains dried
and set overnight. Concrete: Still niche, still fragile.
Concrete countertops are generally made and installed by local fabricators, so quality
can vary. They chip and scratch easily, and can develop hairline cracks. Topical
sealers withstand stains but not heat; Penetrating sealers handle heat, not stains.
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