If you’re thinking of making big changes in the backyard this summer and have your heart set on an outdoor kitchen, countertop or table, you may be wondering: which traditionally used indoor materials will work best with the elements of the great outdoors – quartz, or granite?
Both have their own beautiful appeal, but it’s important for homeowners to keep in mind the age-old question of fashion vs. function – because while adding extra ambiance to your yard may be the end goal of most outdoor renovation projects, it won’t matter when the product you’ve picked falls by the wayside faster than the seasons change.
Quartz for Outdoor Projects: Not as Ideal as You May Think
Quartz countertops are made from 93% natural quartz and can breathe new life into just about any kitchen, bathroom or fireplace, with the potential to create a wide range of gorgeous, jaw-dropping countertops in several different designs and colours. It also requires very little maintenance or sealing to preserve its look.
But while its ambient appeal and a lack of need for after-care may seem like good enough reasons to consider quartz for your outdoor project, there’s also a very big drawback to this material that may cause you to think twice before buying: it’s not heat-resistant.
As you might imagine, this is a rather significant problem for any product you plan on keeping in plain view of something as hot as the sun. In fact, with quartz products, UV rays will eventually cause the colour to fade, leaving your countertop or table much less lively over time.
Again, this is a pretty big drawback, and is likely enough to deter most homeowners from choosing to utilize quartz in the yard. One workaround: if you’re planning on using it to build a countertop or table that will be hidden from the sun at all times – such as a backyard bar – it might be a sounder choice. Overall, though, quartz is really not worth the worry if you’re set on creating a beautiful outdoor space that will last.
Granite for Outdoor Projects: A Natural Selection
This brings us to the other side of the coin for your outdoor project: granite.
Granite is one of the oldest, most natural materials on the planet, and an incredibly popular choice for decorating kitchens, bathrooms, and even areas like the lounge, where it makes an ideal fireplace backing. Aside from its strength and long-lasting durability, it, like quartz, also offer several options for designs and colours, giving homeowners a wide range of choice for any project.
Granite does, however, require regular maintenance and sealing – otherwise it could lose the beautiful appeal that led you to choose it in the first place. Compared to quartz and its tendency to fade in natural sunlight, though, this seems like a pretty good trade-off – regular maintenance comes with most aspects of homeownership anyway, and if you want your new backyard to be a point of pride, it’s to be expected.
Even if you’re not big on the idea of maintenance, consider this: granite is less likely to fade or chip than quartz, it’s scratch and wear-resistant, and it’s been outside in a natural state for centuries (perhaps you’ve heard of Italy?). It’s no stranger to time or the elements, and the resulting beauty it brings your backyard is well-worth either ensuring you’re cleaning it every now and then or any potential damage it may take if you don’t.
For Outdoor Projects, Granite is a Winner
Quartz and granite are both extremely popular choices for home renovation and design projects, and with good reason – just a few looks at the different types of countertops or tables made from either material is enough to sway anyone who’s got big plans for making changes around the house.
However, if you’ve got long-lasting value in mind, then granite may be your best bet: quartz’s susceptibility to fade in the sunlight is enough of a disadvantage that it’s likely not worth it for any homeowner who’s looking for a backyard they can enjoy for years to come. Although granite will require more maintenance over time, its strength, resilience and ability to take the heat make it an ideal material for creating the perfect outdoor living space, right in your own backyard.
