If you want to change up your existing countertops, but find it hard to choose from an array of materials because the choices are just overwhelming, well, then you’re at the right place. This guide provides a thorough comparison between travertine and quartz countertops.

Differences Between Travertine And Quartz Countertops

The Material

First and foremost, you have to know the material from the inside out when you’re going for something particular. This gives you insight into what you can expect from the material, how good the durability will be, and all that jazz.

Travertine Countertops

Travertine, for instance, is a stone that is generally formed by mineral deposits in hot springs. You know when you see a spring and there are some sort of deposits on the walls and the sides of the spring, that is travertine. It is a very non-traditional stone that is not quarried from the ground. Rather, it is found on top of the ground and in hot springs.

As far as composition is concerned, travertine is mainly made out of calcium carbonate and a variety of other minerals, so you should know that it is a type of limestone.

Quartz Countertops

As far as quartz is concerned, it is wholly a man-made material and it is usually made out of pulverized rocks, minerals, and mica, and then all of it is enforced together with some clear resin.

This mixture dries to a rock hard finish and this is what gives quartz that very hard and characteristic look. So, if you want to go for a stone that looks similar to marble, then this is the one.

Durability

Next up is probably one of the most important things to consider about a stone or a countertop material when you’re buying one, and that is durability.

Travertine Countertops

Travertine is a natural stone, which means that it is a porous rock. If you know anything about natural stones, then you would know that you need to protect them from water and harsh chemicals, because they can absorb said things into the surface, and the result will be the damage imparted to the stone.

So, travertine, since it is a stone made out of deposits, is not exactly a very hard stone, so you need to be careful with it, especially when it comes to dealing with acidic foods and substances, as this can cause a lot of damage.

Quartz Countertops

As for quartz, since it is a man-made countertop material, it is really hard, and it is considered to be one of the best and most durable countertop materials out there. There is literally no space or pore on the surface of quartz, and that is amazing, because it is sealed shut naturally and it doesn’t allow anything to penetrate into the material.

Also, it is very hard and durable, so you don’t need to worry about shattering it or damaging it by putting a lot of force on it.

Heat Resistance

You’re working in a kitchen. Obviously, you have to think about heat resistance. This is something that is a no-brainer.

Travertine Countertops

Travertine is a highly heat-resistant material. Even though it is not like a traditional rock, which is formed deep within the Earth and under high temperature and pressure, the composition makes up for it, and it really doesn’t flinch or get damaged when you put something really hot on top of the counters.

You don’t need to worry about heat stains either, which is amazing, considering it’s such a soft material. Clearly, it packs a punch. If you need an even better choice when it comes to heat resistance, consider granite countertops Durham NC.

Quartz Countertops

As for quartz, even though it is extremely durable and hard, that doesn’t mean that it is the best in every department. Heat is the singular thing that quartz cannot bear. This is because resin itself is not heat-resistant and it can actually get damaged and melted when it comes in contact with high-temperature items.

Ultimately, this can lead to the formation of blisters on the countertops as well as black heat stains, which are impossible to remove. So, you need to keep this in mind.

Stain Resistance

Stain resistance is also something that you have to keep in mind, because you’re constantly using the countertops for multiple things, and you don’t want them to get stained.

Travertine Countertops

Natural stones like travertine are easy to stain because of its porous nature, but you can stop it by sealing your travertine countertops. Think of it as a top coat on the counters that will help to fill up the pores on the exposed surface of the countertops and then you will be good to go.

This is something that you have to do regularly, because the sealant can wither away after some time, but this small thing can make your travertine countertops waterproof for a long time, which is a huge plus.

Quartz Countertops

As for quartz, you don’t really need to go the extra mile and seal the countertops, because resin will do that work for you by default. This is really great, because this adds one less thing to the maintenance list and you will be good to go for a long time.

If there is no way for water or fluid to get absorbed into the stone or the material, the stains will also be history, and that is what you want to go for.

Cost

The cost of both travertine and quartz is variable, depending on where you get it from and what the general market is.

Usually, travertine is a lot more affordable than most natural stones out there, whereas quartz is really expensive, even for a man-made material. The material that you want to choose is something that you have to decide on your own, because it depends on your budget and how much you’re willing to spend. So, you need to make a decision based on what qualities impress you greatly.

Maintenance

Maintenance of a countertop material is just as important as any other factor in this guide. You want to choose a material that won’t require too much work, but also isn’t a lost cause.

Travertine Countertops

Well, when it comes to travertine, since it is a natural stone, it will need a tad bit more maintenance than usual. You have to seal it regularly, you have to use neutral cleaners for it, and daily cleaning is something that you have to do all the time, if you don’t want your countertops to turn into a den of germs.

Quartz Countertops

As for quartz, it is a very low-maintenance material, and in some cases, you might not even need to maintain it at all. You don’t need to seal it, there is no need to get it refreshed professionally, and all you really have to do is give it a good wipe down and take care of not using any abrasive cleaning tools on it like scouring pads or anything like that.

You just want to use a microfiber cloth or a toothbrush for any tough and stubborn food debris and you’re good to go.

Conclusion

Now that you know all there is to travertine and quartz, making a decision for your countertop replacement Raleigh NC won’t be this hard. So, which countertop material is more up your alley? Quartz or travertine?