When it comes to choosing countertop materials for your kitchen or bathroom, two of the most popular options are granite and quartz. Both offer distinct advantages and disadvantages that are important to weigh when making your decision. Here is an in-depth comparison of granite vs. quartz countertops to help you select the best material for your needs and style.
Introduction
Granite and quartz are two of the leading choices for countertops due to their durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. Granite is a natural stone that offers one-of-a-kind visual appeal, while quartz is an engineered stone prized for its consistent coloring and patterns.
When deciding between the two, it’s important to consider factors like initial cost, appearance, durability, maintenance, and resale value. Understanding the pros and cons of granite vs. quartz will ensure you make the most informed decision for your home.
Granite Countertops
Appearance
One of the biggest draws of granite is its unique and stunning visual style. Made from natural quartz, feldspar, and other mineral deposits, no two granite slabs are alike. The natural patterning and speckling make each granite countertop feel special and custom.
Granite comes in a vast array of colors, from bold blacks and rich browns to soft beiges and creamy whites. Depending on your cabinetry and interior decor, it’s easy to find a granite shade that complements your kitchen or bath. Many homeowners choose granite for its one-of-a-kind beauty and natural elegance.
Durability
As one of the toughest natural stones available, granite is highly durable and able to withstand heavy daily use. Its density makes it resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. Granite rates between 6 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it’s comparable in hardness to metals like steel.
Properly sealed, granite countertops can last for decades with minimal signs of wear. They don’t easily chip or crack and can withstand drops from pots or glassware. For busy kitchens that see a lot of traffic and use, granite is a smart choice that remains beautiful over time.
Maintenance
Basic maintenance is required to keep granite looking like new. It needs to be sealed upon installation and once a year after that to prevent stains from penetrating the stone. Quick cleaning with soap and water is recommended after food prep. More thorough monthly cleanings will keep the granite free of grime buildup.
Despite being prone to staining when left unsealed, well-maintained granite is quite easy to keep clean. Using sealant and prompt cleanup of spills prevents most issues. With routine care, granite retains its original beauty and requires little hassle.
Cost
Granite is one of the more expensive natural stone countertop options, costing $40-$100 per square foot installed. Factors like stone variety, edge styles, and regional labor rates impact the total cost. Since no two slabs are alike, pricing can vary.
While not cheap, many homeowners find the unparalleled beauty and longevity of granite makes it worth the investment. The resale value and elegance it adds to a kitchen or bath make it a premium choice.
Pros
- Unique natural beauty and patterns
- Excellent durability and scratch resistance
- Easy maintenance with proper sealing
- Adds value and elegance to a home
- Resists heat, stains, and cracks
Cons
- Expensive compared to other countertop materials
- Can stain or chip if left unsealed
- Slab matching extra time and cost
- Naturally occurring variation in patterning
Quartz Countertops
Appearance
Engineered from 90% ground quartz along with polymer resins and pigments, quartz offers consistent coloring and patterning. The resins allow quartz to take on more diverse styles than natural stone, including realistic stone and marble looks.
With a wide array of colors and patterns available, it’s easy to find a quartz style that suits your space. Quartz mimics granite, marble, and other high-end stones without natural flaws and inconsistencies. A quartz countertop offers uniformity not found in natural materials.
Durability
Quartz rates around 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely resilient against scratches, chips, cracks, and heat damage. The polymer resins ensure the stone remains stable over time and doesn’t easily stain or etch.
With proper maintenance, quartz countertops can stay looking pristine and flawless for decades. The engineered nature of the stone makes it more durable than natural options like granite. It stands up beautifully to heavy use in kitchens and baths.
Maintenance
Caring for quartz requires minimal effort. Simple cleaning with soap and water keeps the surface free of most dirt and stains. It does not require regular sealing or polishing to maintain its appearance.
Due to its non-porousness, quartz won’t absorb liquids and residues the way natural stone can. Spills can simply be wiped away instead of penetrating the material. This makes quartz one of the lowest maintenance countertop materials available.
Cost
Quartz has an installed cost of $30-$100 per square foot. Factors like custom edges, brand name, and area labor rates affect overall pricing. Though not cheap, its reasonable cost and longevity make it a sound investment for most homeowners.
The consistency of engineered quartz makes installation less labor-intensive compared to natural stone slabs that require matching and planning. In general, quartz offers notable value, quality, and hassle-free maintenance.
Pros
- Consistent patterning and coloring
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant
- Requires little ongoing maintenance
- Resists stains, heat damage, and cracks
- Non-porous so spills don’t absorb
Cons
- Less customization options than natural stone
- Not as heat resistant as granite
- Lacks the unique look of natural materials
- More expensive than materials like laminate
Granite vs. Quartz: Key Differences
| Comparison | Granite | Quartz |
|-|-|-|
| Composition | Natural stone | Ground quartz and polymer resins |
| Appearance | Unique natural patterning | Consistent manufactured look |
| Durability | Very durable | Extremely durable |
| Maintenance | Requires sealing | Little required maintenance |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Cost | $40-$100 per sq. ft. installed | $30-$100 per sq. ft. installed |
Which is Better: Granite or Quartz?
When choosing between granite and quartz, there are several factors to keep in mind:
- Budget – Quartz is generally more affordable than natural granite for most homeowners. Those on a stricter budget may find better value in quartz.
- Aesthetics – Granite offers a genuine look that quartz cannot precisely mimic. If a natural stone look is preferred, granite is likely the better choice.
- Low Maintenance – For homeowners who want to avoid yearly sealing and frequent polishing, easy-care quartz makes more sense.
- Durability – Both offer excellent durability, though quartz rates slightly higher in resilience to damage. Their longevity is comparable.
Ultimately, there is no definitive “better” option. Granite and quartz each have their own advantages that suit different needs and preferences. Assessing your priorities for appearance, maintenance, and cost will guide you toward the most fitting stone counter material for your home.
Many homeowners opt to install granite in busy kitchen spaces where its natural beauty and heat resistance come in handy, while saving quartz for bathrooms and less utilized areas of the kitchen. Combining the two materials is a great way to capitalize on the perks of each.
Making the Decision Between Granite and Quartz
When deciding between materials for your home, here are some final tips to consider:
- View granite and quartz slabs in person before finalizing your selection. This gives you a sense of colors and patterns.
- Ask about warranties. Many quartz and granite brands offer 10 or 15 year warranties on their products.
- Get quotes from different fabricators. Pricing varies, so shop around.
- Learn about maintenance needs. Be sure you are prepared to properly care for either material.
- Decide which aesthetic you prefer. Granite offers an elegant uniqueness while quartz provides uniformity.
- Weigh resale value. Natural granite may increase a home’s value more for future sale.
Choosing the right countertop can be a big decision. Take your time, understand the differences between granite and quartz, and make sure your selection works with your personal style, lifestyle, and budget. Either of these beautiful and functional materials will serve you well for many years in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granite and Quartz Countertops
Is granite or quartz better?
There is no definitively “better” option between granite and quartz. Granite offers a genuine natural look while quartz requires little maintenance. It comes down to your priorities – beauty, care, durability, and cost preferences.
Is granite or quartz more durable?
Both materials are highly durable and resistant to scratching, cracking, and heat damage. Quartz rates slightly higher on durability assessments, but both will last for decades with proper care.
Which material is cheaper?
Quartz nearly always costs less than granite. Exact pricing varies based on slab quality, edgework, and regional costs but expect to pay less overall for quartz.
Does quartz stain easily?
No, quartz does not stain easily due to its non-porous nature. Liquids and spills wipe up instead of soaking into the material. However, oil can stain quartz if left for prolonged periods.
Is quartz cooler than granite?
Granite stays cooler than quartz since it’s a natural stone. Quartz countertops can get somewhat warmer, especially darker colors absorbing heat from sunlight.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No, quartz does not require regular sealing like natural stone. One of the benefits of engineered quartz is that it resists moisture and stains without a sealant.
Can you set hot pans on quartz?
It’s best to use trivets or hot pads, but briefly placing hot pans on quartz won’t damage it. Prolonged direct heat can damage the solid surface over time.
Which material looks more high-end?
Granite is generally regarded as having a more high-end, upscale aesthetic than quartz. However, technology improvements allow quartz to realistically mimic luxury stones like marble very convincingly.
Conclusion
When choosing a countertop, granite and quartz each have their advantages. Granite offers stunning natural beauty and a genuine stone look, while easy-care quartz provides durability and consistency. Cost, maintenance level, and style preferences will dictate which material is better suited for your space and lifestyle.
Carefully review the pros and cons and differences between these two excellent options. View stone slabs in person and get quotes from fabricators. Whether you choose natural elegance of granite or modern consistency of quartz, you can rest assured knowing your new countertops will serve you well for decades to come.