Granite and quartz are two of the most popular countertop materials on the market today. Many homeowners find themselves trying to decide between these two attractive and durable options when renovating their kitchens or bathrooms. But is quartz truly better than granite when it comes to countertops? There are pros and cons to both materials that are worth examining.
Durability
One of the biggest considerations when choosing a countertop is durability. Homeowners want a surface that can stand up to years of daily use without wear and tear.
Granite is known for its hardness and durability. It is resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. However, granite can chip if subjected to a hard impact. Sealing is required periodically to keep granite countertops looking their best.
Quartz is engineered from natural stone and resin. This makes quartz more flexible yet still extremely durable. Quartz resists scratches, stains, heat, and impacts better than granite. It never needs to be sealed. Many quartz patterns incorporate metallic flecks for an attractive shimmer.
Winner: Quartz edges out granite in durability due to its enhanced flexibility and stain resistance. It requires less maintenance as well.
Appearance
Granite and quartz both come in a wide array of stunning patterns and colors from light to dark. Choosing between them often comes down to personal preference in style and aesthetics.
Granite has an organic, natural look with distinctive veining and speckling. No two granite slabs are exactly the same. Granite provides a timeless, elegant appearance.
Quartz offers a modern vibrancy with uniform speckling. Engineered patterns range from stone-like to abstract. Subtle color variations between slabs provide consistency. Quartz offers a contemporary appeal.
Winner: It’s a draw when it comes to appearance. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder with these two materials. Granite and quartz each provide unique visual styles.
Price
Budget plays a key role in choosing between granite vs quartz. In general, quartz costs more per square foot than granite. Here are some typical price ranges:
- Granite: $40-$150 per square foot installed
- Quartz: $80-$200 per square foot installed
Granite has long been the more economical option. However, technological advances have brought quartz prices down slightly in recent years, narrowing the gap. Granite remains the budget friendly choice overall.
Winner: Granite wins in terms of price. It provides homeowners more bang for their buck. Quartz costs considerably more.
Maintenance
Caring for a countertop plays a big role in its longevity and appearance. Many buyers favor low maintenance materials. Here is how granite and quartz compare:
Granite requires periodic sealing every 1-3 years to prevent stains and damage. It also needs gentle cleaning with stone soap to keep surfaces pristine. Some granite may need occasional polishing to repair etches.
Quartz needs almost no maintenance aside from routine cleaning with soap and water. It never needs sealing or polishing. This makes quartz the lowest maintenance countertop available.
Winner: Quartz is the clear winner when it comes to easy maintenance with no sealing required. Granite needs more care over time.
Heat Tolerance
The kitchen can be a hot environment. Countertops need to be able to withstand exposure to hot pots and pans fresh from the stovetop or oven.
Granite can withstand heat fairly well, although prolonged direct contact may potentially cause damage over time. Using trivets is highly recommended with granite.
Quartz is even more heat tolerant. It resists temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. No trivets are needed. Quartz offers outstanding thermal resilience.
Winner: Quartz wins for heat tolerance. Its durability against heat surpasses that of granite. Quartz can readily handle hot cookware.
Stain Resistance
Kitchen countertops see plenty of spills, drips, and splatters on a daily basis. Surfaces that resist staining are a top priority for many homeowners.
Granite is relatively stain resistant, but not stain-proof. Prolonged exposure to spills, especially wine, oil, and acidic foods, may cause discoloration if not wiped up quickly. Sealing is needed to enhance granite’s stain resistance.
Quartz is highly stain resistant and almost stain-proof. It stands up excellently against all common kitchen stains like wine, coffee, and juices. No sealing is required to prevent stains.
Winner: Quartz excels at stain resistance. Spills are not a concern and it never needs sealing. Granite may stain if spills are not cleaned promptly.
Is a Quartz Countertop Better Than Granite – The Verdict
When evaluating the pros and cons, quartz edges out granite as the better overall countertop material for most kitchens. Key advantages of quartz include:
- Enhanced durability and flexibility
- Lower maintenance needs without sealing
- Extreme stain and heat resistance
However, some homeowners may favor granite for its:
- Unique natural beauty and patterns
- Timeless elegance
- Lower cost
Ultimately, the choice between granite vs quartz countertops comes down to your priorities and budget. If low maintenance and maximum resilience are top concerns, quartz is likely the better option. But if natural stone beauty and affordability matter more, granite may be ideal.
Carefully examine the pros and cons of each material. Weigh your needs to choose the best countertop for your home. With their durability, style and array of custom options, granite and quartz both make fantastic countertop materials that will provide lasting beauty and functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granite vs Quartz Countertops
Is quartz better than granite?
Quartz is better than granite in terms of durability, stain resistance and heat tolerance. It also requires less maintenance without the need for periodic sealing. However, granite remains more affordable and provides a classic natural stone look.
Is quartz or granite more expensive?
Quartz countertops are typically more expensive than granite. The price for installed quartz ranges from $80-$200 per square foot, while granite runs $40-$150 per square foot installed. The engineered nature and fabrication of quartz makes it cost more.
Which is better for kitchen countertops?
For most kitchens, quartz makes the better countertop material due to its superior durability against scratches, stains, heat and impacts. It never needs sealing and stands up well to heavy daily use. Granite can work very well too but requires more careful maintenance.
What are the downsides of quartz?
One downside of quartz is the higher price tag. While durable, quartz can also lack the natural beauty of granite since patterns are engineered. Some quartz has a more artificial or plastic-like look. Q
Does quartz stain easily?
Quartz does not stain easily. It is non-porous and highly resistant to stains from spills, oils, juices and other liquids. This makes quartz a great low-maintenance surface. Granite stains more easily than quartz if spills are not cleaned up promptly.
Can you damage quartz countertops?
It is possible but difficult to damage quartz countertops. Their durability makes them resistant to scratches, chips, cracks and heat damage under normal use. However, excessive impact or force could potentially damage quartz. Proper care prevents most damage issues.
Does quartz lose its shine?
With routine cleaning, quartz countertops retain their beautiful shine and luster for many years. The polish on quartz countertops does not wear away under normal use. Quartz maintains its glossy polished finish much better than granite over time.
Conclusion
When choosing between granite and quartz countertops, weigh the pros and cons of each carefully. Quartz often provides excellent durability and low maintenance ideal for kitchen use. But granite brings natural elegance at a lower cost. Consider your budget, aesthetics and needs to pick the right material for your home. With their stellar good looks and performance, granite and quartz countertops both make invaluable additions to any space.