Granite and quartz are two of the most popular countertop materials for kitchens and bathrooms. But which one is better? Here is a detailed comparison of granite vs. quartz countertops to help you decide which is the right choice for your home.
Durability
Granite is one of the most durable natural stone countertop options available. It’s resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. However, granite can chip if subjected to heavy impact. Quartz countertops are made from ground quartz stone mixed with resin. This makes quartz more durable and resistant to stains, scratches, heat, and impact damage compared to natural stone.
Winner: Quartz is slightly more durable overall.
Appearance
Granite has a beautiful, unique appearance with natural variations in color and veining throughout the stone. No two granite slabs are exactly alike. Quartz has a more uniform look since the stone is mixed with resin. But manufacturers add color, flecks, and veining to mimic the look of natural stone.
Winner: Granite provides one-of-a-kind visual appeal.
Maintenance
Granite is porous and requires sealing every 1-2 years to prevent stains. It also needs daily cleaning with special stone cleaners. Quartz is non-porous so it never needs sealing. Simple cleaning with soap and water is enough for routine maintenance.
Winner: Quartz is much easier to maintain long-term.
Heat Tolerance
Granite can withstand heat up to around 500°F before potential cracking damage occurs. You must use trivets for hot pots and pans. Quartz has more heat resistance, up to approximately 300°F. But prolonged direct heat exposure can still damage the solid surface.
Winner: Quartz tolerates heat better than natural stone.
Stain Resistance
Granite is somewhat stain resistant, but liquids can absorb into the porous stone and cause permanent discoloration if not cleaned promptly. Resealing provides added stain protection. Quartz resists stains far better and makes cleanup easy if spills occur.
Winner: Quartz offers superior stain resistance.
Price
On average, granite countertops cost $40-70 per square foot installed. Exotic, rare granites can range up to $100 per square foot. Quartz ranges from $50-100 per square foot installed. Higher-end designer brands cost more.
Winner: Granite wins for affordability, but the price gap has narrowed with improved quartz technology.
Colors and Patterns
Granite comes in a vast array of colors from dramatic dark black and red to creamy white and pastel hues. Unique veins and flecks add character. Quartz has many color options, but most lean towards a more uniform solid color look. Sparkly chips and quartz crystals provide texture.
Winner: Granite offers one-of-a-kind aesthetics.
Eco-Friendliness
Granite is a natural material, but some energy and water are used to quarry and fabricate the stone. There are green granite options with recycled content. Quartz contains high amounts of ground quartz bound together with resin. A portion of quartz brands use recycled materials.
Winner: Granite is the greener choice overall.
Is Granite or Quartz Better for Kitchen Countertops?
For kitchens, both granite and quartz make excellent countertop materials in terms of functionality, durability, and appearance. Here are a few considerations when deciding between them:
- Quartz requires virtually no maintenance compared to granite. This makes it a better option for busy kitchens prone to spills and stains.
- Granite can take the heat if pans are occasionally left on the surface. But quartz has higher heat tolerance overall.
- Granite provides a one-of-a-kind look with striking colors and patterns. For a uniform appearance, quartz offers more consistency.
- Granite is the more budget-friendly option, but the pricing difference has decreased over time.
Ultimately, quartz often gets the slight edge for kitchens since its superior durability and stain-resistance outweigh the higher cost. But granite remains a stunning choice that brings uniqueness to kitchen design.
Is Granite or Quartz Better for Bathroom Vanities and Showers?
For bathrooms, here are some things to consider:
- Quartz’s water-resistance makes it ideal for high-humidity areas like showers. Granite can work but needs diligent sealing.
- Vanities see less use/abuse than kitchens. Granite’s appearance may outweigh the maintenance needs for some homeowners.
- Vessel sinks have exposed countertop surfaces. Stain-prone granite may not be the best pairing for lighter vessel sinks.
- Quartz offers richer colors for easy pairing with most bath decors. Granite can clash with some color schemes.
The low maintenance factor again makes quartz generally the superior choice for bathrooms. But granite remains a classic option if the aesthetics align with your design taste and you don’t mind the required upkeep.
What are the Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops?
Pros:
- Unique natural beauty and endless color/pattern options
- Good durability and heat resistance
- Most affordable natural stone option
- Environmentally-friendly and natural material
- Can be refinished instead of replaced
Cons:
- Requires periodic sealing to resist stains
- Can chip under impact
- Needs special cleaning products
- Some colors/patterns more prone to staining
- Matching repairs can be tricky
What are the Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops?
Pros:
- Extremely durable and scratch/stain resistant
- Easy maintenance
- Heat, water, and UV resistant
- Consistent color and patterns
- Antimicrobial properties
- Long lifespan before replacement needed
Cons:
- Less natural stone look than granite
- Repairs and flaws more noticeable
- Limited exotic color options
- Higher cost than granite
- Some environmental impact in production
What Factors Impact the Cost of Granite vs. Quartz Countertops?
Granite cost factors:
- Base granite material cost per square foot
- Slab size needed
- Layout/number of seams
- Edge styles like bevels or ogees
- Rare/imported varieties and colors
- Regional labor costs
- Required installation adjustments
- Extra finishing like polishing or sealing
Quartz cost factors:
- Brand and quality tier selected
- Special patterns and colors
- Edge styles and backsplashes
- Amount of cutting and fabrication
- Regional labor costs
- Required installation adjustments
- Thickness chosen (2 vs 3 cm)
Does Granite or Quartz Add More Value to a Home?
In general, quartz may offer somewhat more value addition over granite:
- Quartz is seen as a higher-end material than granite at this point.
- The consistently low-maintenance aspect of quartz can appeal to potential home buyers.
- Neutral quartz colors align well with trends of clean, bright kitchens and baths.
However, naturally beautiful granite remains desirable. Opting for darker, less stain-prone granites in designs that appeal to masses can still boost property value. The key is keeping the granite sealed properly.
So while quartz may edge out granite, real estate value comes down to kitchen design, layout, cabinetry, and other big picture elements. The right granite can still be a selling point.
What are the Best Granite Colors for Countertops?
Popular granite colors include:
- Black – dramatic yet practical, hides scratches
- White – bright and elegant
- Gray – versatile neutral works anywhere
- Uba Tuba – deep green with character
- New Venetian Gold – warm gold and black tones
- Azul Platino – gray-blue with a marble look
Avoid light granites like Delicatus or Blue Bahia if concerned about staining. Be sure to view full slabs to assess overall pattern and veining.
What are the Most Popular Quartz Countertop Colors?
Top quartz colors are:
- White – clean, bright, works with any cabinetry
- Gray – neutral and adaptable like Carrara Mist
- Black – bold yet sophisticated like Onyx
- Beige – warm, inviting look in lighter kitchens
Many brands offer multi-colored quartz with bold veining like Calacatta or Statuario marbles. Blends with two lighter colors are also on-trend.
What Thickness is Best for Granite and Quartz Countertops?
The standard thickness options are:
- 2 cm – best for low impact areas like bath vanities
- 3 cm – provides stability for kitchen countertops
Granite should be 3 cm thickness minimum. At 2 cm, granite is prone to cracks and damage.
Quartz can safely withstand 2 cm thickness thanks to its sturdy construction. But 3 cm is still recommended for heavy-use kitchens.
What are the Best Edges for Granite and Quartz Countertops?
Granite edges:
- Eased or pencil – simple polished rounded edge
- Bullnose – rounded with flat section on top
- Bevel – angled flat slant
- Ogee – elegant framed edge
Quartz edges:
- Eased – matches most kitchen styles
- Bullnose – creates substantial feel
- Flattening back bevel – angled with flat back
- Mitered – clean corner seam look
Avoid sharper edging on granite versus more durable quartz. Decorative edges show wear over time on granite.
How to Choose Between Granite and Quartz for Countertops
Choosing between granite and quartz ultimately comes down to aesthetic tastes paired with practical needs:
- Prioritize natural beauty and variety in pattern? Granite offers distinct visual appeal.
- Want low maintenance and superior stain resistance? Quartz is the best choice.
- Cook often and need to withstand heat? Quartz tolerates heat better.
- Prefer eco-friendly options? Granite is more natural.
- Have a tight budget? Granite provides the best value.
- Want to mimic high-end marble looks? Many quartz options replicate these patterns.
Carefully examine your design goals, lifestyle needs, and budget considerations when selecting between these two top-tier countertop materials.
FAQ
Is granite or quartz more popular?
Quartz has surpassed granite in popularity over the past decade thanks to its durability and low-maintenance reputation. But classic granite still remains widely used.
Which material is best for resale value?
Most real estate analysis gives quartz a slight edge over granite in terms of recouping your investment. But well-chosen granite that suits home buyer preferences can also boost value.
Can you repair quartz countertops?
Unlike granite, quartz cannot be repaired by refinishing or polishing out damage. But skilled professionals can fill chips and seams with color-matched filler.
Can quartz emulate marble looks?
Yes, many popular quartz patterns replicate luxurious marble with attractive veining. Brands like Caesarstone offer marble-look options.
Is quartz healthier than granite?
Both materials are considered food-safe and non-toxic. But quartz contains antimicrobial properties to inhibit bacteria growth. Granite can harbor bacteria if not properly sealed.
Conclusion
While once lagging behind classic granite, quartz now surpasses it as the countertop of choice for many homeowners. But natural granite endures as a stunning surface full of unique charm.
Ultimately, granite and quartz each have strengths in terms of appearance, performance, value, and eco-profile. Assess these key considerations against your own needs. And be sure to view slabs in person before finalizing a countertop selection for your home.