When it comes to choosing countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, two of the most popular options are quartz and granite. But which one is better? Here is an in-depth comparison of quartz vs granite countertops to help you decide which material is right for your home.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with polyresin. This mixture is poured into molds to create countertop slabs. Quartz typically contains over 90% ground quartz combined with 7-10% resins and pigments.
Some key features of quartz:
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant
- Non-porous – resists stains
- Available in wide variety of colors and patterns
- Requires less maintenance than natural stone
- Seamless appearance
- Heat and burn resistant
Popular quartz brands: Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, PentalQuartz
What is Granite?
Granite is a natural stone that is mined from quarries around the world. It is an igneous rock formed from magma or lava as it cools down.
Some key qualities of granite:
- Extremely hard and durable
- Available in wide range of natural colors and patterns
- Heat and scratch resistant
- Porous and requires sealing to prevent stains
- Can have unique veining or speckles throughout
Popular granite colors: Ubatuba, Absolute Black, Baltic Brown, Kashmir White
Quartz vs Granite Comparison
Now that we’ve looked at the basics of quartz and granite, let’s compare the two options across some key factors:
Appearance
Both quartz and granite come in a wide variety of colors, from light to dark, and with different patterns available. With quartz you are limited to the pre-designed color options, while granite offers a more unique look with natural veining and speckles.
Granite tends to have more dramatic patterns and color variation within each slab. Quartz offers a more uniform and consistent look across the countertop surface.
If you want a heavily patterned stone with character, granite is the better choice. For a smoother, uniform appearance, quartz is ideal.
Durability
Quartz and granite are both extremely durable countertop materials that stand up well to daily wear and tear. However, quartz edges out granite in durability due to its superior scratch resistance and non-porosity.
Quartz is engineered to be hard, while granite is a natural stone that can be slightly more prone to chipping or cracks. Over time, granite develops a worn patina while quartz maintains its original beauty.
Care and Maintenance
One of the biggest differences between the two countertop options is maintenance. Quartz requires very little maintenance, only needing occasional cleaning with soap and water to keep it looking like new.
Since granite is porous, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent stains from being absorbed. It also requires a bit more care to prevent scratches or damages. Quartz is virtually non-porous and nearly impossible to stain without sealants needed.
If you want to avoid frequent sealing and cleaning, quartz is much lower maintenance.
Heat Tolerance
Both granite and quartz offer good heat resistance compared to other countertop materials. However, quartz tends to have slightly better heat tolerance over an extended time period.
Granite can withstand normal cooking pan temperatures but prolonged exposure to extreme heat can potentially cause cracks or discoloration. Quartz is engineered to resist high heat from hot pans and can typically withstand brief exposure (under 15 min) to temperatures up to 212°F.
Cost
In general, quartz countertops tend to cost slightly more than granite. The exact price ranges can vary depending on your location and the specific materials chosen.
Here are some average price ranges:
- Quartz: $80 – $140 per sq. ft. installed
- Granite: $50 – $100 per sq. ft. installed
Quartz is typically 10-30% more expensive than granite on average. Factors like quality, rarity, thickness, and color patterns impact the costs of each material. Expect to pay more for premium quartz brands.
Are Quartz Countertops Better For Resale Value?
In recent years, quartz has become one of the most popular choices for today’s homebuyer. The low-maintenance appeal and modern appearance makes quartz an ideal choice to boost resale appeal.
Granite remains a classic, timeless option. But for many homeowners, quartz feels like the fresher, more updated choice which new buyers may favor.
Should You Choose Quartz or Granite?
So when considering your new kitchen or bath countertops, should you go for quartz or granite? Here are some key factors to help guide your decision:
Consider quartz if you want:
- Extreme durability and scratch resistance
- Low maintenance and easy cleaning
- Modern, uniform appearance
- Resistance to stains, etching and heat
Consider granite if you want:
- Timeless, classic material with prestige
- Unique natural patterns with variation
- Ability to choose from rare/expensive slabs
- Traditional appearance with patina over time
Both are great options that will enhance your home for many years. Think about your lifestyle, design tastes, and priorities to choose the best material for your space. And make sure to review samples to get a true sense for each material’s color tones and patterns.
Are There Other Alternatives To Quartz and Granite?
If you find yourself torn between quartz vs granite, you may want to also consider alternative natural stone or engineered countertop materials:
- Marble: Elegant veining but requires frequent sealing.
- Soapstone: Heat resistant but prone to stains.
- Concrete: Industrial vibe but needs occasional sealing.
- Laminate: Budget friendly but easily scratched.
- Wood: Provides warmth but can be high maintenance.
- Ceramic Tile: Durable and affordable but grout needs sealing.
- Stainless Steel: Sleek and modern but prone to scratching.
- Butcher Block: Provides character but needs careful maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz vs Granite
Still uncertain if you should choose quartz or granite for your kitchen or bath remodel? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is quartz more durable than granite?
Yes, quartz is generally more durable and stain/scratch resistant than granite. Quartz is engineered to be ultra-hard and hold up to heavy use.
Is quartz cheaper than granite?
No, quartz countertops are typically more expensive than granite. On average expect to pay $80-140 per square foot installed for quartz and $50-100 per square foot installed for granite. Premium quartz can cost 20-30% more than mid-range granite.
Does quartz add more value than granite?
Quartz may add slightly more value for resale than granite since it has wide appeal as a low-maintenance, modern countertop material. But granite still provides an attractive, timeless look.
Can you cut directly on quartz or granite?
It’s best to avoid cutting directly on either surface. Always use a cutting board since cutting directly on the countertop risks damaging the surface, even with durable materials like quartz and granite.
Does quartz stain like granite?
No, quartz does not easily stain since it is non-porous, while granite requires sealing to prevent absorption of stains. However, extremely hot pots/pans or strong chemicals can potentially stain both surfaces.
Is quartz less likely to chip than granite?
Yes, quartz has extremely high durability and resistance to chipping due to its engineered composition. Natural granite is still hard but has a slightly higher risk of chips, cracks, or flaws developing over time.
The Bottom Line
Granite and quartz are both fantastic options for kitchens and bathrooms. If chipping or cracking is a big concern for you, quartz may provide extra peace of mind thanks to its superior durability. Granite offers a prestigious, classic look and can be an especially good value. Evaluate each material based on the aesthetics you prefer along with factors like maintenance needs, budget, and how heavily the surface will be used on a daily basis. And be sure to visit showrooms to see slabs of each material in person. This will give you the best sense of the color tones and patterns before making your final decision between quartz vs granite.
Are Quartz Countertops Better Than Granite: A Detailed Comparison
When remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, choosing the right countertop material is one of the most important decisions. Granite and quartz are two of the most popular options, but many homeowners struggle to decide between the two. Here we’ll compare quartz and granite across key factors like appearance, durability, maintenance, cost, and resale value. Read on to learn whether quartz or granite countertops are the better choice for your next project.
Appearance
One of the biggest considerations when choosing a countertop is visual appeal. Granite and quartz both come in a diverse array of colors, but each material has its own distinct aesthetic.
Granite is a natural stone with variations in veining, speckles, and coloring within each slab. This gives each piece of granite a unique appearance. The natural patterning provides depth and visual interest. Granite comes in colors ranging from rich blacks to creamy whites and vivid blues.
Quartz has a more uniform, consistent appearance since it is engineered. The coloring goes all the way through each slab. Quartz offers a cleaner, smoother look compared to the flecks and grains of granite. While more limited than granite, there are still many color and pattern options to choose from. Quartz can mimic the look of natural marble or granite while providing more consistency.
If you like natural stone but don’t want pronounced veining or speckling, quartz provides a great alternative. For those who want a unique look with distinctive patterns, granite is ideal.
Durability
Durability is another significant differentiator when comparing granite vs quartz countertops.
Quartz is engineered to be extremely hard and durable. It’s composed of ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. This makes quartz highly resistant to scratches, chips and cracks. Quartz maintains its polish extremely well over time.
Granite is also very durable as a natural stone. But it is slightly more prone to chipping on the edges or developing cracks over time compared to quartz. Areas of high use may start to show some wearing on granite surfaces.
Both materials are resistant to heat. But prolonged exposure or extreme temperatures can potentially cause discoloration or cracks in natural granite. Quartz tends to be a bit more heat resistant.
Overall, quartz is the most durable option of the two in terms of resisting scratches, stains and heat damage during daily use. But granite still holds up very well.
Care and Maintenance
The maintenance requirements for quartz and granite countertops also differ quite a bit:
Quartz is virtually non-porous so routine sealing is not required. Simple cleaning with soap and water is all that’s needed to maintain its beautiful finish. It does not require polishing or re-sanding over time like natural stone. This makes quartz a very low maintenance material.
Granite is porous and requires sealing as often as once a year to prevent stains from being absorbed. It also needs to be cleaned more gently to prevent scratching or damaging the surface. Granite’s porous nature also makes it more prone to harboring bacteria if not properly sealed and disinfected.
For busy homeowners who want to avoid frequent sealing and cleaning, quartz is the lower maintenance option. But granite only requires basic care to keep it looking pristine.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines for either material you choose.
Cost Comparison
In most cases, quartz countertops will be more expensive than granite. Here are some typical installed costs:
- Entry-level granite: $40 – $70 per sq. ft.
- Mid-range granite: $70 – $100 per sq. ft.
- Premium granite: $100 – $150 per sq. ft.
- Entry-level quartz: $80 – $100 per sq. ft.
- Mid-range quartz: $100 – $140 per sq. ft.
- Premium quartz: $140 – $180 per sq. ft.
However, costs vary widely based on the quality, thickness, color patterns, and other factors that impact pricing for slabs of each material. Unique granite colors like blues and greens often cost more. Premium quartz brands also command higher prices.
In general though, quartz comes at a 25-50% premium over granite. But for many homeowners, the added benefits of quartz make it worth the additional investment.
Resale Value
Will spending more for quartz pay off when it comes time to sell your home? That depends on buyers’ preferences in your local market. But in general, quartz offers good resale value for a few reasons:
- Quartz is still relatively new on the scene, which gives it a fresh, updated look that appeals to buyers.
- The low-maintenance appeal of quartz is attractive to potential homebuyers.
- Quartz comes in styles that mimic higher-end materials like marble at more affordable prices.
- Neutral quartz colors are unlikely to feel dated later on.
While granite remains a classic material that adds value, quartz feels more current and can give your home a contemporary edge. For resale upside, quartz is an appealing option. But granite still offers timeless elegance and prestige.
Granite vs. Quartz: Which is Better for You?
Now that you know more about each material, here are some key points to consider when deciding between quartz vs granite:
Consider Quartz If You Want:
- Consistent, low-maintenance surface
- Superior resistance to scratches/chips
- Stain-proof, non-porous material
- Contemporary, sleek appearance
- Wide range of colors and patterns
Consider Granite If You Want:
- Natural material with depth and luster
- Prestigious, classic material with unique veining
- Ability to customize using rare/exotic slabs
- Traditional style with patina that develops over time
- Large diversity of colors, patterns and finishes
Choosing between granite and quartz ultimately comes down to your priorities and preferences. Both can provide years of beauty and durability. Carefully compare each option’s pros and cons with the needs of your home to make the quartz vs granite decision. And be sure to view slabs in person before finalizing your countertop selection. This will give you the best sense of how each material will look unique to your kitchen or bathroom.
Granite vs Quartz Countertops: Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Granite and quartz are two of the most desired materials for today’s kitchens and baths. But with each option offering distinct advantages, many homeowners struggle to decide between the two for their remodeling project. Below we’ll examine the pros, cons and differences between granite and quartz countertops to help you determine the better choice for your home.
How do granite and quartz differ?
Granite and quartz have varying qualities that impact their appearance, durability, maintenance and cost:
Composition:
- Granite is mined from quarries as solid natural stone slabs. It is an igneous rock formed from magma and composed of minerals like quartz, feldspar and mica.
- Quartz surfaces are engineered in a factory. They contain ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. Quartz slabs are about 90-95% crushed quartz blended with polymers.
Appearance:
- Granite has natural variations, veining, speckles and movement within each slab for a one-of-a-kind look.
- Quartz offers a more uniform appearance since the pattern runs throughout the slab. The engineered process provides consistency.
Maintenance:
- Granite is porous and requires periodic sealing to prevent stains. It needs gentle cleaning agents.
- Quartz is non-porous so it won’t harbor bacteria or need frequent sealing. Simple soap and water is all it needs.
Durability:
- Granite is very hard and durable, but can chip or crack if subjected to impact. Heat can gradually cause damage over time.
- Quartz is extremely resilient. It stands up to scratches, chips, cracks and heat better than natural stone.
Cost:
- Granite starts around $50 per square foot installed. Exotic granites can cost over $100 per square foot.
- Quartz starts around $80 per square foot. Premium engineered stones run $140-150 per square foot.
Granite Pros & Cons
Pros
- Gorgeous natural material with depth and luster
- Extremely hard and durable
- Each piece has unique patterning and veining
- Prestigious – conveys luxury for resale value
- Vast variety of colors and patterns
Cons
- Needs periodic sealing to prevent stains
- Gradually develops patina and wears over time
- Can chip, crack or stain if not cared for properly
- Requires gentle cleaning products
- Natural fissures mean more planning for seam placement
Quartz Pros & Cons
Pros
- Engineered for extreme durability and scratch resistance
- Stain proof – never needs sealing
- Easy maintenance – just soap and water needed
- Consistent patterns and colors across slabs
- Heat, crack and chip resistant
Cons
- Limited color and style options compared to granite
- Less natural appearance than granite
- Higher price tag than granite
- Can show marks/scratches from improper cleaning
- Repairs and replacements more challenging