Choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom remodel can be an overwhelming decision. Two of the most popular options on the market today are quartz and granite. Though they share some similarities, there are several key differences between quartz and granite that impact appearance, performance, maintenance, and cost. Understanding how they compare will help you select the best material for your needs and style.
Overview of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops, sometimes referred to as engineered stone, have surged in popularity in recent years. Here’s a quick rundown of what they are and their defining traits:
- Composition – Quartz countertops are made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resin and pigments. The resin binds the material together.
- Appearance – The resin allows quartz to mimic natural patterns like granite, but it has a more uniform appearance. The pigments create a consistent color throughout.
- Durability – Quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials available. It’s harder and less porous than granite.
- Maintenance – Minimal maintenance is required with quartz. Simple cleaning with soap and water keeps it looking like new.
- Cost – Quartz is one of the more expensive countertop options, though prices vary by style and color. Expect to pay $80-150 per square foot installed.
Overview of Granite Countertops
Granite is a classic natural stone cherished for its beauty and durability:
- Composition – Granite slabs are cut from natural granite stone quarried worldwide. It’s 100% natural material.
- Appearance – Granite has a timeless, elegant look with unique color variations, patterns, and veining throughout each slab.
- Durability – Granite is nearly indestructible and can last a lifetime with proper care. It’s scratch, stain, and heat resistant.
- Maintenance – Granite requires periodic sealing to prevent stains from penetrating the surface. Frequent cleaning is also recommended.
- Cost – Natural granite is pricier than most materials, starting around $60 per square foot installed but can be over $200 per square foot for rare varieties.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s do a side-by-side comparison of their differences.
Key Differences Between Quartz and Granite
Appearance
Quartz has a more uniform look, while granite has striking natural variations. Granite comes in a vast array of natural patterns, colors, and mineral deposits that make each slab unique. Quartz delivers uniformity and is engineered to replicate granite, marble, and other patterns in a consistent way but lacks natural authenticity. If you want an exotic natural stone look, granite is ideal, while quartz offers a neater, more tailored appearance.
Maintenance
Quartz requires almost no maintenance, while granite needs periodic sealing and careful cleaning. Granite is porous and can soak up stains if not properly sealed. Quartz is non-porous so stains remain on the surface and rarely require more than soap and water to clean. Using sealers and avoiding abrasive cleaners adds to granite’s long-term care needs compared to quartz.
Durability
Quartz edges out granite in durability thanks to its resin binders. Both materials are highly durable, but quartz rates slightly higher on the Mohs mineral hardness scale, making it more scratch resistant. Quartz also lacks the crevices and natural cracks of granite that can potentially lead to chips and cracks over time. Granite remains an extremely durable option, but quartz has a leg up in long-term wear and tear.
Cost
Quartz is the more budget-friendly option. The price gap has narrowed between the two materials over the years, but installed quartz countertops start around $80 per square foot compared to $60 for granite. Exotic granite varieties can also drive costs much higher, with some priced at over $200 per square foot. Both offer good bang for the buck, but quartz delivers premium performance at a lower price point for most people.
Sustainability
Granite is considered the greener, more sustainable choice. As a 100% natural stone, it aligns well with eco-conscious lifestyles. Quartz relies on mining quartz crystals plus synthetic resins, though recycling programs are expanding its sustainability. Granite’s quarrying does raise some environmental concerns regarding habitat disruption and mining waste issues. Ultimately, granite likely edges out quartz on sustainability at present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which material is best for the kitchen?
For most kitchens, quartz makes an exceptional countertop choice thanks to its low maintenance needs and resistance to stains, scratches, and heat. Home chefs will appreciate quartz’s durability and easy-care cleaning. However, granite’s natural beauty can make a bold style statement. Both are great kitchen options.
Can quartz crack or chip?
Quartz is impressively resistant to cracks and chips due to its durability. However, heavy impact and pressure can potentially damage quartz. Cracks are most likely to occur on cutouts and edges. With proper care, quartz can remain free of chips and cracks for decades. Granite is more prone to chips and cracks over its lifetime.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
Unlike granite, quartz never requires sealing. It’s non-porous and won’t absorb stains or moisture. Simply cleaning with soap and water is enough to keep quartz countertops looking pristine. Granite requires sealing every 1-2 years to prevent staining.
Which material has more color options?
Quartz offers a wider spectrum of colors and patterns versus natural granite’s more limited palette. Through pigments and manufacturing processes, quartz can replicate patterns normally only found in natural stones. However, the overall color consistency of quartz differs from granite’s more artistic, flowing color variations. It comes down to preference for uniformity or uniqueness.
Is quartz healthier than granite?
Both materials are considered food-safe and non-toxic. However, with granite being a natural material, there are fewer health concerns compared to engineered quartz containing resins and polymers. Granite also lacks joins unlike quartz countertops, minimizing areas where bacteria can grow. Overall, granite is viewed as the healthier, more eco-friendly option though both remain safe, durable choices.
Conclusion
While granite and quartz share similarities, a deeper look reveals key differences in terms of appearance, durability, maintenance needs, cost, and sustainability. For a low-maintenance engineered stone with uniform style, quartz often emerges as the winner. For a natural-stone look and timeless elegance, granite still reigns supreme. Carefully assessing their pros and cons will help you pick the right countertop to match your kitchen or bath design and lifestyle needs. With their stellar performance and beauty, either material makes an excellent investment in your home’s surfaces.