Kitchen and bathroom countertops are one of the most prominent features in any home. They take up a significant amount of visible surface area, so it’s important to choose the right countertop material for your needs and style. Two of the most popular natural stone countertop options are granite and quartz. But what is the best countertop – granite or quartz?
Both granite and quartz make excellent choices for countertops due to their durability, natural beauty, and easy maintenance. Here is an in-depth comparison of granite vs quartz countertops to help you determine which is the best option for your home renovation or new construction project.
An Introduction to Granite Countertops
Granite is a natural stone that is quarried across the globe. It is an igneous rock formed from magma or lava as it cools beneath the earth’s crust. Granite comes in a variety of colors and patterns based on its mineral composition.
Some key characteristics of granite countertops include:
- Durability: Granite is extremely hard and resistant to cracks, scratches, heat, and stains. It can last for decades with proper care.
- Unique appearance: No two granite slabs are alike. The color patterns and veining make each granite countertop unique. Popular granite colors include black, white, gray, brown, and green.
- Heat resistance: Granite can withstand heat up to approximately 2500°F, making it an ideal surface for kitchens.
- Stain resistance: Granite is impervious to most liquids and stains. It can be used for food prep without sealing.
- Maintenance: Granite requires very little maintenance. Simply clean with mild soap and water. Re-sealing may be needed every 1-2 years.
- Cost: Natural granite is one of the more expensive countertop options, ranging from $40-$150 per square foot installed.
The main downside to granite is the potential for cracks, chips or scratches if subjected to heavy impact. Granite countertops should be installed by an experienced professional to ensure proper support. Overall, granite is a top choice for its unparalleled beauty and longevity.
An Introduction to Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, have risen in popularity over the past couple decades as an alternative to natural stone surfaces like granite.
Quartz countertops are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with polyresin binders under high pressure. The final product is non-porous, durable, and visually appealing.
Some key features of quartz countertops:
- Durability: Quartz is exceptionally hard and scratch-resistant. It stands up well to heavy daily use.
- Stain resistance: Quartz repels most food and beverages, requiring very little sealing or maintenance.
- Easy maintenance: Simple cleaning with soap and water keeps quartz looking like new. No sealing required.
- Resilience: Quartz is flexible and less prone to chipping or cracking compared to natural stone.
- Consistent color: The pigments added during manufacturing allow more uniform coloring throughout the slab.
- Affordability: Quartz costs $55-$75 per square foot installed, on average, making it more affordable than granite.
- Integrated sink options: Seamless quartz countertops and sinks can be fabricated for a sleek, modern look.
The main drawbacks of quartz are the limited color and pattern options compared to granite along with a more artificial, manufactured look. But improvements in design and technology continue to advance the aesthetics and desirability of quartz.
Comparing the Pros and Cons of Granite vs. Quartz
To summarize the key differences between the two most popular countertop materials:
Granite Pros:
- Wider variety of unique natural patterns and colors
- Can last a lifetime with proper installation
- Resistant to scratches, heat, and stains
- Can be refinished instead of replaced
- Natural material – not man-made
Granite Cons:
- Easily cracked or chipped if impact is hard enough
- Requires periodic sealing
- More expensive than quartz
- Some porous granite can stain
- Risk of radon gas emission
Quartz Pros:
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
- Requires no sealing or treatment
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- Flexible – less prone to cracks or damage
- Consistent coloration and patterns
- Trendy, contemporary option
Quartz Cons:
- Limited color and style options
- No unique granite patterns or veining
- Less heat resistance
- Manufactured look – not natural stone
- Costs more than materials like concrete
As you can see, there are valid pros and cons to both materials based on your priorities. Keep reading for a more detailed comparison of factors to consider when choosing between granite vs. quartz.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Granite or Quartz Countertops
Here are some of the most important factors to weigh when deciding between granite and quartz for your kitchen or bath countertops:
Appearance
The visual appeal of your countertops will have a big impact on the aesthetic of your whole home. Both granite and quartz come in a spectrum colors and patterns, but there are key differences:
- Granite offers unique natural veining, speckles, and movement that makes each slab one-of-a-kind. Granite evokes a timeless, classical elegance.
- Quartz delivers uniformity and consistency from slab to slab. The color runs throughout and mimics the look of natural stone. Modern quartz patterns aim for realism but still look man-made up close.
If you covet the unmatched beauty of natural stone, granite is your best bet. But recently improved quartz designs have gotten more realistic while offering more color consistency.
Durability
How well your countertops hold up to wear and tear will determine how often you need to replace them. Both granite and quartz offer excellent durability:
- Granite is nearly impossible to scratch, dent or crack without excessive force. It can last decades or longer with proper installation and care.
- Quartz is arguably even more durable for daily wear and tear. Its resin binding makes it flexible and resistant to chips, scratches or typical kitchen accidents.
Both natural and engineered stone countertops will likely outlive their owners when properly installed. But quartz may be less prone to accidents that could permanently mar granite.
Maintenance
You’ll need to properly care for your investment in countertops to maximize their longevity:
- Granite needs periodic sealing to prevent staining or etching from acidic liquids. Clean with mild detergent and avoid abrasive pads.
- Quartz needs no sealing or treatment thanks to its non-porous surface. Simply wipe down with soap and water.
For busy homeowners who want a low maintenance surface, quartz is the clear winner. It will retain its original beauty with simple cleaning rather than requiring the sealing, polishing, and conditioning needed for natural stone.
Cost
Budget plays a key role in choosing between the higher price tag of granite versus relatively affordable quartz:
- Granite generally ranges from $40-$150 per square foot installed. Exotic options can cost even more. The total cost depends on the slab quality and complexity of your project.
- Quartz runs $55-$75 per square foot installed, on average. It offers big visual impact for less compared to granite.
Your exact costs will also depend on the quality, thickness, and color selection along with labor and installation requirements. Due to pricing overlap, both granite and quartz can suit budgets big and small.
Heat Resistance
For kitchen countertops in particular, resistance to heat and hot pans is vital:
- Granite can withstand heat up to 2500°F making it very resistant to hot cookware, provided liquids don’t pool and seep into seams.
- Quartz resins begin degrading around 300°F. Quartz can sustain brief exposure to normal cooking heat but prolonged contact at higher temperatures can cause damage.
Granite is the clear winner when it comes to sustaining high heat. For avid home cooks and bakers, granite offers more confidence when exposing the surface to baking dishes or leaving a hot pan briefly.
Making the Granite vs. Quartz Decision for Your Home
With all of the above factors considered between granite and quartz, a few final tips can guide your decision:
- Weigh your top priorities in terms of appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost. What matters most in your home?
- Consider your kitchen activities and cooking needs regarding heat resistance. Are you more likely to expose the space to heavy, consistent use versus more casual cooking?
- Granite generally suits traditional or Old World aesthetics best while quartz fits more modern, sleek spaces. But your actual slab or pattern choice matters more than the material type.
- Both durable natural stone materials can add value and beauty to any home or style. There often isn’t a single right or wrong option.
- View large slabs of each material in person if possible. Photos don’t compare to seeing granite patterns and quartz designs firsthand.
- Talk to your countertop fabrication and installation company about which material best suits your goals. Check reviews and qualifications.
- Get an itemized quote for total installed cost of your top one or two preferred materials. Remember to factor in labor, edging, sink cutting, etc.
FAQs About Granite vs Quartz Countertops
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions buyers have when comparing granite and quartz:
Is granite or quartz better for kitchen countertops?
For most kitchens, granite is arguably better because it offers more heat resistance, natural beauty, and an endless variety of patterns. Quartz is also an excellent option but may not withstand heavy daily cooking as well over decades.
Is granite or quartz more durable?
Both materials are extremely durable and resistant to typical wear, scratches, and stains with proper installation and care. However, granite is vulnerable to chips or cracks if a heavy object falls on a weak spot. Quartz has more flexibility to withstand impacts.
Does quartz require more maintenance than granite?
No, in fact quartz requires significantly less maintenance than natural granite. Quartz never needs sealing or polishing and simply cleans up with soap and water. Granite requires periodic sealing and more careful cleaning.
Which material costs more, granite or quartz?
On average, installed granite countertops cost $40-$150 per square foot while quartz ranges from $55-$75 per square foot installed. Exotic granite can cost over $200/square foot. The prices often overlap, but natural granite typically has a higher total price tag.
Does quartz stain more easily than granite?
No. Thanks to advanced engineering, quartz is non-porous so stains and spills remain on the surface rather than soak in. Granite can absorb stains if not properly sealed. Overall, both materials offer excellent stain resistance.
Is granite or quartz better for resale value?
Natural granite is often viewed as a premium material that increases a home’s resale value. But quartz has grown in popularity and also enhances value. Either stone surface will likely recoup your investment and add desirability compared to lower-end options.
Conclusion
Granite and quartz both make excellent choices for countertops that can serve you well for decades to come. While granite offers a classic, timeless look and top heat resistance, engineered quartz requires less maintenance while providing endless design options.
Ultimately, your decision between the natural beauty of granite versus the advanced technology of quartz comes down to your budget, style preferences, and how you plan to use the space. Carefully weigh the pros and cons and don’t overlook what matters most in your home aesthetic and functionality. With either option, investing in quality installation is key to maximizing the longevity of your counters.