Granite and quartz are two of the most popular materials for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Both are natural stones with their own sets of pros and cons. When deciding between quartz and granite countertops, there are a few key factors to consider:
Durability
Quartz is made from ground quartz crystals blended with resin, which makes it incredibly hard and durable. It is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat up to 350°F. Quartz does not need to be sealed like granite. This makes it very low maintenance.
Granite is also durable, but not quite as indestructible as quartz. It is prone to scratches and stains if not properly sealed. Granite is heat resistant, but prolonged exposure to heat can cause cracking and discoloration.
Winner: Quartz
Appearance
Granite has a luxurious, natural beauty with unique veining and patterns. No two granite slabs are exactly the same. Quartz often mimics the look of granite and other natural stones but lacks the depth and character of real granite.
However, quartz comes in a wider variety of consistent colors and patterns. It won’t have variation within a slab like natural granite does. The uniform appearance is desirable for some.
Winner: Tie
Maintenance
As mentioned above, quartz requires virtually no maintenance. It never needs to be sealed or re-polished. Simply clean with soap and water as needed.
Granite must be sealed once or twice a year to prevent stains. It also may need periodic professional polishing to maintain its luster over time. Granite is more prone to damage if not cared for properly.
Winner: Quartz
Porosity
Granite is porous, meaning it can absorb liquids if left unsealed. Bacteria and stains can get lodged in the pores. Quartz is non-porous so spills and messes stay on the surface where they’re easily wiped away.
Winner: Quartz
Price
Quartz used to be more expensive than granite, but over time the price has come down making it competitive with mid-range granite. There are premium grades of granite that may cost more than quartz.
Overall granite has a wider range of pricing, while most quartz is priced fairly consistently from brand to brand. In general, expect to pay $50-100 per square foot for granite and $80-120 per square foot for quartz.
Winner: Tie
Variety
Granite wins when it comes to unique patterns and color options. With natural granite, no two slabs are the same. Quartz has come a long way when it comes to variety, but options are still limited compared to granite.
There are hundreds of granite varieties found around the world, many exotic and rare. Quartz has roughly two dozen color patterns available, though some companies offer custom options.
Winner: Granite
Resale Value
Both granite and quartz make a kitchen or bathroom look high-end and luxurious. They will add to a home’s resale value. Home buyers expect granite or quartz in higher end homes.
However, granite may have a slight edge. Natural stone conveys luxury, uniqueness, and timelessness. But quartz is still an excellent investment that will pay off when selling the home.
Winner: Granite
Environmental Impact
Quartz is engineered in a factory using ground quartz, resins, and pigments. The manufacturing process is energy intensive. There are concerns over some chemicals used in quartz production being possible carcinogens.
Granite is a fully natural stone, but quarrying does have some environmental impact. There is also energy used to cut and transport granite.
Overall, granite may have a slight environmental edge since its natural. But neither material is perfect in this regard. Proper precautions are needed during both manufacturing processes.
Winner: Granite
Hygiene
The fact that quartz is non-porous makes it more hygienic than granite. Bacteria and viruses cannot penetrate the surface. Granite can harbor germs in tiny pores if not cleaned thoroughly.
In kitchens, the hygienic nature of quartz makes it better for food prep surfaces. For bathrooms, quartz offers an easier to clean and sanitize surface.
Winner: Quartz
In summary, quartz generally wins when it comes to practical qualities like durability, maintenance, and hygiene. But granite still dominates in categories like appearance, variety, and natural appeal. Other factors like price and resale value are close ties.
When choosing between them, consider which qualities are most important for your specific needs. Quartz makes an excellent choice for busy kitchens prone to spills and messes. Granite can bring more beauty and uniqueness if you don’t mind some more upkeep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz vs Granite Countertops
Below are answers to some common questions about how quartz and granite compare.
Is quartz more expensive than granite?
In the past quartz was priced higher than granite, but recently it has come down in price and is now competitive with mid-range and lower-end granite. There are exotic types of granite that still cost more than quartz. Overall, expect to pay around $80-120 per square foot installed for quartz and $50-100 per square foot for granite.
Which is better for resale value, quartz or granite?
Both materials are excellent for boosting resale value. Granite may have a slight edge for luxury appeal, but quartz also looks high-end in a kitchen or bath. Go with whichever material you prefer, as they are both smart investments in the long run.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No, quartz never needs sealing or re-polishing. One of the biggest benefits of quartz is that it is basically maintenance-free unlike natural stone. Just clean quartz with soap and water as needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Is quartz susceptible to stains?
Quartz resists stains very well and is non-porous, so spills stay on the surface rather than seeping in. However, prolonged exposure to certain materials like wine, coffee, or oil can stain quartz. Wipe up spills promptly to minimize any staining.
Is quartz healthier than granite?
Quartz is considered more hygienic than granite because it is non-porous. Germs cannot penetrate the surface or get lodged in tiny pores. This makes quartz easier to keep clean and sanitize, especially important in kitchens. Granite requires diligent cleaning and disinfecting to prevent any bacteria buildup in pores.
Does quartz have resale value?
Yes, quartz has excellent resale value. It is a high-end material that makes kitchens and bathrooms look luxurious. Home buyers expect to see granite or quartz in updated, higher-end homes so quartz will boost value when selling. Quartz costs a significant amount to install so buyers can recoup much of that cost.
Is quartz eco-friendly?
Not as much as a natural stone like granite. Quartz is man-made in factories using resins and pigments. The manufacturing process does require energy and water resources. There are also concerns over emissions from quartz production and some potentially harmful chemicals used. Granite has its own eco-downsides when it comes to quarrying and transporting the heavy material.
Does quartz need to be resealed over time?
No, quartz never needs sealing unlike granite. This makes quartz basically a maintenance-free material. Granite requires sealing every 1-2 years to maintain water and stain resistance. Avoid exposing quartz to strong chemicals, but for daily kitchen use quartz won’t ever need sealing.
Can you cut on quartz countertops?
It’s best to use a cutting board and not cut directly on quartz. Quartz is very hard and durable, but cutting directly on the surface can wear down the finish over time. Hot pots and pans can also dull the finish. Using boards preserves the beauty and luster of quartz.
Is quartz scratch resistant?
Quartz is very scratch resistant thanks to its durable surface. It takes significant pressure to scratch quartz. Light surface scratches can also be buffed out by a professional. But avoid exposing quartz to sharp objects like knives or scraping across the surface which can scratch over time.
Can quartz chips and cracks?
Quartz is resistant to chips and cracks thanks to its durability. But excessive force, trauma from a heavy object, or improper installation can damage quartz. Cracks are not typically repairable and may require a quartz specialist to replace the damaged section. Take care not to drop heavy pots, pans, appliances, etc on quartz.
Conclusion
When choosing between granite vs quartz countertops, consider how each material’s pros and cons fit your needs:
- Quartz is virtually maintenance free and resistant to damage, but comes in less unique styles.
- Granite offers one-of-a-kind elegance and luxury appeal, but requires more upkeep.
- Quartz excels at durability and hygiene while granite wins for appearance and variety.
- Price and resale value are close between the two or favor granite slightly.
- Granite may be the greener choice as a natural stone.
Take into account which qualities matter most for your kitchen or bath. Quartz makes an excellent worry-free choice that can handle busy spaces. For exotic beauty and charm, natural granite still can’t be beat. Either material will enhance your space for years to come.