Quartz vs. Granite Countertop Comparison
So you finally have that budget to remodel your old kitchen (or bathroom) countertops and your ready to make the big decision -
Should I go with quartz or granite countertops?
For many homeowners, this is a difficult decision to make due to price differences, durability issues and overall confusion of both material types. There are many factors you need to consider before making the plunge between quartz or granite countertops so let's compare both the pros and cons of quartz and granite, as well as what they share in common.
- Both are created from natural stone
- Both are engineered products, from their natural properties (except for slab-style granite)
- Both quartz and granite countertops contain resin
- Both are extremely hard, providing a solid work surface
Pros and Cons of Quartz & Granite
Let's take a quick look at the pro's and con's of using quartz countertops first, and then we'll move on and compare granite.
Pros of Quartz Countertops
- Very tough and durable
- Heat resistant
- Scratch resistant
- Less porous means reduced staining
- Available in many more colors than granite
- Generally more affordable
Since quartz is a man-made product, there is a huge benefit to using it in your home compared to a natural slab-style or modified granite material. Quartz is basically engineered to be extremely strong and durable, can handle high temperatures (like setting a hot pan on it), and comes presealed and mixed for a high level of stain resistance.
These strengths are due to the way most quartz countertop manufacturers create the material. It's basically 95% crushed quartz and 5% polymers. If you ever need to replace a damaged area (which is highly unlikely), you have a better chance of matching your chosen color or pattern since it involves "formulas" created by the manufacturers that can be reproduced.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
- Some people find it is not natural looking like granite
One thing to note that could be considered a negative to some people is that quartz is not a 100% natural product. Granite slab countertops can be 100% unique, natural stone. There is something to be said about cutting a slab straight from the earth, polishing it up, applying a strong sealant (since granite and natural rock is more porous) for a natural beauty in your kitchen or bathroom.
Pros of Granite Countertops
- Very strong
- Some heat resistant
- Luminous, natural beauty
- Adds more value to your home
Granite is in fact still a very strong material and has natural heat resistance once properly treated. Although quartz countertops seem to be a better product to install in your home, some people still prefer the natural beauty and patterns that a granite countertop slab provides. Installed granite is also viewed by many potential home buyers as a "higher" value upgrade and can increase the price of the home in most markets.
Cons of Granite Countertops
- More porous than quartz
- Vulnerable to staining and discoloration
- More vulnerable to bacteria growth
- More porous than quartz
Ahh, the negatives of granite. The list above is primarily the reason most home owners decide on purchasing a quartz countertop (man-made) versus granite. All around, quartz is stronger, more heat resistant, comes in a wide range of colors and is basically maintenance free. If you can live with the fact that it's not a "piece of art" cut from the earth, then quartz is by far the better choice for your kitchen or bathrooms than granite countertops.