Quartz vs Granite - Which is Better?
Quartz vs Granite Showdown—The question of which is better is very dependent on what you are looking for, so here’s a breakdown of how they are different:
The Makeup—
Granite countertops are produced from purely natural stone that comes directly from stone quarries and is then cut into thin slabs, polished, and fabricated into countertops.
Quartz countertops are engineered stone products that may contain a large percentage of natural quartz but may also include other minerals. They are not slabs of quarried stone but are instead formed from crushed stone byproducts (90% ground quartz-mineral and 10% polymers, pigments, and resins) and then formed into slabs for countertops and other products.
The Look—
Natural granite’s advantage is its uniqueness; every granite slab is slightly different in mineral pattern and color (granite’s colors are predominantly dark).
Engineered quartz countertops, are more uniform in appearance, though many colors and unique patterns are available, including forms that do not resemble granite at all. Quartz’s advantage is that it is a chameleon and can be made to appear like any natural stone and any color options are endless.
The choice here is a matter of personal preference. If you truly want the look of natural stone, then choose the truly natural product—granite. But many people find that quartz countertops offer looks that are different and better than natural stone.
The Co$t—
No question about it: Both granite and quartz are premium, high-dollar countertop materials. If you are on a budget, these are not the countertop materials for you because neither one is much cheaper than the other.
Granite countertops cost $80 to $175 per square foot, installed. The price differences depend on the style chosen, as well as on the type of edging treatments requested. Quartz countertops range from about $80 to $140 per square foot, installed. As quartz has become more popular and more widely available, costs of basic countertops have fallen, with unique designer styles and colors commanding upper-end pricing.
Pricing for both types of countertops varies because both are sourced overseas. All of these products are container-shipped across oceans, and this is dependent on petroleum prices, all of which keep quartz and granite expensive. Tariffs and other factors can also affect pricing.
The Environment—
Both countertop materials are overwhelmingly made of natural materials, but granite countertops come out slightly ahead since they are made from 100 percent stone, while quartz, includes natural materials, color pigments, and polymer resins that bond the materials together.
On the other hand, granite countertops require quarrying out of the earth, while quartz countertops are effectively made from left-over stone byproducts, with no quarrying required.
The DIY angle—
These are not products for do-it-yourself installation, except for small bathroom vanity countertops. Granite and quartz are very heavy materials, and even a relatively small 36-inch countertop weighs close to 100 pounds. It is best to have a pro fabricate and install your countertop. If you do choose to do it yourself, granite and quartz countertops are installed in the same fashion. If you are spending the money on either costly material, it does not make sense to take risks on DIY installation.
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The Maintenance and Durability—
Though both materials are very durable, there is a decided advantage here to quartz over granite. However, there is one disadvantage of quartz countertops when it comes to heat resistance. Let's break down the maintenance and durability issues for each material.
Sealing: Granite is a relatively porous stone that requires sealing upon installation, then periodic sealing on an ongoing basis. Quartz, on the other hand, does not require sealing, thanks to the resins used in the fabrication of the slabs.
Cracking: Granite slabs may have inherent flaws that make them prone to cracking. Quartz material is uniform throughout, which means the material rarely cracks.
Staining: The resins in quartz countertops make them considerably more resistant to staining than granite.
Bacterial resistance: Quartz is also less susceptible to harboring bacteria, again thanks to the resins that make the surface less porous than granite.
Heat resistance: Though both materials are considered heat-resistant, granite can withstand much higher temperatures than quartz. Granite is one of the most heat resistant materials available for countertops. You can place a hot pot or pan directly on granite and the material will not be immediately affected unlike quartz, which may become scorched (this also applies to bathrooms where there are hot hair styling appliances).
The ReSell Value—
These are both superior building materials that will impress prospective buyers. When compared to laminate or ceramic tile countertops, both granite and quartz may slightly improve the real estate value of your home. There may be some buyers who give a slight advantage to granite since it is a more natural material.
The Bottom Line—
Both granite and quartz are high-end countertop materials that add real estate value to a home, but neither are for those on a tight budget. Granite appeals to people who like all-natural materials, higher heat resistance, and a unique piece of stone, while quartz offers easier maintenance, slightly better durability, and custom look to adapt to whatever stone, color or pattern of your choice.
At CKB, guess what 80% of our clients (yes, a large majority) chose for their countertop material? QUARTZ. Here’s why—
EASE: No sealing/virtually no maintenance
LOOK: A wide color range and consistent patterns
QUALITY: Extremely durable & chip resistant