Many house owners prefer the beauty and toughness of stone over laminate, tile, or wood when selecting countertop materials for a kitchen or bathroom.
Granite countertops vs. quartz countertops are two of the most common types of stone available for countertops. Both of them come in various distinctive hues and patterns.
Quartz and granite offer a lovely texture and long-lasting toughness for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Use this clear quartz vs. granite comparison to help you decide if you’re not sure which material is ideal for you.
We profoundly examine the differences between quartz and granite to select the ideal countertop material for your area and way of life.
Introduction to Granite and Quartz Countertops
Two of the most often used materials for countertops are granite and quartz. Both have many advantages, making them ideal kitchen and bathroom options. They may also be used to produce an elegant living room interior design.
Given that granite is a natural material, anybody looking to create a small bedroom or worktop with a distinctive and natural aesthetic should consider doing it. Additionally, it is incredibly resilient and can withstand heat, stains, and scratches.
While quartz is formed from a blend of natural and other elements, it is a manufactured product. It is also more heat resistant than granite, making it a fantastic option for kitchens where hot pots and pans are frequently used. You can also use it for the interior design of living rooms.
Now, let’s start comparing granite countertops vs. quartz countertops!
In Terms of Appearance
-
Granite
Due to its formation process, which involves cooling and hardening molten components, granite may be found in various hues and patterns. There is an almost infinite variety, and no two granite countertops are identical, whether you’re searching for a subtle accent for your kitchen or a striking block with distinctive mineral inclusions.
-
Quartz
Quartz’s striking appeal can be attributed in part to its attractiveness. Quartz has a stone-like appearance but lets homeowners personalize the design. Even though granite has a wide range of aesthetic possibilities, finding the ideal piece to complement your color scheme could need some searching. The selection procedure is significantly more straightforward when using quartz countertops.
In Terms of Styles
-
Granite
Instead of being built, granite design is picked. Given how much granite there is in the world, there is a vast range of colors and patterns. But there are restrictions. Each granite countertop is unique. You should shop around to get your ideal style or make some little concessions. You may utilize practically any edge style with granite countertops.
-
Quartz
There are several design possibilities for quartz countertops. Everything is always accessible, from prefabricated slabs in various colors and designs to specially created, purpose-built works of art. They are uniformly made, in general. There are also toppers with intricate patterns. A quartz countertop can have any sort of edge carved into it.
In Terms of Durability
-
Granite
Granite countertops can withstand moderate heat and are sufficiently scratch-resistant to prevent chipping from regular usage. Nevertheless, a high-impact blow to your counter might harm it due to its porous structure, resulting in spilled liquids discoloring if left on the surface. Granite slabs may endure up to 100 years if properly sealed and maintained, but they may chip or split because they are natural stones.
-
Quartz
In actuality, quartz is more durable and more challenging than granite. Because quartz is not porous like granite, it is virtually indestructible. Keeping your countertops mainly bacterial-free is easy. Cooking pans should be handled cautiously, though: Use heating pads at all times since too much heat can harm quartz.
In Terms of Maintenance
-
Granite
The newest countertop material, quartz, has a porous surface, which is one of its contrasts from granite. A granite slab needs some upkeep even though it is a durable surface. This natural material must be sealed often to safeguard its stunning look and tensile strength.
The surface must be polished without strong chemicals to prevent the surface from penetrating the sealing. Natural material countertops may last a lifetime if properly cared for.
-
Quartz
One of the closest things to a maintenance-free surface you can find is engineered stone countertops like engineered quartz. The strong resin makes the surface non-porous and resistant to tiny scratches. It does not require frequent sealing and can be cleaned with all-purpose cleansers or mild soap for a germ-free environment.
But dark liquids might leave stains if they are not quickly cleaned away. Although quartz countertops have some heat resistance, it is recommended to use hot pads to protect them from high temperatures as they can permanently discolor otherwise.
In Terms of Eco-Friendliness
-
Granite
Only after being mined, which requires a lot of energy, can granite wind up in your kitchen. There will be high transportation costs if you purchase a high-end slab from Italy, for instance. When feasible, try to use local stone or look for pieces of debris that may be customized by having them trimmed to size at salvage shops.
-
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone; therefore, utilizing locally produced stone and regional fabricators may be more ecologically friendly than granite. Transporting the material across a shorter distance is made possible by this. Quartz is a fantastic eco-friendly substitute for granite since it is manufactured in a factory using resources that would otherwise be wasted and have all the same advantages.
In Terms of Cost
Undoubtedly, Granite and quartz are both high-end, expensive countertop materials. These are not the countertop materials for you if you are on a tight budget because neither is much less expensive.
Installed granite countertops range from $80 to $175 per square foot. The style selection and the kind of edge treatments are needed to determine the pricing variations. Installed quartz countertops range from roughly $80 to $140 per square foot. Costs of essential countertops have decreased as quartz has grown in popularity and accessibility, with distinctive designer designs and hues fetching higher prices.
Since both types of countertops are imported from outside, prices vary. Because containers transport all of these goods across seas, the price of oil influences the cost of granite and quartz. Tariffs and other variables can also impact pricing.
The Verdict
No matter what you choose, there is one thing for sure: you cannot err. Granite and quartz both provide excellent characteristics and advantages. You’ll pick one or the other based on your requirements, routines, and preferred looks.
Most individuals only get a few or one opportunity to completely renovate their kitchen and house, so they would want to do it correctly. Choose quartz countertops if you are busy and want a minimalist or simple, streamlined aesthetic. However, granite is attractive to those who prefer natural materials, and there are numerous possibilities that granite countertops give if you’d rather have something that nobody else does.
Both granite and quartz will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on anybody who enters your kitchen; that much is certain. Both will give you excellent performance and ease of maintenance while serving you for many years.
