Granite vs. Quartz

You have an array of options available when choosing building materials for your kitchen, bath, outdoor spaces, and other areas of your home. It’s important to consider the specific needs of your household and your personal design style, as well as factors like durability, maintenance, cost, and ease of clean up. Our countertop comparison guide will help as you’re looking into such fixtures as countertops, sinks and other surfaces. In this article, we’re going to compare Granite versus Quartz.

Granite Pros:

Many homeowners choose granite for the rich, unmistakable elegance if offers as a natural building product. There are many options for color and texture to take your home renovation project to the next level. Because it’s an extremely hard material, granite is suitable in many different applications: It resists scratches and stains, and can withstand normal wear and tear with proper sealing and maintenance. Granite is also heat tolerant, suitable for installation near a range or cooktop, or in a bathroom where high-heat hair tools may be present.

Granite Cons:

Granite may not be the right fit if you prefer a uniform look in your home, as each slab of this material brings unique shading and striations. Cost may also be prohibitive for some home renovation budgets, as granite is among the most expensive building products. While it granite is strong, it’s also porous. Granite requires sealing upon installation and regular re-sealing to protect against stains and prevent it from harboring bacteria.

Quartz Pros:

You might a consider quartz countertop if you want a streamlined look with clean lines, as the slabs are extremely uniform due to its composition of natural stone mixed with resins. As a manufactured product, there is a wide range of colors available for quartz, including neutrals and bold shades of blue, orange, or red. Because it’s non-porous, quartz does not require sealing or special treatment, and its surface prevents the buildup of bacteria. It’s resistant to staining, acids, and scratches, so all you need is water and a mild detergent for cleanup.

Quartz

Quartz Cons:

The biggest concern for homeowners considering quartz is the cost, as many assume that a manufactured product would be lower than high-end natural materials. In addition, if your personal tastes tend to be more traditional, the modern edginess of quartz may not fit with your design style. Those who want a streamlined look might want to steer clear of quartz due to the seams in installation, which can be noticeable. As compared to granite or concrete, quartz is not as resilient to heat. It can discolor when exposed to strong sunlight and can be damaged by hot pots and bathroom appliances.