Durability, ease of maintenance, cost, the environment, and project limitations are all reasons why granite is preferable over quartz countertops.
Are you in the market for new countertops? Trying to decide between granite and quartz? The decision can be difficult. While both materials have their benefits, the nod goes to granite as the better choice. Here are some surprising reasons why.
1. Durability
Simply put, granite is more durable than quartz. While quartz is durable, the breadth of activities that occur on or around a kitchen countertop – cutting, picking up hot pots and pans, using small appliances, moving heavy bowls – require a material that can withstand considerable use, as well as the possibility of accidents and abuse. The following are specific examples of how granite is more durable than quartz:
– Granite is much more heat resistant than quartz.
– Granite scratches less easily than quartz.
– Chips to granite are easier to repair than chips to quartz.
– Quartz fades in the sun.
2. Ease Of Maintenance
Because granite is a natural stone, it is porous and therefore subject to stains. This, however, is easily remedied by applying a sealant once or twice a year. This isn’t a big job – 10 to 15 minutes max. Compare this to repairing damage or discoloration to quartz from the heat from pots and pans. Well – you see the difference. Remember what we said about durability?
3. Cost
This one is straightforward – granite is less expensive than quartz. Call us to get a free estimate!
4. The Environment
Granite is a product of nature – 100%. It isn’t “engineered” or “manufactured.” It’s literally cut out of the ground, sawed into slabs, and then polished.
Quartz is an engineered stone. Natural materials are crushed, and then combined with color pigments and polymer resins that bond the materials
together. This process requires extra energy and resources, thereby producing more carbon emissions than the production process for granite.
5. Limitations
There are often problems during production of the quartz product. Anything from imperfections caused by resin pooling to dye lot inconsistencies to inferior materials. You are working with a man made product and quality can vary widely. Sink options are limited with the quartz option as well. Integrated sinks are not incorporated into a quartz countertop. You must use a drop in, flush mount or undermount sink – which can lead to more time and more money for your project.
We highly recommend sticking with granite countertops over quartz countertops for your next home or office project. Give us a call to learn how Distinctive Marble & Granite can help with your new countertops.
For over 20 years, Distinctive Marble & Granite has been an award-winning leader in custom countertop design, fabrication, and installation. With us, you have access to the finest granite, marble, and quartz products from around the world.
We supply almost every color you can imagine. If we don’t, we can order it and fabricate it for you. And with the most precise equipment in the industry, our installers will ensure a perfect fit.
To learn more and arrange for a free estimate, we invite you to call us at: 614- 760-0003.
We look forward to serving you!
FAQs
Granite is a pure, natural stone mined from quarries in whole slabs or tiles. From these slabs, granite countertops are cut and polished for installation. Unlike quartz countertops, the natural integrity of the stone remains untouched.
Why is granite better than quartz? ›
Granite is a pure, natural stone mined from quarries in whole slabs or tiles. From these slabs, granite countertops are cut and polished for installation. Unlike quartz countertops, the natural integrity of the stone remains untouched.
What adds more value to a house, quartz or granite? ›
In this case, quartz adds the most value. Buyers will pay extra for upgrades but not if they can purchase a home similar to yours for a lower price without them.
What is the downside to granite countertops? ›
They can be porous.
If you don't seal your granite countertops, or the stone was poorly sealed from the start, there is a chance that liquids could be absorbed, creating long-lasting stains.
Why is granite not popular anymore? ›
Everything from white granite and black granite countertops to granite slabs has fallen out of style. The second reason granite countertops have lost their appeal is that the preference for light, simple kitchens has replaced the trend of dark, warm kitchens. Designers quit wanting “movement” and instead wanted peace.
Is granite prettier than quartz? ›
Granite appeals to people who like all-natural materials and don't mind the occasional resealing. Quartz counters offer easier maintenance and slightly better durability, but without the unique look that granite offers.
Can you use Clorox wipes on granite? ›
The reason you should avoid Clorox wipes on granite countertops is that they contain large amounts of citric acid. As citric acid is very strong, these ingredients can break down the sealant that is placed on the granite kitchen worktops which is there to protect it.
Do home buyers prefer granite or quartz? ›
In the years since that survey, granite has continued to lose ground to quartz. These days, home buyers are more likely to prefer quartz. In fact, the higher the price tag on a home, the more likely buyers are to be impressed with quartz countertops.
Which is harder to maintain quartz or granite? ›
Quartz edges ahead of granite in this category. It requires almost zero maintenance because it is stain-resistant without needing to be re-sealed. While granite does not have this innate low-maintenance quality, sealing granite is easy.
Which is more high end quartz or granite? ›
Which is more expensive, quartz or granite? Both quartz and granite maintain their value for many years to come, and the materials cost approximately the same, with quartz being slightly less expensive. However, luxurious quartz products can be as expensive as granite slabs.
Those who say that granite is on its way out point to studies like Statista's “Leading kitchen countertop materials used for remodeled homes … 2021/2022” that showed quartz with a whopping 42% of the market compared to granite's 24%.
Do granite countertops need to be sealed every year? ›
Typically, granite should be resealed every 12 to 18 months. Nevertheless, there are some other factors that come into play when determining how often to reseal granite countertops. For example, a lighter colored granite will need to be resealed more often because it is typically more porous.
What color granite is outdated? ›
Carter noticed the demand for quartz and disdain for granite among millennials and urbanites who like a sleek, pristine look in kitchens. “Quartz goes with everything,” Haynie adds. “When you have a specialty granite, especially like a reddish-brown granite or a yellow-brown, it's just so out of style.”
Is granite out of style in 2024? ›
The world of interior design is constantly evolving, especially when it comes to the kitchen. In this sense, the trend for the year 2024 is leaning towards the elegance and durability of natural stones. As a result, experts indicate that the trend points toward granite countertops as the protagonists.
Which is more expensive quartz or granite? ›
Granite and quartz are popular choices for kitchen and bath countertops. Both materials are very durable and enhance interior designs and functionality, but which one costs less? Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project.
Why is granite the most preferred countertop? ›
Granite Is Easy to Maintain
With the ability to resist heat and scratches comes an easy-to-maintain surface. Granite countertops usually need to be sealed when installed. However, modern sealants can last up to 15 years before you need to reapply them. When sealed, granite countertops are extremely easy to clean.
