Quartz vs. Granite Countertops (2024)

FAQs

Is quartz countertop better than granite? ›

Granite is also porous and can absorb stains from oils, wine and other common kitchen messes. By contrast, quartz's resin composition makes the engineered stone nonporous, solid and flexible. It resists stains and cracks, although excessive heat can damage both it and 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.

Granite: Granite is an incredibly durable and weather-resistant stone perfect for kitchen countertops. Its impressive strength makes it resistant to most scratches, abrasions, and direct heat from pots and pans. Its natural color variation adds beauty to any space.

You shouldn't be using Clorox wipes daily, or even often, on quartz countertops because they have citric acid, which can be very harsh on your counter. Long-term use could lead to discoloration of your quartz surface.

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.

In the years since that survey, granite has continued to lose ground to quartz. These days, home buyers are more likely to prefer 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.

That being said, granite is typically found in earthy colors like black, brown, tan, khaki, and white. On the other hand, quartz is bound in resin, which means it doesn't have the same crystalline structure or fissures found in granite. This gives quartz a much smoother texture.

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.

Price: Having one of the highest price tags of all countertop types, the luxury of having quartz countertops comes at a significant price. Vulnerable to heat damage: The resins and fillers that provide quartz's durability also make irreparable damage from hot pans a possibility.

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.

While both materials have their benefits, the nod goes to granite as the better choice. Here are some surprising reasons why. Simply put, granite is more durable than quartz.

Quartz possesses the beauty and performance of popular natural stones, such as granite and marble, but without their weaknesses. It won't stain and has a nonporous surface, making it easy to maintain and clean. This material is ideal for both kitchens and bathrooms due to its appeal, durability and minimal upkeep.

For cost-efficient, long-term countertop options, consider granite and other natural stone materials. Sheets of granite are smooth, durable and heat-resistant, making this the perfect material to use in your kitchen.

Granite and Quartz can both be damaged by exposure to high temperatures since some of the elements contained within each one is susceptible to being damaged by intense heat. Granite is porous while quartz is not, so granite can suffer from spills and stains while quartz is more stain resistant.

Yes, quartz is very scratch resistant and compares well to granite. It is however easier to repair natural stone.

Although quartz is generally heat-resistant, it can be damaged by high temperatures, as when you take a hot pot or pan off the stove and set it directly on the surface. Exposure to extreme heat, or temperatures over 300 degrees Fahrenheit, could lead to scorch marks or discoloration that mars your countertop surface.

To conclude, both materials are highly resistant to scratching but are not entirely scratch proof. However, they will handle everyday use without any damages. Quartz is slightly better at resisting scratches because it is ranked higher on the scale of hardest minerals.