What’s Better: Granite or Quartz?
It’s time for a kitchen remodel and the homeowner debates have begun. Where to start, cabinets or countertops? And more importantly, Granite or Quartz? There are numerous pros and cons to both of these major countertop choices from durability to style. Before we dive in, let’s cover the basics.
Granite is a naturally hard stone mined from quarries all around the world. Granite countertops are 100% natural, cut into large slabs, polished and sealed with a protective finish and they’ll last a lifetime if they aren’t abused and are properly maintained.
Quartz is a bit different in that it is not 100% natural. Quartz countertops are manufactured using between 60-95% crushed quartz mixed with pigment and resin and that depends on the grade. The lower the grade, the less quartz is in it.
Durability
Granite is a naturally durable material that is highly heat and scratch-resistant. When it comes to cleaning, it is unaffected by most harsh chemicals and many other kitchen elements.However, without proper maintenance of the protective seal, this resistance may decrease.
Due to its porous nature though, there can be some staining if spilled liquids are left sitting and most of the granite can get stained but some Granite comes in different hardness and porosity and is not susceptible to stains. The darker the granite, the denser it is. Manyblack granite countertopsare highly stain resistant, andthey don’t even need sealing.
Pros
- At any age, granite can be restored to the original polish
- All scratches can be removed and polished
- It can always be fully restored with no traces of damage
Cons
- Sandy and light colors are more stainable and easier to break
- The more color variation in the stone, the higher the risk of veins and pores
- Needs to be resealed in 2-3 years on average
Quartz is actually harder than granite due to its manufactured nature. Quartz countertops aren’t porous like granite, meaning its solid surface is easier to keep clean. However, while quartz is quite heat resistant, it can scorch with excessive heat. So be careful with cooking pans and use heating pads at all times.
Overall, in the area of durability, quartz has the advantage over granite. If you invest in the granite that has been sealed with a resin-based product during manufacturing, it will be more resistant to damage than standard granite, but still not as resistant as quartz.
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Limitless, modern, and natural designs
- Best product for commercial space
- Quartz is a non-porous material and does not require any sealing
- Acid and stain resistant
- Germ-free surface
Cons
- More likely to crack
- Cracks are visible after the repair
- Scratches can’t be restored back to original polish
- Seams are visible on the light color of quartz
- Discoloration over time when exposed to direct sunlight.
- Easily chipped
- Lifespan 5-10 years
Look/Style
For some, nothing beats natural! If you want authentic stone countertops, then granite is your only choice here. Natural materials are popular in remodels and design. Homeowners often prefer granite over quartz for the sole reason of its authenticity. The same preference is often weighed when choosing hardwood floors over laminate, natural upholstering over synthetic, and exposing brick siding and wood ceiling beams.
Granite has a unique advantage because no two granite countertops are alike. Looking at the natural stone, the color hues and variations are authentic and raw. Typical color hues you find with granite are earth tones, roses, blues, and greens.
Quartz countertops offer a more consistent coloration across the surface. These surfaces are without natural variations and can feature designs engineered into them. Quartz countertops are available in more colors because they are manufactured with pigment. Many homeowners like quartz for its stone appearance while allowing color customization.
Maintenance
Granite requires a bit of commitment. If you decide to dedicate yourself to the look and lifestyle of natural stone, you must make sure it is properly sealed prior to installation AND have it resealed on a regular basis. Granite also requires diligent cleaning. As mentioned, natural stones have pores and capillaries within the minerals that wick up liquid and can lead to staining. Keep a towel and cleaning supplies handy to clean spills immediately. We recommend pouring wine and juices into glasses while holding them over the sink, not the countertop. Taking the time to care for your granite will help maintain the natural beauty of your countertops.
Quartz, on the other hand, is much easier to clean and maintain. Because quartz is a manufactured product, it is non-porous and more resistant to staining. Quartz is also well known for being GERM-FREE. Germs and messes can be easily washed off quartz with mild cleansers that are more gentle on surfaces and your skin. The benefit of easy cleaning makes quartz countertops popular for homeowners with children.
That being said, properly sealed natural stone does a decent job keeping out germs, but if the sealant breaks down, so does its germ-resistant properties.
Price
It’s really a toss-up here..You are going to find both cost-cutting and high-end options in both categories.
Because granite is a natural material, the only way to get it into your home is to be quarried. If you are looking at higher-end imported stone, you could reach high transportation costs to keep your stone protected throughout the trip. To cut costs here, seek indigenous stone that can fit your needs without lengthy shipping.
Since quartz is manufactured, it cuts down the cost of transporting materials as the stone can be found regionally and it can be fabricated more locally.
How to Decide
Unfortunately, neither granite nor quartz is indestructible. In order to decide what countertop you will fit your quality desires and price range, there are grading systems for both granite and quartz.
Granite grading system:
Granite is broken up into three levels: Low-Grade Level, Mid-Grade Level, and High-Grade Level. Granite is listed under these three levels based on its color, thickness, veins, marking, and the country it came from.
Quartz grading system:
Quartz has three levels of its own: Seconds Level, Standard Level, and First Quality Level.
Second Level:
This level has visible veins and could also have some discoloration all over the countertop stone property. Although once the quartz is mashed and combined with the resin stone element some of the obvious imperfections will no longer be that visible anymore.
Standard Level:
Commonly called the “commercial” level of the quartz. The standard quartz offers a wide range of hues, styles, and quality. This kind of quartz grade is chosen by interior designers and homeowners who wanted to make their kitchen tops a bit high-graded.
First Quality Level:
Now if you wanted the most premium of all the quartz grades, this is the level for you. This level of quartz displays a whole lot of rich spectrums and unnoticeable veins and blemishes. This slab has three high-standard brands for you to choose from Cambria, Cosmos, Zandiaq.
In our opinion, both options are beautiful and efficient. Consider your budget and specific needs before making a decision but you really can’t go wrong with either one. Whether you opt for the natural beauty of granite or the cleanliness of quartz, your space will instantly transform into the kitchen of your dreams.
