Are you struggling to figure out which countertop to go with? Quartz vs Granite? Well, then you’ve landed on the right page. Choosing something like a kitchen countertop material is a big decision since it’s going to stay with you forever. You don’t want to make an ill-informed choice and end up not only wasting your money but ruining the kitchen look as well. 

We understand the weight on your shoulders, so we ease some of it by giving you the complete rundown of quartz vs granite. Make sure to read till the end to find out all the pros and cons of each material.
Comparison Of The Two 

Here’s a summary of quartz vs granite. 

Appearance plays an important role in influencing your final decision. You’d want the countertop to match your house’s aesthetic.

As far as Quartz is concerned, you can enjoy a variety of looks since it can be dyed any color and comes in various patterns. It also hides the seams better. However, even the most natural of Quartz presents an artificial look. Moreover, the countertop’s color may fade with time owing to long-term UV exposure.

Source: Marble.com

On the other hand, granite boasts a unique natural appearance. However, it also poses a limitation since you’ll have natural colors to choose from. 


Source: Pool.com

Also, the granite doesn’t do a good job of hiding the seams.  

  • Cost

Even though you’ve got your heart set on a certain material, it all comes to cost at the end of the day. Fortunately, there isn’t a huge difference between the cost of the two. However, granite poses a cheaper option at a price of 80 to 100 dollars. In comparison, Quartz has a price of 80 to 120 dollars per square foot. 

Prices can vary for both if you go for custom resins or patterns, special edges in care of the Quartz, or opt for unusual colors for the granite. 

  • Heat – Resistance 

If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, then you’d want something that doesn’t lose its touch on being exposed to the stove’s heat all day or any hot pans. In this case, granite is the way to go. It remains a superior choice since it does not discolor when a steaming pot is placed on its surface, compared to Quartz, whose resin loses the color in the same situation. 

However, beware that a thermal shock can crack the granite, so you might want to go for a hot pad. 

  • Durability

You should know that Quartz has been engineered to do just that when it comes to durability. It’s less prone to breaking and is scratch-resistant. However, it’s not scratch-proof, and in case scratches do appear, they’ll be pretty visible. 

Granite resists chipping overall, but the edges and corners are exposed, so they might be in danger of being chipped. In case they do get chipped, the damage is difficult to repair.

 

  • Maintenance

A kitchen countertop is going to see its fair share of carnage in the form of liquids, foods, and whatnot. So maintenance is also something to look at. Quartz is nonporous and thereby resists bacterial staining and bacteria. There’s no need for resealing. However, you might want to watch out for dark-dyed liquids. 

On the other hand, granite poses a bit of a nuisance in this regard since it needs regular sealing. If not, it will lose the bacteria and stain resistance. Granite also loses moisture resistance when the seal is damaged. To put it aptly, Quartz takes the win when it comes to easy maintenance. 

  • Environment- Friendly 

You might want to think about the impact of your choice on the environment if you’re particularly environmentally conscious. Quartz would prove to be the greener choice since it’s made from curbed rock and the mining process is not that difficult. It can also be constructed utilizing the waste products from industries. 

On the other hand, it takes energy and resources to mine for granite which is bound to leave a carbon footprint. But if you are adamant about getting granite, you can look for some locally sourced stone or use remnants. 

You would also want to think about the long-term effects of your choice, like the fact that you can resell the countertop or not. Well, if you want to get the full return on your investment or more, granite remains the best option since buyers highly seek it out. 

Quartz, in comparison, does not enjoy the same popularity since it’s new to the home renovation scene and has a weaker reputation. 

Pros of Quartz 

  • More color options
  • Longer durability
  • No need for resealing
  • Easy maintenance and repair

Cons Of Quartz

  • Artificial look
  • Low resale value
  • Less environment friendly
  • Low heat resistance

Pros Of Granite

  • Natural hues
  • Heat resistant
  • Environment friendly
  • High Resale Value

Cons Of Granite 

  • Color limitations
  • Difficult To Repair
  • Can Chip Around The Edges
  • Need Resealing

Conclusion on Quartz vs Granite

Summing it up, each material has its own pros and cons. Quartz proves to be more durable and promises easier maintenance with no need for resealing. However, it’s not scratch-proof and has low heat resistance. 

This is where granite takes the lead with its high heat resistance, reduced carbon footprint, low cost, and high resale value. Still, the biggest hurdle with buying granite remains the need for proper resealing every now and then.

Keeping all that in mind, the decision is up to you. If you have any more inquiries, feel free to reach out to us.

Author

Jeff Kennedy

Editor in Chief

of Vade Mecum of Luxury Journal, multiple site contributor, writer, renovation professional He has been an active participant in the construction industry for 32 years, doing everything from design to finish work.
He shares his unique perspective on renovation and construction through writing about professional experiences. Jeff’s motto is that “enjoying what you do is the best feeling.” If you enjoy your job with friends, then you will never have to go to work!

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