Which one is best? Quartz Countertops vs. Granite Countertops

While renovating our homes or any commercial space, choosing the right stone material is a hectic task, especially in kitchen areas. Countertop materials require certain parameters to match. The kitchen is one of the most functional areas of our home, and they require strong, durable materials that can last for years. When we get to search for the best countertop stones, we have two options to choose from that are highly preferred: quartz countertops vs. granite countertops.

Granite is a durable natural stone well known for its strength and durability. It has been used as countertop material by various homeowners and designers. On the other hand, quartz is a strong engineered stone crafted to be durable and also last for a decent period. Designers prefer it for their residential project requirements. Both stones exude different properties and characteristics, making them a hot topic for debate.

We have concluded this comparison to clarify your confusion about what material to choose for your project or home. We will review the materials' details, including their properties, cons, pros, and advantages. So, let's dive into the world of countertop kings and see which is the best option for your specific requirements.

Understanding Granite

We have heard a lot about granite, given its widespread use worldwide, so let's delve into its fundamentals.

Formation

Granite is an igneous rock that is found naturally under the earth's crust. It is a naturally occurring material that is formed when the magma cools down and then solidifies deep inside the planet. Over time, due to natural erosion, such as wind, rain, and water, all the rocks from above the granite drift away, exposing it to the ground surface.

Composition

Granite, being a natural stone, is usually made up of minerals like quartz, feldspar, mica, pyroxene, and hornblende, which contribute to its overall strength and hardness.

Distinctive features of granite:

• There are various patterns that you can see on a granite stone surface that are different in every slab.

• Being a natural stone, there are no two slabs of granite that look the same, offering a subtle uniqueness to every project.

• Granite also comes in various finishes to suit the diverse needs of various project requirements.

• It is available in a wide range of color and design options to choose from, from light to dark, all shades.

• Maintaining and cleaning granite slabs is not hectic, as they require minimal to low upkeep to make them look like new, reducing your time and effort.

Pros of using granite countertops:

• Granite offers unmatched longevity and can last for years without showing any signs of wear and tear.

• It doesn't also show signs of fading even when exposed to the outdoor environment, making it a suitable choice for an outdoor kitchen as well.

• It is a hard stone that can even withstand high foot traffic easily, making it preferable for paving and flooring as well.

• It is a highly robust material that resists damage from scratching and heating, which is a major concern for homeowners.

• Being a natural stone, it also has a great resale value, which works as a worthy investment for any project.

Cons of using granite countertops:

• Granite can show signs of staining easily, for which you need to seal its surface properly and on time.

• Granite is not an easy material to handle; it cannot be DIYed and requires professional assistance every time there is a need.

• It is a porous material that can absorb liquid and spills easily, which can damage the stone's surface easily if not paid attention to on time.

• Granite requires sealing annually to keep it from any potential damage.

• There are not many repair options available for granite stone slabs or countertops, which may cost more than expected.

Understanding Quartz

Quartz is a versatile material, usually considered new in the market, but it is equally preferable for various uses. It is both natural and engineered, so let's understand what exactly it is in detail.

Formation

If we only talk about quartz, then it is a natural material, but quartz slabs, which are used in the construction industry, are engineered and made up mostly of quartz material only, with a percentage of usually 90 and the remaining 10 percent of other materials such as resin. These slabs usually contain crushed quartz minerals.

Composition

Quartz stone slabs, which are also known as engineered slabs, are usually made by blending quartz and granite minerals together with other minerals, such as resin. and pigments. 

Distinctive Features of Quartz

• Quartz, being engineered stone, offers a uniform look and the same patterning among different slabs as well.

• It is an environmentally friendly stone and doesn't require any chemicals or toxins during the manufacturing process.

• Quartz is a low-maintenance stone and requires minimal to low upkeep, making it a preferred choice for busy homeowners.

• Quartz is a non-porous stone that resists bacteria from entering the surface, making it a hygienic solution for any kitchen area.

• Being engineered, it is available in a wide range of color and design options to choose from.

Pros of using quartz countertops

• Quartz is a heavy material that can not be cracked or broken easily and resists damage from scratching as well.

• It is an easily repairable material that saves you time as well as money to make it look new again after any harm.

• It is a beautiful stone and can easily mimic the look of any natural stone, offering you a range of customization options.

• It is an engineered stone, which makes it a highly durable and strong countertop option for any kitchen area.

• It has a nonporous surface that resists spills and moisture from entering the surface or leaving the stain marks behind.

Cons of using quartz countertops

• Quartz countertops are relatively costlier as compared to other countertop materials.

• Being uniform in look, it does lack the uniqueness of natural stone material, and you can find one-look slab at different projects.

• It is also highly susceptible to heat damage, for which you need to take care while placing hot pans over it.

• Quartz can possibly not be used in outdoor spaces or kitchens as it is an indoor material and gets damaged by weather elements.

• It requires professional assistance and installation due to being heavily weighted.

Major Comparison Among Materials: Quartz vs. Granite Countertops

So now that we have understood the materials and their composition along with properties, it's time to compare them based on different bases to make the comparison clear. Let's begin:

1. Appearance

While talking about the appearance of both stones, granite, being a natural stone, exudes a unique look, and there is a saying that no two slabs of granite look the same; they differ in color, pattern, texture, and style. It showcases nature's pattern throughout the surface. On the other hand, quartz being engineered offers a uniform look, which means that it has the same pattern, style, color, and veining on all slabs.

So for those who are looking to add a touch of uniqueness to their kitchen space, they can go for granite countertops, while homeowners looking to have a uniform and inclusive look can opt for quartz countertops for their kitchen.

2. Maintenance

Maintenance is the thing that matters the most when it comes to choosing a material for your kitchen. Among both the countertop materials, if we talk about granite, then it requires little maintenance to keep it pristine, but it does require annual sealing to protect it from staining and moisture penetration. Meanwhile, quartz is a low-maintenance stone that requires minimal upkeep and also doesn't require being sealed. 

From a maintenance point of view, both materials have almost decent maintenance requirements, and the only major difference lies in the sealing. Both stone materials can be cleaned using home-available cleaning solutions.

3. Composition

Granite is a naturally occurring stone that is mainly composed of minerals such as quartz and feldspar. It is found on the earth's crust when natural elements such as wind, air, or water take the other materials off it. On the other hand, quartz is an engineered stone that is composed mainly of quartz minerals, which are also known as crushed quartz, and 10% of other minerals such as resins and pigments.

Homeowners who are certain about having natural beauty can go for granite; else, quartz is also an equally decent material to opt for.

4. Cost

While talking about the pricing of both the materials, granite is a relatively less expensive material as compared to other countertop options, but some rare and unique types of granite slabs may cost you more due to their rarity, while quartz, being highly available materials, costs much less than granite. But if you go for a specific type of quartz, then you may have to pay a higher price for it as well.

So conclusively, the cost you will be required to pay for a countertop material will depend on your choice of product and its availability and rarity. Both materials come in a wide range of price options to suit different budget needs.

5. Longevity

When we look for a kitchen countertop material, we look for something that lasts long, as these changes cannot be changed frequently. Among both materials, granite is one of the hardest and strongest materials available, ranking at number 6 or 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness that can last for many years to come if maintained well. On the other hand, quartz is also not behind in terms of being hard, and being an engineered stone can also last for decades as it exudes great durability and hardness.

Both materials offer great durability to the space. and can last for a longer period of time. So it is up to you to choose between both based on your preferences.

6. Resale Value

Granite is a natural stone and offers uniqueness in appearance, which makes it a material worth the investment as it adds up to the overall value of the property. It also adds to the overall luxury and makes your kitchen look aesthetically pleasing. White quartz countertops are not unique and offer a uniform look that can be found easily anywhere and doesn't affect any project's value much.

So from a value point of view, you can opt for granite if you are looking to have a unique material that also looks classic and visually appealing.

7. Design and color options

Granite, being a naturally occurring stone, showcases natural variations in colors, designs, and patterns and can be available in various color and design options, but they are limited in availability due to their occurrence. On the other hand, quartz, being engineered, can be found in a wide range of colors and design options and can be customized too, as it can easily mimic the look of any natural stone.

So for wide options, you can go for quartz, and if you have a specific color or design in mind and for uniqueness and to have a countertop that can't be found anywhere, you can opt for granite countertops.

8. DIY Suitability

If you are looking for material that can be DIYed well, then both granite and quartz are hard and heavy-weighted stones, and the risk of getting yourself harmed and damaged if you try to DIY the installation is high in both cases. So it is recommended to leave the installation process for both materials in the hands of professionals only.

9. Durability and Resistance

Granite, as we have discussed earlier, is a hard and durable stone that highly resists scratching, chipping, breaking, heat, and weather, but it does require proper sealing on the surface, which further makes it resistant to moisture and spill penetration. On the other hand, quartz is also not behind in the race of strength and resistance. It also doesn't chip, break, or damage easily, but it does get damaged easily with heat, which needs to be cared for.

So both materials add to the overall functionality of any kitchen area and can be considered simultaneously.

10. Environmentally friendly

Taking care of the environment is essential too; that's why it is good to opt for a material that doesn't harm the environment. Granite, being naturally occurring, doesn't require any heavy mining or anything, and during the process of finishing it, there are no heavy toxins or chemical compositions required as well. Quartz, even after being engineered, doesn't require quarrying, as it can be made using leftover byproducts, making it environmentally friendly as well.

Both materials are sustainable and can be used without any second thought to enhance both the beauty and looks of any kitchen area.

The Final Verdict

So to conclude, when it comes to having a choice between one countertop material, quartz and granite, it depends on the customer's and designer's personal taste and preferences. North materials have their own pros and cons and properties. One that is manageable for someone might not be the other.

That's why it's good to just check the requirements of any project and then choose one material that better aligns with it. Both materials offer numerous advantages while lasting for a long period, along with improving the overall aesthetics of any place. So choose wisely and get the best quality materials for your preferred projects.