There are a few materials that are highly discussed when it comes to choosing a material for your home. Granite and quartz are definitely in that category. If you have recently remodeled your home or bought a new home, then you know that deciding on the material for your kitchen and bathroom countertops can be a difficult task. After all, you have to consider all aspects – maintenance, cost, durability and so on. These materials are often used interchangeably and we know that with some basic and detailed information about quartz and granite, you can make a better decision.
But before we get into that, what exactly are granite and quartz?
- Granite
Granite is a very hard stone and a hundred percent natural. It is the most popular choice among architects, designers, homeowners and homebuyers for many reasons. It is quarried from quarries around the world, cut to a manageable size and then polished to a fine finish.
- Quartz
Many homeowners choose this highly durable, modern, and stain-resistant alternative to granite. Quartz is slightly different from granite because it is not 100 percent natural. Instead, countertops are made from 95 percent ground natural quartz and 5 percent polymer resins.
Now that you know the basics, let’s see how they compare against each other.
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Quartz – Pros
- Durability: Quartz is one of the hardest materials on the planet. That means it is more scratch-resistant than granite and will not chip or crack easily. It is excellent for a variety of surfaces, including floors and stairs.
- Upscale appeal and variety: Because it is Engineered Stone, the colors you see at the showroom are exactly the same as the ones you will have after installation. There are many color options and patterns, and if you need to search for the right piece to match your color scheme, the selection process is much easier with quartz.
- Resistance to stains and impurities: Quartz is more resistant to stains because the coating is not porous. This also means you do not have to worry about bacteria, especially in places as important as your kitchen or bathroom.
- Low maintenance: Because it is non-porous and so durable, no maintenance is required.
- Flexibility: It is hard but more flexible to bend than granite.
Quartz – Cons
- Discoloration: quartz may discolor over time if exposed to sunlight. This material is not recommended for rooms with direct sunlight or for outdoor use.
- Number of seams: quartz has more seam marks, which are visible in products with fewer patterns and in solid colors. It is possible to hide the seams if they are made to match.
- Not heat-resistant: Quartz is not as heat resistant as granite. So be careful with hot pots and pans in the kitchen or hot hair tools in the bathroom.
- Not the ‘real thing’: some hold that there is nothing better than the real stone. A stone that is not manufactured – as quartz – but quarried in the earth.
Best Uses for Quartz
In addition to countertops in kitchens and bathrooms, quartz is commonly used as wall cladding, roof tiles, flooring, and stairs. Also, it is becoming increasingly popular in kitchens due to its durability; the same for dining tables and coffee tables. Quartz is also used for window sills and door shelves. It is often used in commercial construction due to its durability and attractiveness, as well.
Granite – Pros
- Sustainable: granite countertops can last a lifetime. They contain no harmful chemicals and emit no harmful rays or gasses. Thumbs up from the green movement! Importantly, quartz does not release significant amounts of radon or volatile organic compounds. Whether you are looking for a subtle addition to your kitchen or a standout slab with unique mineral inclusions, the choices are limitless and no two granite countertops are alike.
- Heat-resistant: Granite countertops do not melt, blister, or change color when exposed to heat. Unlike quartz, granite is one of the most heat-resistant countertops in the market. When you take a hot pan out of the oven, you can put it right on your countertop without damaging it!
- Scratch-resistant: granite has a hardness of seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that very few minerals can scratch it. That means it’s also accident-proof!
- Fewer Seams: In a typical kitchen, granite countertops need only have 2-3 seams, while traditional quartz has at least twice that many. Large islands can usually be done without seams. Note: If you have an L or U-shaped floor plan, expect to have seams if the countertops face in a different direction.
Granite – Cons
- Inconsistent: the uniqueness of granite can be a disadvantage because the appearance is not uniform, the colors may not be consistent, and the pattern in the showroom may not be exactly the same you are installing in your home.
- Maintenance: granite needs to be maintained because unlike its non-porous counterpart, quartz, it is porous and needs to be sealed. This means it can discolor or harbor bacteria over time.
- It is not common, but it can stain: Granite is a natural rock and can crack or chip when subjected to heavy use.
Best uses for granite
Granite is the #1 choice for kitchen countertops and islands in hoses across America. Not only does it add value to your home like quartz, but it is also easy to clean and also heat and water-resistant. Granite bathroom cabinets are ideal because of their resistance to water and mold. Backsplashes are also popular because they provide an excellent barrier between the wall and water. Granite is also popular for tabletops, desks, and fireplace surrounds.
The different costs between Granite & Quartz
Price differentiation depends on the style chosen, as well as the type of edging desired. As quartz has become more popular and available, the cost of basic countertops has dropped, while unique designer styles and colors are at the higher end of the price spectrum.
Prices for both types these countertop stones may vary as both are sourced from overseas. All of these products are shipped in containers across the oceans, which depends on petroleum prices. Tariffs and other factors can also affect their prices.
Real Estate Value
These are both high quality building materials that will impress potential buyers. Compared to laminate countertops or ceramic tile, both granite and quartz can easily increase the property value of your home. There may be some buyers who give granite a slight edge because it is a more natural material.
Conclusion
On the surface (pun intended), quartz seems to be the winner. It’s lower maintenance, more durable, more environmentally friendly, and easy to customize. However, it can also be expensive depending on the options you choose, and the uniqueness of granite is still attractive to many.
Always consider your budget and specific needs before making a decision, then you can not go wrong with either material. Both granite and quartz (engineered stone) are high-quality countertop materials that add value to a property. Granite appeals to people who like natural materials, while quartz offers easier maintenance and slightly better durability.
Here With us, the customer’s wishes are a priority, from the project planning to its result.
We at Superior Stone take care of your project with maximum respect and satisfaction and we are ready to assist you.
Visit us today or contact us on Instagram for a free estimate.
References:
https://nature.berkeley.edu/classes/eps2/wisc/granite.html
https://www.epa.gov/radiation/granite-countertops-and-radiation
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