Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Which Is Better?
Whether you’re building your dream kitchen or remodeling your existing one, the material you choose for your countertops is critical. Two of the most popular choices for homeowners are quartz countertops and granite countertops.
The similarities between these two stop at their popularity. These stones are very different, and both have different, unique qualities that make one better than the other, depending on what you’re looking for. It’s not a matter of which one is better, but which one fits your needs and budget better.
Take a look at the pros and cons of each of these popular countertop materials to help your decision-making.
Granite Countertops
Granite is a popular countertop option due to its quality and durability.
Many prefer granite because it is a fully natural material that comes directly from the earth. It’s mined in different areas around the world, then cut and polished to achieve the finished look.
Granite forms over thousands of years in extreme heat. The melting and cooling of molten material are what give granite its unique striations and colors.
Pros
Because of how granite is formed in nature, it comes in a wide range of colors and natural designs. In fact, no two granite slabs are exactly alike. The granite slab you select for your home will be unique and visually impressive as it brings Earth’s natural beauty and luxury into your beautiful home.
Being formed in molten material also makes granite countertops very resistant to heat. They are popular for outdoor installations as well since they can withstand extreme heat and exposure to the sun without fading. Because of this, you are able to take your hot pots, pans, and baking trays and place them directly onto the granite safely.
Granite is a very durable stone. You can cut vegetables on a granite surface, and it won’t scratch. It’s recommended that you don’t do this, however, because granite is so hard that it can dull your knife.
It’s the more cost-effective of the two countertop materials. The price per square foot is lower than quartz and other stones, which helps keep the project on or under budget.
Granite can come in large slabs that are seamless. This works perfectly for islands and elongated countertops. You can have such statement pieces with no visible seam lines to take away from the interior design you’d like to show.
Granite can also provide better indoor air quality, as it doesn’t emit the volatile organic compounds that engineered materials do into the air.
Cons
Though the stone is cheaper upfront, you will need to contact a countertop company to have it resealed annually to lengthen the overall lifespan of the countertops. This is a recurring cost that comes with having this stone selection.
Since granite is a porous stone, it can be harder to clean. Its surface can harbor mildew, bacteria, viruses, and mold if not cleaned thoroughly and correctly.
Quartz Countertop
Quartz countertops are not naturally occurring stone types. Instead, they are engineered stones made to replicate natural ones. This occurs in a process that combines quartz with coloring pigment and polymer resin.
Pros
Because of how quartz is made, homeowners can guarantee a consistent look throughout the entire slab on multiple surfaces in their kitchen.
Quartz is also seen as more hygienic since it’s more resistant to mold, viruses, mildew, and bacteria that granite is susceptible to. This is because quartz is non-porous and water-resistant.
Its non-porous nature also makes it more resistant to stains. Liquids that are more acidic, like coffee and wine, can corrode a stone’s natural surface, leaving a permanent stain on the countertop. Those with quartz countertops don’t fear these liquids since quartz isn’t a natural stone surface.
A simple wipe down with a wet paper towel or cloth usually handles these otherwise troublesome rings very well.
Quartz has been engineered to have a harder surface than natural stones as well. This makes it more resistant to potential cracks or chips that can happen from sudden drops. The best is that this surface does not need to be resealed annually, so there are no recurring costs with a quartz countertop.
Cons
Though quartz is durable and more resistant to blunt force, it’s harder to fix should a chip occur. The resin it’s made with is not scratch-resistant. Marks and scratches from dropped knives or objects that were dragged on the surface would show.
Quartz also costs more per square foot but is more limited due to its low heat resistance. It cannot be used for outdoor countertops because it cannot withstand excessive heat. You must use heating pads under hot pots, pans, and baking trays to avoid damage, as quartz can actually melt under a hot enough pot.
Since quartz is engineered with resin, it’s infused with chemicals that can emit pollutants into the air known as volatile organic compounds. These can contribute to many health side effects if there is no proper air filtration or ventilation system.
Ready For New Countertops?
Now that you’ve learned the difference between quartz and granite countertops, you can determine which one is better for you and suits your kitchen lifestyle.
Contact us today for a free estimate! Trust the experts at Dave’s Home Supply. With over 15 years of experience as a countertop company, they can answer any questions you may have about granite countertops.
