Granite and quartz are two excellent options that are available to you if you want to install new countertops in your home. Granite is a natural stone, while quartz is a semi-natural material engineered from crushed quartz and polymer resins. While quartz isn't completely natural, it can still give you a natural look. A lot of people compare these two materials when they're trying to decide which is best for their countertops, and it can be a pretty tricky decision. They both look great and they both have their pros and cons. Both granite and quartz are durable choices for your kitchen, bathroom, or other rooms in your home too. So, if they're both excellent options, is there one that's superior to the other?

To find out the answer to that question, we need to look at granite vs. quartz and compare their pros and cons. Let's see how they measure up against each other.

Appearance

Both granite and quartz countertops can look beautiful, but there are a few differences to take note of.

Granite countertops have a lovely appeal, with a natural stone look and a range of colours to choose from. Their natural colours come in different earth tones and even include greens, so you can find the right shade for your interiors. Because granite is natural, every slab is different. This is excellent if you're looking for uniqueness, but can also mean that there are some imperfections.

Quartz is also a stunning option, but it's not completely natural like granite is. However, the man-made material can be made to look natural, and there are many different designs and colours available for your consideration. They have a glossy finish that can add a touch of luxury to your home. It's also easier to use quartz to make larger countertops in one piece, reducing the need for seams.

Durability

The durability of countertops is all-important, especially if you're planning to spend a fair amount of money on them. You want them to last for years to come, and you don't want them to be damaged easily. Fortunately, both granite and quartz countertops are very durable.

Granite is super hard and resistant to scratches. It's sure to last a long time, and you won't be able to damage it easily. If you choose granite countertops, they should last a long time without cracking or chipping. However, it's also so hard that it can dull your knives, so try to use a chopping board rather than cutting directly on the granite.

Quartz is also a very durable material and can actually be even more so than granite. It will crack and chip even less easily than granite due to its excellent strength. It's harder than granite so could potentially last longer.

Heat Resistance

The heat resistance of your countertops is also a vital factor to consider when you're trying to decide which material is best. If you want to be able to put pans and other hot items on your countertops, they need to be resistant to heat.

Granite has excellent heat resistance, so it's perfectly fine to install it next to anything that gives off heat. You should be able to place a hot pan down on it without causing any damage, so it won't matter if you accidentally put something down on the granite.

Quartz is fairly heat resistant but not as much as granite. We would caution against putting any very hot items straight down onto your quartz countertops if you want to avoid causing any damage. You could cause a fracture in the material if you're not careful. However, you can still place quartz countertops next to a stovetop without having to worry.

Stain Resistance and Ease of Cleaning

You don't want your countertops to stain if anything is spilled or splashed onto them. So stain resistance is important when you're selecting the right countertops. Being able to clean your countertops easily is important too.

Granite is resistant to stains but it needs to be sealed if you want to prevent liquids from staining it. Granite countertops also need to be resealed occasionally to keep them resistant to stains. They're very easy to clean too. You only need to use warm water, a pH-neutral cleaner, or a steamer to get your granite countertops clean. However, there are some cleaning products you should avoid, so it's important to be careful.

Quartz is very resistant to stains too and it doesn't need to be sealed as granite does. It's non-porous so it won't absorb any liquids that are spilled onto it. It's easy to clean as well, requiring only soap and warm water or a mild detergent. Just make sure that you don't use any aggressive cleaners that could damage the material.

Price

Price is usually a concern when comparing different countertop materials. Because granite is a natural material, you might expect to pay more for it. However, granite is actually less expensive than quartz, in general. The final price will depend on a number of factors, but you can often find that granite is the slightly cheaper option per square foot.

Sustainability

If you're concerned about the environment, the sustainability of different materials may also be on your mind. Granite is a natural material so, again, you might make an assumption that it's less eco-friendly. However, the reality is that both granite and the raw quartz that is crushed to engineer quartz countertops need to be quarried. Quartz then requires extra energy to crush the quartz and engineer the countertops, whereas granite comes in natural slabs that just need to be cut, polished, and sealed.

Neither granite nor quartz is clearly better than the other. They are both excellent options for your countertops with their own advantages.

Still undecided? Get in touch with the experts at Stoneworx® to help you choose the best stone for your home.

Granite Countertops vs. Quartz Countertops - Is One Better than the Other?