Granite vs Engineered Quartz - What is the Best Material For Countertops

Granite and quartz countertops are two of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops. Both options are great choices for your kitchen countertop - but what are the differences between the two? 

Granite Overview

Granite is a natural stone which occurs in - you guessed it - nature. Each piece of granite is a mixture of crystals of grains of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals. Being a 100% natural stone product, granite has the benefit of being completely unique in its appearance. No two slabs of granite are alike.

Granite is a porous stone, which means it needs to be sealed in order to protect the stone from stains and wear and tear. Luckily, all granite surfaces from Stoneworx come expertly sealed from the factory.

Quartz Overview

Quartz is a man-made stone composed of natural quartz and resin. Different colours and sizes of mined quartz are blended with advanced polymer resins and small amounts of colour. These components are then placed in a mold and compressed under high pressure which eliminates any voids, creating a non-porous surface that is then milled and polished into slabs. 

This process makes quartz an incredibly durable and long-lasting option for any kitchen countertop. 

Now that we’ve learned a bit more about these two types of stone, let’s get into the key differences between the two.

Natural vs. Engineered

Granite is 100% natural stone, which gives it an intrinsic uniqueness to it that you simply cannot get from a man-made product like quartz. Since no two pieces are alike, you’ll need to select your granite slab in person to make sure you are happy with the unique pattern. For anyone looking for a truly unique product, granite is a great option.

Quartz is engineered stone, which means you can expect uniformity and a certain level of customizability when it comes to the look of your quartz countertop. Quartz can be made to replicate the look of other types of stone, such as marble. Quartz is a great option for those who want a very specific, uniform look.

Use and Application

Granite is very versatile and can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. Granite can be used for both kitchen and bathroom countertops, along with fireplaces, backsplashes, bar tops, and even outdoor kitchens that can be enjoyed during the warmer months!

Quartz, on the other hand, is a great for indoor applications like quartz kitchen countertops and bathroom countertops. Unfortunately, quartz surfaces aren’t well-suited for outdoor applications. When exposed to direct sunlight over long periods of time, the surfaces tend to fade in colour.

Durability

Granite has become a standard for modern kitchen countertops due to its durability, resilience, and longevity. There is a reason granite is the most popular kitchen countertop material. That being said, due to its porous nature, granite can be susceptible to staining if spills are not taken care of in a timely fashion. Otherwise, granite countertops are extremely durable and long-lasting.

Quartz is engineered to be an extremely durable and non-porous surface - making it less susceptible to staining than granite. Otherwise, engineered quartz countertops offer a very similar level of durability and longevity to granite countertops. 

Maintenance 

Both granite countertops and quartz countertops are equally easy to clean and maintain - both requiring nothing more than a mild soap and water mix to clean on a regular basis. For more information, we’ve written guides on cleaning natural stone surfaces and how to clean engineered quartz surfaces.

Verdict

At the end of the day, the best stone for kitchen countertops comes down to personal preference. Both granite and engineered quartz offer long-lasting durability and their own unique look. Either material is perfect for indoor surfaces - the choice comes down to personal preference. For outdoor applications, a natural stone like granite is the winner. 

The experts at Stoneworx are happy to work with you and your designers to bring your project to life. Contact us today to get started.