Quartz vs Granite Countertops: What's the Difference?
Quartz vs granite countertops? Both are excellent options for countertops, offering you durability and aesthetic appeal, albeit with different characteristics. The choice often boils down to your personal preference and budget. Click on the following sections to learn about the key differences.
If you are not sure about which type of countertop is right for your situation, we can help. The countertop specialists at Natural Stone City can answer all your questions and help you select and install the perfect countertop for your space. Contact us today to get started.
Quartz vs Granite Countertops
1. Composition
Quartz and granite differ significantly in their compositions because one is man-made and the other is a natural stone.
Quartz:
*Above countertop by Caesarstone
Quartz is a man-made stone that consists of crushed quartz crystals, resins, and pigments.
Quartz is an engineered stone made primarily of crushed quartz crystals (about 90-95%) combined with resins and pigments. The quartz crystals are bound together using resins, typically polymer resins.
These resins help bind the quartz together and provide flexibility, making it suitable for shaping into countertops and other surfaces. The addition of pigments allows for a wide range of colours and patterns.
Granite:
Granite is a natural stone cut from quarries in large slabs.
Granite, on the other hand, is a natural stone. It is formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma deep within the Earth's crust. Granite is predominantly composed of several minerals such as
Quartz
Feldspar
Mica
Various other trace minerals
This mix of minerals gives granite its unique appearance and variability in colour and pattern. Unlike quartz, granite slabs are extracted from quarries in large blocks and then cut into slabs for use as countertops and other applications.
2. Appearance
The appearance of quartz vs granite countertops varies significantly due to their distinct compositions.
Quartz:
Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Quartz will give you a more uniform appearance.
Quartz offers you a wide range of colours and patterns. Its appearance tends to be more consistent across different slabs because it's engineered, however, you can also find quartz countertops that mimic the look of natural stones like marble or granite. Since it is manufactured, the patterns and colours of quartz can be controlled, providing you with more uniformity.
Granite:
Each slab of granite will be completely different.
Each slab of granite is unique, displaying natural variations in colour, pattern, and veining. No two granite countertops will look exactly alike, even if they are from the same quarry or have similar names.
Because of its natural formation process, Granite often showcases intricate;
Pattern
Speckles
Swirls
Veining
This makes it the perfect choice if you appreciate the beauty of natural stone.
3. Durability and Lifespan
Quartz and granite countertops are both durable options, but they have different characteristics that affect their durability and lifespan. Both are resilient and can withstand everyday use in a kitchen or bathroom setting.
Quartz:
*Above countertop by Wilsonart
Quartz countertops are resistant to bacteria making them a good choice for your kitchen.
Quartz countertops are highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and impacts. The engineered nature of quartz, combining crushed quartz stone and resins, creates a non-porous surface that is resistant to spills and bacteria. While quartz is durable, it's not entirely heat-proof. It's advisable to use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from extreme heat.
With proper care and maintenance, quartz countertops can last for decades. They are less prone to chipping or cracking compared to natural stones like granite.
Granite:
Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Make sure you regularly seal your granite countertop to help it last.
Granite is also durable but is a natural stone, which means it's porous and requires sealing to resist stains. However, even with sealing, it may still be susceptible to stains if spills are not cleaned promptly. Granite is more heat-resistant than quartz but isn't entirely impervious to heat. It's still advisable to use trivets or hot pads to avoid potential damage from hot pots and pans.
When properly sealed and maintained, granite countertops can also have a long lifespan, often lasting longer than your home if it is well maintained. However, their durability might be slightly less than quartz due to the porosity of natural stone.
4. Maintenance
Maintenance requirements for quartz vs granite countertops differ due to their makeup, but quartz countertops are generally easier to maintain.
Quartz:
*Above countertop by Lucent
Quartz countertops are relatively easy to maintain.
Quartz countertops are relatively low maintenance. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is usually sufficient to keep them clean. They are non-porous, so they don't require sealing. This makes them highly resistant to stains from liquids such as:
Wine
Vinegar
Oils
You should, however, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.
Granite:
Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Granite will require a bit more maintenance than quartz.
Granite is a natural stone and is porous, which means it requires sealing to prevent staining. Depending on the type of granite and the sealer used, sealing might be needed every 1-3 years.
Similar to quartz, regular cleaning with mild soap and water is recommended. However, it's essential to wipe up spills promptly to prevent staining, especially on lighter-coloured granite.
5. Price and Resale Value
The price and resale value of quartz versus granite countertops can vary based on several factors.
Quartz:
*Above countertop by Caesarstone
Quartz countertops can add value to your home.
Generally, quartz tends to be more expensive than granite per square foot because it is an engineered stone. The manufacturing process involves combining these materials, adding colourants, and using high-pressure machinery to create slabs. The engineered nature and the process involved in manufacturing quartz countertops contribute to their higher cost.
While the extraction and finishing process for granite involves significant effort and machinery, it doesn't require the same level of manufacturing and engineering as quartz. The price of quartz countertops can vary depending on the brand, quality, design, and where you're purchasing them.
Quartz countertops can positively impact your home's resale value. They are considered an attractive feature for buyers due to the following:
Durability
Wide range of styles
Low maintenance
All of these factors can help to potentially add value to your property.
Granite:
The natural beauty and luxurious appearance of granite can be appealing to many buyers.
Granite countertops, while varying in price based on quality and rarity, are often less expensive than quartz. However, rare or exotic granite types can be more costly. Granite countertops are also seen as an attractive feature in a home and can positively influence resale value. They have a natural appeal and are often associated with luxury and quality, appealing to potential buyers.
6. Installation
The installation process for quartz and granite countertops is quite similar in many aspects, but there are some differences based on the nature of the materials.
Quartz:
Quartz countertops should be installed by professionals.
Quartz countertops are engineered and fabricated to specific measurements. They need to be precisely cut to fit the kitchen or bathroom layout. Quartz countertops are heavy, similar to granite, so professional installation is necessary.
Adequate support and levelling are crucial during installation. Seams might be more noticeable in quartz due to its uniformity, so their placement and blending during installation are important for aesthetics. Since quartz is manufactured, it can be customized more easily in terms of colour, pattern, and edge profiles, requiring precise fabrication during installation.
Granite:
Granite slabs also need to be cut and installed by professionals.
Granite slabs are unique, and their natural variations in colour, veining, and patterns mean that no two slabs are alike. This requires careful consideration during layout and installation to match seams and patterns.
Before or after installation, granite countertops need to be sealed to protect against stains and moisture penetration. This may be done by the installer or scheduled separately. Like quartz, granite is heavy and needs professional installation to ensure proper support and levelling.
7. Recommendations on Which to Choose
The choice between quartz vs granite countertops can depend on various factors. Here are some recommendations for different situations:
For Low Maintenance:
If you're looking for low maintenance and don’t want to worry about sealing, quartz might be the better choice. Its non-porous nature makes it highly resistant to stains and bacteria, making it easier to clean and maintain.
For Unique Aesthetics:
*Above countertop by Wilsonart
Granite countertops are generally more unique looking than quartz.
If you value the natural beauty and uniqueness of each slab, granite might be more appealing. Its natural variations in colour and patterns can add character and uniqueness to your space.
For Durability:
Both quartz and granite are durable, but quartz is more resistant to scratches and stains due to its engineered nature. If you're concerned about heavy use or accidental impacts, quartz might be a better option.
For Customization:
If you prefer more control over colour, pattern, and edge profiles, quartz offers greater customization options since it's manufactured. You can choose from a wide range of colours and designs.
For Cost Consideration:
Granite countertops are generally less expensive than quartz, especially for more common varieties. If you have a budget constraint and still want the elegance of natural stone, granite could be the better choice.
For Resale Value:
Both quartz and granite can positively impact resale value due to their appeal. If you're looking to increase your home's resale value, either choice can be attractive to potential buyers.
Natural Stone City Has All the Quartz and Granite Countertop Colours You’ll Want & More.
If you are searching for the perfect quartz or granite countertop, come to Natural Stone City. We have the largest selection of Granite, Marble, and Quartz in Southern Ontario, with over 1,000 slabs of different colour options.
You can choose from standard colours to super exotic options, shipped directly from Italy, Brazil and around the world. We carefully select each one, keeping the satisfaction of our customers in mind.
When you buy from Natural Stone City you’ll get:
Installations in as little as 1 week
Any colour you want and more
Help from our knowledgeable and friendly staff who are experienced stone countertop specialists
Contact us today and we will help you choose the perfect countertop for your home.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“Time and time again We come back to your company for sooooo many reasons. Our family and Friends can't thank you enough for your services. Not just that, from the friendly welcoming happy reception Ladies, to the warm hand off to Aura. Aura is EXTREMELY knowledgeable in all the products. From start to finish she takes each client and thoroughly goes thru the process of of each type of stone/ product, accessories, measurements, scheduling, delivering, installing. All this and did I mention yet?!!! They have the best quotes/prices.... believe me I've gotten other local quotes does not compare. Aura and her team are great and I know to trust to openly refer and recommend Natural Stone to anyone and everyone I know.
Thank you to all at Natural Stone City for your service.”
— Aurelia Mercu
