Quartz vs Granite Countertops: What Is Better for Your Kitchen

Quartz vs Granite Countertops — what should I choose?

This is a common dilemma for many homeowners. After much contemplation, you’ve narrowed your choices down to two options — quartz and granite countertops.

Having trouble deciding which one is better for you?

Read this article to learn what you can exactly expect with each, find out about their pros and cons, and understand their unique characteristics, features, and benefits they provide. Our experts help you to look at each more closely and understand them more fully. By the end of the article, you will know whether quartz or granite suits your unique needs and demands best.

Quartz vs Granite Countertops — Engineered Stone vs Natural Stone

Both quartz and granite add beauty and class to any home and also increase its value. Both are durable, sanitary, low maintenance, and versatile, with many designs, colors, and pattern options. However, each of these magnificent stone types also has its own, particular and unique strengths and upsides, as well as some downsides. Both quartz and granite are perfect for those looking for an elegant and modern finish to a new home or for the best remodeling option.

However, your preference in style, appearance, benefits, and features will determine your choice. Quartz vs granite doesn’t have to be a dilemma if you know what you need in your kitchen.

For some, the choice between quartz vs granite countertops comes down to differences implied by their origin. Natural, authentic granite and engineered, man-made quartz bring different qualities to your kitchen. Crushed quartz (93%) mixed with resin, a resin binder, and color additives make quartz countertops. Quartz countertops feature a wide variety of colors, patterns, and styles. Often, they will imitate natural stone — granite or marble. Quartz countertops are predictable and thus will give you a streamlined and simplified look that has an elegance of its own.

Within wide granite and quartz countertops collections, for example, in MSI Countertops, there are many options from which you can choose and select, for example, the best Granite Countertop Colors.

Granite countertops are 100% unique and one-of-a-kind. This material is mined in single, large slabs from quarries all around the world. Professionals cut these granite slabs down to manageable sizes and then polish them to a fine finish. Choosing granite is a perfect solution if you want a slab that no one else has. No two slabs of granite are alike. Granite is gorgeous in its uniqueness and even its imperfections are considered as unique qualities.

Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Durability

Both quartz and granite are great options when you’re on the lookout for a durable, long-lasting countertop surface that will serve you for years to come. Here are more details about quartz vs granite countertops durability characteristics.

Granite Countertops Durability

Granite has a holocrystalline structure. Instead of developing on their own, the crystals grow into each other. The resulting interlocking structure gives granite a tremendously durable quality. Granite is hard to scratch and heat resistant. This ensures that it will last a lifetime. Granite is so hard that it can dull knife blades. It can even be used outdoors because of its ability to withstand various weather conditions — freezing temperatures as well as sun. You can be assured that your granite won’t fade or weather outside.

However, granite has a porous nature, so some staining is possible if you leave spilled liquids to sit. High-impact blows can also damage granite countertops. If your heart is set on granite but you’re worried about its resistance to liquids and stains, make sure to seal your granite correctly and regularly by a professional. This is how you make sure your granite countertops stay stain and liquids-resistant. A great example of beauty and resilience is Typhoon Bordeaux Granite.

Quartz Countertops Durability

Quartz countertops are man-made with a specific use in mind, which means they are actually harder and more durable than granite countertops. The fact that you don’t need to seal quartz countertops says a lot about their durability and stamina. Synthetically made of ninety-three percent natural quartz stone and seven percent resin, quartz countertops are scratch-resistant and nearly indestructible. Also, quartz countertops aren’t porous so they are easy to maintain and keep them bacteria-free.

However, nearly indestructible isn’t 100% indestructible — excessive heat and hot pots and pans can damage your quartz countertop. If your heart is set on a quartz countertop but you’re worried about its resistance to heat, make sure to use trivets and pads for hot pots and pans at all times. This goes for all types of quartz surfaces, even White Quartz Countertops.

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Countertop Materials?

One way is to wxplore Pental Quartz and Silestone Quartz Countertops options, and compare them to Caesarstone and MSI, for example.

Quartz vs Granite Countertops Hygiene Comparison

Both granite and quartz are safe for your health if you clean them and take care of them correctly. However, each stone has some specific characteristics in this area as well.

Sealed Granite

If sealed, granite does not harbor bacteria. Cleaning it is simple and doesn’t require lots of effort. Granite’s sleek surface has no pores which means that it is bacteria-resistant. The ease and simplicity of cleaning granite countertops keep your kitchen sparkling like new and free from bacteria, mold, and odors.

Sanitary Quartz

Quartz is created to be non-porous and it is also bacteria-resistant. Cleaning it is as simple as wiping with soap and warm water. In this respect, sealed granite and quartz are equally simple and sanitary.

Learn How to Match Backsplash with Granite Countertops.

Quartz vs Granite Countertops Maintenance Comparison

Both quartz and granite won’t require lots of cleaning and care. There is only one difference — granite needs to be sealed regularly, which is very simple and easy to do, although best by a professional.

Low-Maintenance Granite

Granite countertops are very low maintenance. They rarely need repairs. If anything happens, repairs for granite are relatively easy. Granite countertops do have to be sealed, on a regular basis. With this minor effort, they will remain in top condition easily. To make your granite hygienic and look beautifully at all times, clean it daily using soap or a mild household cleaner and warm water. Never use abrasive cleaners, acids, and oils as they can stain granite. Every year, make sure to reseal your granite countertops as this will protect them from absorbing wine, lemon juice, and tomato spills. Sealing granite is the best solution for preventing stains. If granite is sealed, but not sealed properly, it puts the household in danger of harboring bacteria.

Easy to Clean Quartz

Quartz is also easy to maintain. It is naturally bacteria-resistant. Quartz does not require sealing or any other routine maintenance to resist wear and tear and look and perform at top quality for years. However, you shouldn’t let spills sit on quartz countertops either. Wipe them down as soon as possible.

Quartz countertops maintenance routine includes daily use of soap or a mild household cleaner and warm water. And that’s it! No need to seal them either because they have a solid surface. This also means that quartz won’t hold bacteria and viruses. Many homeowners are attracted by quartz’s ability to handle coffee, juice, tomato, wine, and oil spills. It’s true, with quartz countertops you can be more relaxed, but you should still remove spills as soon as possible.

Also, have in mind that quartz countertops can feature various finishes and some, like leather or concrete finishes will require more maintenance and care. For example, Calacatta Quartz and Carrara Quartz are good options that won’t give you any headaches as they usually come in a polished finish.

Quartz vs Granite Countertops Appearance Comparison

The difference between quartz and granite countertops in the look, style, and appearance is significant. The beauty is in the eye of a beholder and both granite and quartz have their strong points. If you love a uniform, streamlined look, you’ll love quartz countertops. Granite countertops will most surely be your pick if you prefer the extraordinary, singular look. Explore the options each offers below.

Gorgeous Looking Granite

Each granite slab is different and unique, so if you want versatility, a wealth of choices, and a one-of-a-kind appearance countertop in your kitchen, choose granite. Granite is formed after the processes of cooling and solidifying molten materials are done. These natural processes make granite so unique and gift it with an endless number of patterns, colors, and hues. Whether you’re looking for subtle-looking slabs for your entire kitchen, or for a slab of striking appearance for your kitchen island, you will find an endless selection of granite countertops, in a wide variety of colors, patterns, veining, and swirls. Granite colors range from black and gray to white, and even orange and red.

If you’re looking to complement the traditional style of your kitchen, look for brown, green, and burgundy granite color options. In case you prefer modern, minimalist style kitchens, but you still insist on a unique appearance slab, look into white granite types. They are never simply white like quartz can be, but they are stunning and will successfully complement your contemporary kitchen. Black Granite Countertops are also well–worth exploring.

Custom Quartz

Quartz is manufactured synthetically. This means that coloring is included in the process. Quartz countertops are far more consistent than granite countertops. At times, slabs can even be made to order with the exact texture, color, and pattern that you want. The main benefit here is the control this gives to the homeowner.

Quartz countertops give you many options to choose from — from pure colors to nature-imitating slabs, like quartz that looks like marble and granite-looking quartz countertops. This natural look is possible thanks to the process of crushing and blending quartz with resin or some other binding agent. The end result of this process is quartz stone that looks abundant, lavish, and luxurious, just like granite. Cambria, Caesarstone colors, and Silestone quartz countertops offer many options. A rich variety of many different colors and patterns gives homeowners and kitchen designers a lot of options to work with and choose from.

The appearance of quartz is one of the main reasons why it is so popular nowadays. It provides a gorgeous appearance of stone while allowing you to customize its design and style. Since there is a limited number of quartz countertop design options, choosing the right quartz slabs for your kitchen is much easier than choosing from an endless array of granite slabs.

Quartz vs Granite Countertops Price Comparison

In general, granite is more affordable than quartz. The prices are lower for widely available options. If you’re into special finishes of quartz of highly exotic granite countertop slabs, you should know that they come with a higher price tag.

Granite Countertops Prices

The more available and common granite countertop slab design, the more affordable the price it will have. With its low maintenance, affordable granite countertops remain an economic choice throughout their existence. However, granite countertops have a wide range of prices. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of granite with installation goes from $2,000 to $4,000. Some other sources say that granite price is between about $80 and $175 or even higher for a luxurious slab.

Granite countertops at Aqua Kitchen and Bath Design Center start at $34,99 per square foot installed for a single slab deal and go up to $54,99 per square foot with installation. The cheaper deal includes free sink cut-out, free estimate, and installation, and offers leftover slabs. Other deals include free installation, free estimate, free fabrication and edge treatment, free sealer treatment, and a free stainless kitchen sink.

Quartz Countertops Prices

How expensive are quartz countertops compared to granite?

Quartz countertops cost a bit more than granite because they are artificial and man-made. Manufacturers of quartz control the prices of quartz countertops which is different than what fabricators do dealing with raw granite material. According to HomeAdvisor, purchasing and installing quartz countertops costs on average costs between about $70 and $100 per square foot.

The price of quartz countertops at Aqua Kitchen and Bath Design Center here in Wayne, NJ goes from $54.99 to $64.99, and $85.00 These prices are for one slab only and may differ if more than one slab is needed.

Before investing in either quartz or granite, make sure to inspect and compare the fabrication, installation, and sealing costs. Often, these prices will be included, but sometimes they are not and can increase the overall cost significantly. Exploring our Quartz Countertop products will give you a good idea of how the prices go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which one is better, granite or quartz?

Looking at what is better — granite or quartz — first, you need to think about what you need, what you like, and what is important to you. Granite is always one of a kind, completely unique, hard, resilient, and durable, and needs a bit more maintenance than quartz. On the other side, quartz stone countertop material is fabricated, and man-made for hardworking use and active kitchens. Quartz is even harder than granite and more durable. It is practically timeless when used within recommendations. It’s bacteria-free, non-porous, very resilient, and non-porous. Consequently, it will need less maintenance and upkeep than granite. However, the look of quartz is uniform and although it imitates natural stones, it comes in well-established colors and designs.

Is quartz more expensive than granite?

Currently, granite is more expensive than quartz in general. However, it depends on the type of granite or quartz you’re looking at. Pure white quartz is less expensive than black quartz while some types of black quartz may be more expensive than some granite stones. Generally, on both sides, there are more expensive and less expensive options. For example, white granite is more expensive than granite in brown and earth tones simply because the traditional granite options are not as trendy as they used to be and white granite options are. Also, many other factors will influence the total price — the finishing, edge design, bookmatching if needed, etc.

What’s the difference between granite and quartz?

The main difference between granite and quartz is that granite is a 100 percent naturally sourced stone while quartz is an engineered material made by man. Quartz-engineered stone has about 95% natural quartz stone and 5% manmade materials such as pigments and various resins. On the other end, granite stands like a completely natural stone, fully designed by natural processes at which man had no direct influence. Man only cuts and polishes granite, creating slabs of different sizes for various uses in kitchens, baths, and for other applications in residential and commercial projects.

Which is easier to care for and maintain, granite or quartz?

Although granite countertops are absolutely unique and bring a special kind of appeal to any space, kitchen, or bath, it is easier to take care of and maintain quartz. Granite countertops require sealing at least once a year, for which you need professional help in order to do it right. You won’t need professional help only if you are an experienced DIYer. Granite also needs special care in maintenance as harsh cleaners are a big no for them. On the other hand, quartz is very easy to maintain and care for as it is non-porous, stain-free and requires virtually no maintenance. It is also very well known that quartz is manufactured in a way to be also bacteria-free.

Does quartz scratch more easily than granite?

Granite scratches more easily than quartz. Quartz is engineered by man and is made to last for a lifetime. Great durability causes great scratch resistance, too. It is also guaranteed that quartz is less likely than granite to crack or chip. To make granite durable and resistant like quartz you will need to seal it regularly. At the same time, quartz offers these benefits without additional maintenance or care.

Is granite more shiny than quartz?

Polished varieties of granite and quartz are very shiny. On the other hand, non-polished finishes for granite and quartz, like leathered, suede, or velluto finish, are less shiny. If you like your countertop stone to look shiny, choose the polished finish. Besides the sparkly and shiny look it gives to the stone surfaces, polished finish also makes it easier to remove stains from the stone, if staining occurs. Still, being natural stone, granite will always be shinier than quartz.

Does granite stain more than quartz?

Granite is a natural stone that stains more easily than man-made quartz. Quartz is created to be resistant to staining, as kitchens are the places where the usage of liquids is likely to cause stains. This quality makes it very appealing for kitchen usage and a very popular countertop stone. The trick is in special resins that are included within the quartz material. These rasins make the stone less porous, thus very resistant to staining and certainly more stain resistant than granite.

Conclusion: What Should I Choose — Quartz or Granite?

Whatever you decide, one thing is sure — you cannot go wrong. Both quartz and granite offer premium features and benefits. Depending on your needs, habits, and style preferences, you will choose one or the other.

Most people get a few or only one chance at thoroughly remodeling their home and kitchen, so naturally, they want to get it right. If you have a busy lifestyle, and love the minimalist or simple, streamlined look, go with quartz countertops. But if you love to have something that no one else has, look into many options granite countertops offer.

What we know for sure, both granite and quartz will make a lasting impression on anyone that enters your kitchen. At the same time, both will serve you for years to come and provide exceptional functionality and ease of maintenance.

Here at Aqua Kitchen and Bath Design Center in Wayne, NJ, we will encourage you to choose what you love and what will suit your unique needs best. Our 8000 sqft indoor and outdoor showroom and professional, expert designers will make your process of selection easier and enjoyable. We carry over 100 granite colors and many varieties of quartz countertops in stock.

Which will you choose — attractive quartz or beautiful granite countertops? Let us help you. Contact us to get a free estimate from our professional team.