Two of the most well-known brands of kitchen countertops are Granite and Quartz. Both of them are incredibly well-known due to their stunning appearances and noticeable durability. Additionally, they are currently very popular materials that are widely used. Therefore, it is easy to imagine that you might be forced to make a difficult decision between the two. Each one, after all, has unique advantages and disadvantages of its own. Choosing the wrong material for your countertop could result in a very unpleasant experience. As it is given the cost and time required to install a countertop of Quartz vs Granite.
“Which is the superior choice between Granite and Quartz?” When renovating the interior of a kitchen or bathroom, people frequently think about what stone to use for the countertops. Since both are stones, suitable for countertops, and frequently chosen by customers, almost everyone opts between Quartz and Granite.
Many of them still don’t know which surface will be more reliable or suitable for their location. This is a perplexing argument. Because despite having numerous advantages they are unlikely to be identical. And both stones are the best in their respective positions. Quartz vs granite will be selected based on personal preference.
We’ll respond to a few of your questions:
- Is a better-looking countertop necessary?
- Will the cost of the material matter?
- Is it hard to maintain them?
Our in-depth guide on Granite vs. Quartz will be helpful if you ever find yourself in a situation where you’re unsure which of these two countertops is best for you. To help you make your decision, we’ve listed all the essential characteristics of both materials and put together a guide.
What is Granite?
Granite is an igneous rock that forms naturally. It is found in quarries all over the world. It has also long been employed in construction-related contexts. Granite was regarded as a premium, opulent material for the majority of the 20th century. However, due to the discovery of new deposits, improved extraction techniques. And technological advancements over the past few decades, granite has become a much more abundant material. It is so popular that about 29% of American homeowners have made it their preferred material. They use one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials for their countertop. Granite has many qualities that have helped it gain popularity. Two of the main aspects that contribute to its notoriety are its appearance and durability. A kitchen countertop made of granite is an excellent choice. Because it is both extremely durable and very beautiful.
What is Quartz?
There is a small amount of naturally occurring quartz in the mineral quartz, which was primarily developed through engineering. Natural quartz is combined with a variety of additional substances. Quartz is a relatively new building material when compared to marble and granite. But despite this, it is by far the most widely used material for kitchen countertops due to its many advantages, such as its natural durability and temperature resistance. Additionally, there are practically infinite color combinations available. Quartz is the material of choice for American homeowners, accounting for about 51% of the market for kitchen countertops in the country. As a result, selecting quartz may prove to be a wise choice for you. Since it is available in a wide range of colors and styles and is very strong, very damage-resistant, non-porous, and accessible.
Quartz vs Granite: Which has a better look?
Granite
Granite can have a wide range of colors and finishes because it is a naturally occurring mineral. In addition to various modifications and appearances. Given that granite is composed of a variety of substances. It is not a single homogeneous mineral concerning the precise ratios of mica, quartz, and potassium present within it. All of these determine how it appears. Alaska White Granite and Black Peal Leather, which come in shades of white, black, pink, and blue, are two of the most well-known types of granite. It is also the most popular kind used for kitchen countertops. However, as a whole, granite is a very attractive stone. Since ancient times, it has been prized for its wide range of aesthetic possibilities and unique value for use in the production of concrete. You can be sure that any kitchen will look amazing with a granite countertop.
Quartz
Unlike granite, quartz is a manufactured material that resembles a variety of natural rocks, including marble and granite. Quartz can be created and designed to have any appearance or texture that a specific customer wants. Even though you can’t request your unique formulation. Because granite’s color and texture are shaped and determined by natural processes. Quartz differs greatly from natural minerals like granite. It is functionally capable of having an unlimited range of variation and diversity. Additionally, several well-known brands sell quartz, and each of them has a distinct price-based grading system.
Quartz vs Granite: Which is the harder one?
Hardness is one of the most important properties in a material for a kitchen countertop. Because heavy loads should be placed on top of your countertop without easily damaging it. It must be strong enough to do so. As a result, you should contrast and consider the hardenability of the materials you are thinking about.
Quartz and granite are rated 7 and 6 on the Moh scale of mineral hardness, respectively (a 1 on the moh scale of mineral hardness is an extremely soft material while a 10 is an extremely hard material). The two hardest materials used to make kitchen countertops are granite and quartz. With quartz being the harder of the two at a hardness of 6 and granite being a hardness of 7. However, because they are ranked so closely together, there is not much of a difference in hardenability between the two. If your countertop is made of quartz or granite, it is highly unlikely that it will be conveniently scratched, chipped, or damaged. If you are certain that you must obtain the hardest material possible, quartz is without a doubt the best in terms of hardness.
Quartz vs Granite: Which one is Environmentally Friendly?
Granite
Granite can only enter your kitchen through mining, which uses a significant amount of energy. If you select a high-end surface from Italy, for example, there will be a lot of transportation needed. If at all possible, use local stone or search salvage yards for pieces that can be customized.
Quartz
Given that quartz is engineered. It may be more environmentally friendly than granite if local manufacturers and stone are used. As a result, less material needs to be moved over long distances.
Quartz vs Granite: What are their prices?
Kitchen countertops are expensive. And it makes sense that cost is one of many homeowners’ top concerns today. The relative costs of the various materials you are choosing must therefore be taken into account. Quartz and granite are both thought to be competitively priced. Considering that neither of them is as costly as some materials, like onyx. The exact cost of quartz or granite depends on the type and quality you purchase, and there are sizable price differences between the two materials.
In Orlando, you can, however, generally purchase a common variety of granite. Florida that ranges from $40 to $85 per square foot, with the priciest varieties going for up to $60 to $100. Exotic granites are available, and each slab can cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars.
The price of quartz in Orlando will vary depending on the grade that is selected. First Preference Quartz costs between $70 and $100 per square foot, while Florida can cost anywhere between $28 and $100 per square foot. The rare granite varieties, however, which can cost thousands of dollars per slab, are not included. Granite countertops will typically cost less than quartz ones.
If reducing costs as much as possible is your main concern, choose a lower grade of quartz. The best course of action for you is probably this. The overall cost difference between the two is incredibly negligible.
Quartz vs Granite: Which is better heat resistant?
The capacity to withstand heat is a significant problem. The kitchen is one room in the house that frequently gets very hot because of the various cooking methods. Therefore, one of their top priorities is selecting a material that is heat-resistant enough. Heat resistant to satisfy a homeowner’s unique kitchen needs. Quartz and granite are typically both very heat-resistant building materials. However, when used as kitchen countertops, granite and quartz can both be easily damaged by exposure to extremely high temperatures. This is so because quartz contains binding agents. Heat-sensitive resin is present in it. However, because granite is typically not heat resistant. It might be damaged by heat in the form of burned or broken sealant.
You cannot place a hot pot or pan on each surface without using a trivet. Since both surfaces will be damaged by direct contact with hot pots and pans. Both materials are similarly resistant to heat overall. Additionally, neither really offers an advantage over the other.
If heat resistance is important to you, quartz and granite both perform admirably in terms of preventing heat damage. However, neither one has a competitive advantage over the other in terms of heat resistance.
Quartz vs Granite: Loopholes
Granite and quartz are both renowned for being sturdy, durable, and challenging to break. Since no material is completely indestructible, each one has unique flaws. Granite and quartz can both be damaged by high temperatures. Since some of the parts in each one is susceptible to heat damage. Because quartz is not porous, whereas granite can absorb spills and stains, quartz is more durable than granite. Ammonia, Windex, vinegar, and bleach are examples of abrasive cleaners that can harm both.
Quartz has the advantage of not being nearly as easily stained as granite. However, overall, the drawbacks of both materials are very similar, and their levels of durability are comparable. Overall, there is little distinction between the flaws of quartz and granite. Your decision won’t be significantly affected by it.
Quartz vs Granite: Maintenance
The cost and effort of maintenance are two other crucial factors for any homeowner. Since it is obvious that you want your countertop to still look good twenty years from now. Given that it requires a lot less maintenance than granite, quartz performs better in this area. Both materials can be cleaned with typical household abrasives. Both cannot be cleaned with vinegar, Windex, ammonia, or bleach. Therefore, all that is needed to clean both materials are a damp cloth and some hot water. Thus, the cleaning process is the same for all of these materials.
Granite needs to be re-sealed every year, which adds to the maintenance costs. Quartz, on the other hand, requires zero maintenance. There are no maintenance costs or re-sealing costs because it is a non-porous material. The maintenance benefit of quartz over granite is therefore undeniable. As a result, maintaining your quartz countertop virtually never costs money.
If reducing your maintenance costs is one of your top priorities. The quartz countertop would be the best option for you, as it is for many homeowners. Because they essentially require no maintenance at all. You should be aware, however, that granite is thought to require less upkeep than quartz substitutes like marble. Therefore, granite doesn’t need a lot of expensive maintenance.
Quartz vs Granite: DIY Suitability
None of these products, except small bathroom vanity countertops, lend themselves to do-it-yourself installation. Even a relatively small countertop of 36 inches made of heavy materials like granite or quartz weighs close to 100 pounds. The best option is to have a professional fabricate and install your countertop. If you choose to do it yourself, granite and quartz countertops are installed in the same manner. If you are spending money on either pricey material, there is no reason to chance DIY installation.
Quartz emits less radon than granite
You may have noticed that granite is dangerous to use as a countertop material because it releases radon gas. Radon, a colorless and odorless radioactive gas, is created when uranium breaks down during the decay process.
Why do people think that radon is present in their countertops?
Since it has trace amounts of radioactive materials, just like the soil on which your home is built and many other things that can be found in nature. The reality is that there isn’t enough radioactive material to pose a threat to anyone. Even if radon gas is released as a result of the radioactive elements in the stone decaying, it will mix with the air around it. And it is no longer a threat to people because it has been diluted to extremely low concentrations.
The Sun fades Quartz
Few granite colors will fade when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight. Stone slabs are frequently left outside in the sun because of this. However, quartz, especially the darker colors, starts to noticeably fade after just a few weeks of exposure to sunlight. If your kitchen receives a lot of direct sunlight, you should avoid using it.
The advantages and disadvantages of quartz and granite
Below is a list of each stone’s benefits and drawbacks. You should consider the many benefits and drawbacks of both materials before choosing which is best for your kitchen and bathroom countertops. After learning about them, you can select your countertop. Both are lovely options, but they each have drawbacks of their own.
Advantages of Quartz:
- Its color and sheen are exactly like marbles. However, it is a stone that is more durable than marble and suitable for countertops.
- The main drawback of quartz is how easily it can be scratched. It is unique compared to other stones.
- Quartz is both strong and reasonably priced, and it is available in a wide range of patterns and colors. Because of this, it’s an excellent choice for countertops.
- Quartz doesn’t require a labor-intensive installation process or a lot of maintenance, like sealing.
Disadvantages of Quartz:
- Quartz’s color may gradually deteriorate if exposed to intense sunlight for an extended period.
- Somewhat more expensive than granite. Quartz is more expensive than granite.
- Depending on how each stone is finished and installed, the price may vary. It is entirely dependent on those extra factors.
Advantages of Granite:
- It is one of the least expensive and most widely used stones.
- Because it is a natural substance, the stone is not a limited edition. This stone is primarily used for countertops.
- Granite is more durable than marble. Granite is a stone similar to marble, but it is more resilient and less expensive.
- Most people prefer granite for countertops. Because, when installed properly, it is a stone that is stain- and scratch-proof.
- As long as the countertop is properly sealed, it requires little maintenance.
A disadvantage of Granite:
- Granite doesn’t have many cons because it is one of the best rocks for countertops. This stone’s only drawback is that it needs more installation and sealing upkeep than other stones. This countertop is primarily sealed by professionals to reduce the possibility of scratches and stains.
Making decisions in conclusion
Granite and quartz are high-end countertop materials that raise a home’s value. Granite will appeal to those who favor natural materials, whereas quartz is simpler to maintain and has marginally better durability. They both display the same kind of quality. You can choose any of them based on your preferences, though. If you want to use natural stone, you could pick granite. But quartz is better in our opinion. Because it never needs to be resealed and has slightly better stain resistance. If you believe that protecting the environment is important, this stone is more environmentally friendly. These days, it seems to be more prevalent, which might be helpful if you decide to sell your house. If granite is what you’re going with, this is also a fantastic option. Additionally, it has advantages and gains of its own. However, give your granite countertops proper attention and maintenance.
Once you’ve decided on stone for the countertop, an interior designer can help you with color and pattern. Additionally, he can assist you in choosing complementary cabinets and colors for your kitchen.
