Quartz Vs Granite Kitchen Countertops. Which is The Best And What to Chose?

Quartz and Granite are stain-resistant, durable, and great-looking countertops.

Both are good options for any kitchen; however, there are some fundamental differences that you need to know. So, this Quartz Vs Granite countertops comparison will expose every little point to help you decide which one is the best.

Quartz Vs Granite Countertops_ Overview

Granite

It’s purely natural and comes directly from stone deposits. Afterwards, stone workers cut it into thin slabs, polished, and fabricated into countertops. Granite also contains mica and other trace minerals that give it a flecked pattern. Even the different minerals give it many colors like white, cream, pink, red, and black.

Quartz

Adding a quartz countertop to your kitchen might seem an incredible way to brighten the surface. It has two types; the first one has engineered Quartz which is mainly for countertops. Manufactures make Quartz by crushing rocks and then combining them with resins to form slabs. White and cream are the most common colors. However, they add pigments to give slabs a natural look.

Quartz Vs Granite Countertops_ Appearance

Granite

It’s one of the beautiful natural stones on earth you can find. Whether you are looking for something eye-catchy, light and dark. Granite would be helpful for you. Cooling and solidifying of molten materials make it able to come in many colors and patterns for a natural look. But it is only available in naturally occurring pigments. And it might seem a downside of Granite.

Quartz

It’s the second most abundant material in earth’s crust and comes in the color you can imagine. Many people preferer Quartz countertops and find them better and attractive than natural stones.

It’s because you can get any color from a natural marble look to bright greens, reds, whites, and light grey. We can say Quartz has the ability to look like marble and may have similar colors, veins, patterns.

Quartz Vs Granite_ Environmentally friendly

Granite

Usually, cleaning products material contains harsh chemicals that can imply adverse effects on the environment. So, you should keep the material hygienic and clean without any need of potent chemical agents.

However, Granite countertops are extremely hygienic because they don’t accumulate any dust and dirt quickly. That is to say; it does not require any chemicals and d you can easily wipe the surface with water and soap. Also, it’s stain-resistant and making it long-lasting for years.

So, if you can get Granite on a local base, then it goes best. But in other cases, it requires shipping to more considerable distances. The resulting emission of carbon dioxide will contribute to air pollution. Moreover, it takes a lot of energy to mine. That is to say, it can cause air pollution.

Quartz

If you are looking for a beautiful and natural stone material. But concerned about the environmental impacts of Granite, Quartz countertops are a great alternative. Its production does not take a lot of energy to mine compared to Granite.

Besides, Quartz is engineered in a factory and uses the material during the production that can be less wasted. These features are making it a great eco-friendly alternative while still delivering the benefits of Granite.

Even its environmentally friendly surface offers a smooth texture that makes it challenging for bacteria, mildew, and mould to develop. Moreover, its surfaces are durable and do not absorb liquid, making it easy to clean and maintain.

Quartz Vs Granite Countertops_ Care

Granite

Natural stones are porous but can last longer if you care for them properly. Care does not mean you need to do exceptional work. Rather, you need to learn correct cleaning methods and proper maintenance. So, wipe up spilt liquids or anything else quickly.

However, if you don’t, it will absorb it and lead to staining and bacterial growth. That’s why granite countertops require regular sealing to avoid and resist absorption. Sealing process is not complicated enough but can turn tragic with wrong information.

Though dish soap would not damage your countertop permanently; however, its repeated use will dull its shine. So, avoid the regular use of dish soap for cleaning granite countertops. Moreover, you should reapply sealant every 1 to 2 years.

Quartz

Opposite to Granite countertops, Quartz is non-porous and will not absorb liquid. Therefore, it’s highly resistant to staining. Even quartz countertops are resistant to bacteria growth. However, heavy dyes can stain the surface of the counter. So, wipe them up quickly.

Moreover, you should manage a regular cleaning of the countertop to prevent permanent stains and damages. You can do this with a mild soap, detergent, and soft cloth. But always prefer a non-bleach and non-abrasive soap.

You can scrape away gum, grease, paint with a plastic putty knife and razor blade. However, you can also use degreasing cleanser to clean off grease. Though quartz countertops are scratch-resistant, sharp objects can cause damages to them.

Quartz Vs Granite_ Installation & DIY

Granite

You can install Granite countertops by yourself because manufacturers cut slabs to fit into your kitchen countertop’s exact shape. If you have straight countertop without inside corners, that is to say; it’s quite an easy DIY project.

However, if you have any doubt and you feel you cannot, then leave it. It’s because a small mistake can lead to a re-cutting or even replacing the slab. So, it would be better to find a professional to install granite countertop.

Granites are vulnerable; therefore, you should take care when transporting and moving the slab into place. After installation, you can fill and polish all the seams, making them almost invisible.

Quartz

Manufacturers or stoneworkers cut and shape the slab to fit for your requirements. When working with large areas with essential seams, the seams will be less noticeable. In other words, we can say they will be invisible.

Besides, the installer needs to strengthen your cabinet because it’s the heaviest stone. So, it requires specialized equipment for carrying, transporting, and moving into place. However, like Granite countertop, you should need a few countertop material or tools to start the job.

They will also measure it carefully to cut the stone to account for imperfections in the cabinets or walls. After all, we can say both Granite and Quartz are the same in the Installation and DIY section.

Quartz Vs Granit Countertops_ Durability

Granite

If we come to its hardness, strength, and durability, Granite looks like the perfect kitchen countertop. It’s also resistant to cracking, chipping, staining, scratches, and many other kitchen materials that can be damaging. So, we can say they are long-lasting.

Though Granite is highly resistant to kitchen elements, there are still chipping chances if it struck hard subjects. Even countertop corners and edges are especially vulnerable to chipping.

But, rounded edges on the countertop can reduce the risks. Besides, granite countertops are easy to revive or refurbish when necessary. These are the facts that are enough to rank the Granite among the top kitchen countertops.

Quartz

If we take a look at Quartz countertops, these are durable as similar to Granites. Even Quartz is highly resistant to chipping, staining, cracking, and can last for years. Even more, they do not absorb liquid and making countertops stain resistant.

Engineered stone (Quartz) is more flexible than natural Stone (Granite) because it uses resins. And this flexibility makes it less prone to breaking on installs. Its solid-surface make it difficult for bacterial growth.

Quartz countertops are not entirely scratch-proof, though they are scratch-resistant. They could get scratches if they struck with hard objects. However, we can say Quartz are durable than granite countertops.

Quartz Vs Granite Countertops_ Heat Resistance

Granite

Granite requires extreme heat and temperature to form. That’s why it’s one of the most heat-resistant countertop materials available today. You can place an oven at granite countertop, and you would not see any stain or marks on the surface.

Aside from durability and stainless, your kitchen countertop must be heat resistant. It’s essential to keep heat resistant countertop if you cook a lot at home. Therefore, Granite countertop looks like the perfect choice.

If you need a countertop to tolerate extreme heats and avoid discoloration; then you should purchase a Granite countertop. Moreover, you can also enjoy its durability, stain proof, and many other features.

Quartz

Engineered stone like Quartz is better against heat than laminate countertops but not enough good like Granite. However, it can tolerate a temperature of over 150 degrees. That is to say, hot water and warm plates or pans would not affect its quality.

But Quartz countertops cannot resist extreme heats and can become discolored when exposed to high temperatures. So, you should avoid placing hot pans directly on your Quartz countertop.

Extreme hot pans can leave marks or stains that are challenging or maybe impossible to repair. Therefore, trivets or high pads are essential for hot pans or utensils to prevent damages and stains.

Quartz VS Granite Countertops_ Moisture Resistance

Granite

It’s famous due to its natural ability to resist moisture and staining. This feature makes it the highly demandable countertop. However, it’s resistant only when polished well and sealed with a sealant compound.

Granite Sealer is a resin-based and helps to fill those tiny holes that can let in moisture. So, a professionally installed granite countertop can easily resist moisture. Otherwise, as being a natural stone, it’s naturally porous and will absorb a bit moisture that can damage your countertop.

But the sealant will wear down over time making the countertop stone susceptible to moisture. That is to say; this moisture can cause staining and even discoloration. However, it should be redone annually so that it can go a bit longer. Besides, you should wipe the spills quickly and wash the countertop regularly and renew the sealing every two years.

Quartz

Opposite to granite countertops, Quartz is a non-porous and will not absorb moisture. It means you don’t need to worry about re-sealing the tops annually or every two years. However, wipe away spills quickly; otherwise, they can cause discoloration.

So, feel free to use wine, oil, and juice. But liquids with heavy dyes can stain and discolor the surface if left sitting for longer times. After all, Quartz countertops are the best choices for your kitchen that can easily resist moisture.

Quartz Vs Granite Countertops_ Repair

Granite

You can quickly repair scratches on Granite countertops with an epoxy kit available at flooring and home improvement stores. However, if you find larger areas of dullness or multiple numbers of scratches, you should refinish or polish the surface.

It’s easier even you can do it yourself, but hiring an expert and professional can ensure a constant and reliable finish. It would be better to rely on someone who has a vast experience in this field to repair large cracks on the countertop.

Quartz

Like granites, you can repair or fill in small nicks and or scratches with an epoxy kit. But it would be difficult to repair the cracks because a consistent coloring makes them more visible compared to granite countertops.

Moreover, extreme heats’ discoloration is permanent, and it might seem a significant downside of quartz countertops. Quartz overlay can be applied on the top of an already existing countertop. Also, it works for many surfaces.

Quartz Vs Granite Countertops_ Price/Cost

Granite

Granite price depends on the size, quality, and unusual colors of the slab. However, the average granite cost is between $80 and $175 per square foot installed. Or it can be slightly higher for high end granite kitchen countertop.

Quartz

Like granites, its cost also depends on the quality, colors, and size of the slab. The average price is between $75 and 160 per square foot with installation. 

Which Countertop is The Best?

After reading the above comparison Quartz Vs Granite Countertops, I will say Granite Countertop is superior when it is required to use a heat-resistant, and natural stone. However, when we come to a durable, most attractive, and stain, bacteria, & moisture resistant stone, no one can beat Quartz.

Where to Buy Quartz or Granite Countertops

You don’t need to go anywhere else in the presence of BRV Remodeling Inc. We have been providing reliable home remodeling services more than 20 years. BRV Remodeling Inc. assures you professional services and high-quality material to meet beyond your expectations.

Why BRV Remodeling Services?

• Client satisfaction is our utmost priority
• We provide durable and long-lasting services
• Licensed and Insured Contractor
• We prefer to use the latest technologies and efficient tools
• Respect and save your time

Kitchen Remodeling Services

“Happiness is a small house with a big kitchen.”

Our customized designs, outstanding customer service, and professional workers make us the first choice for kitchen remodeling services. Whether you are looking for a full kitchen remodel or to install countertops like Quartz and Granite, we have got you covered. BRV Remodeling provides the following services for kitchen remodeling;

• Professional porcelain tile installation, mosaic, natural stone,
• Kitchen sink and backsplash installation
• Installing countertops like Quartz, Granite, etc.
• Replacing, re-staining, or refacing existing cabinetry.
• Floor installation services, including hardwood installation and hardwood refinish.
• Water damage restoration and after water damage remodeling.

BRV Remodeling Inc. clients ask:

Conclusion

Apart from the comparison, most people prefer Quartz on Granite countertops. No doubt, both are excellent choices, but Quartz’s durability, attractiveness, as well as its resistance to stain, moisture, and bacteria make it more demandable than Granite.

If you are looking for a high quality quartz countertop for your kitchen, we recommend to take a look at PentalQuartz collection.  They sell quartz slabs through fabricators only, but you can follow the link to see their online quartz collection. Their premium quartz slabs are manufactured using the most advanced technologies from Breton SpA and their extensive on-trend color palette provides infinite design possibilities.