Quartz vs Granite Countertops Comparison Guide

  Quartz Countertops Granite Countertops Composition Minerals with resins Natural quarried stone Appearance Uniform Unique Cost $60 to $105/sq. ft. $40 to $100/sq. ft. Environmental Similar Similar DIY Unsuitable Unsuitable Maintenance Sealant not needed Sealant required Durability Scorched by heat Cracking possible

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Composition

Quartz countertops are synthetic stone products made of quartz chips or dust mixed with resins. Most of the material is composed of minerals but up to 15-percent can be resins and color pigments. Quartz countertops are not slabs of quarried stone.

Granite countertops are slabs of quarried stone. Granite counters are produced from purely natural stone that comes directly from stone quarries and is then cut into thin slabs, polished, and fabricated into countertops.

Quartz countertop The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Appearance

Quartz countertops, as an engineered product, are more uniform in appearance than granite countertops. Many colors and unique patterns are available. Quartz is usually engineered to resemble stone, but it is also manufactured in formats that do not resemble stone.

Granite countertops look unique because no slab is like another. Every granite slab is slightly different in mineral pattern and color, meaning that your countertop will be unique. Real, natural granite displays dramatic veining that cannot be duplicated in quartz form.

Tip

Giant slabs of granite are cut by abrasive diamond wire or gang saws into uniform sizes. So, adjacent slabs may look similar. Each slab takes six to seven hours to cut.

The choice is a matter of personal preference. If you want the look of natural stone, then choose the truly natural product&#;granite. Many people find that quartz countertops offer looks that are close enough to natural stone.

Granite countertop The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Cost

Both granite and quartz are premium, high-dollar countertop materials. If you are on a budget, it's often best to look at solid surface or laminate countertops.

Quartz countertop costs range from about $50 to $75 per square foot, with another $10 to $30 per square foot added for installation. As quartz has become more popular and more widely available, costs of basic countertops have fallen, with unique designer styles and colors commanding upper-end pricing.

Granite countertops cost $40 to $100 per square foot, installed. The price differences depend on the style chosen, as well as on the type of edging treatments requested.

Pricing for both types of countertops varies because both are sourced overseas. All of these products are container-shipped across oceans, and this is dependent on petroleum prices, all of which keep quartz and granite expensive. Tariffs and other factors can also affect pricing.

Environmental Impact

Both countertop materials are overwhelmingly made of natural materials. Granite countertops come out slightly ahead since they are made from 100-percent stone, while quartz, includes natural materials, color pigments, and polymer resins that bond the materials together.

On the other hand, granite countertops require quarrying out of the earth, while quartz countertops are effectively made from left-over stone byproducts, with no quarrying required.

Radon emissions from granite countertops have been a concern. But recent studies report that there is little or no radon coming from either granite or engineered stone countertops. The EPA states that it's unlikely that "radiation from granite countertops would increase annual radiation doses above normal, natural background levels."

DIY Suitability

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Neither quartz nor slab granite lend themselves to do-it-yourself installation. Granite and quartz are very heavy materials. Even a relatively small 36-inch countertop weighs close to 100 pounds. Both quartz and granite are difficult to cut and drill with basic shop tools. It is best to have a pro fabricate and install your countertop.

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Maintenance

• Sealing: Granite is a relatively porous stone that requires sealing upon installation, then periodic sealing on an ongoing basis. Quartz, on the other hand, does not require sealing, thanks to the resins used in the fabrication of the slabs.
• Staining: The resins in quartz countertops make them considerably more resistant to staining than granite.
• Bacterial resistance: Quartz is also less susceptible to harboring bacteria, again thanks to the resins that make the surface less porous than granite.

Durability

• Heat resistance: Though both materials are considered heat-resistant, granite can withstand much higher temperatures than quartz. Granite is one of the most heat-resistant materials available for countertops. You can place a hot pot or pan directly on granite and the material will not be immediately affected unlike quartz, which may become scorched. This also applies to bathrooms where there are hot hair styling appliances.
• Cracking: Granite slabs may have inherent flaws that make them prone to cracking. Quartz material is uniform throughout, which means the material rarely cracks.
• Hot/cold cycles: Extreme heat followed by immediate cold can crack granite, though this is unusual.

The Verdict

Quartz and granite countertops both are premium building materials that enhance users' enjoyment of kitchens and bathrooms plus add solid resale value to the home for the future.

When compared to laminate, solid surface, or ceramic tile countertops, granite and quartz are usually seen as positive in kitchens and bathrooms.

Granite appeals to people who like all-natural materials and don't mind the occasional resealing. Quartz counters offer easier maintenance and slightly better durability, but without the unique look that granite offers.

Top Brands

Quartz Counters

• Cambria
• Caesarstone
• Daltile ONE Quartz
• DuPont Corian Quartz
• LG Viatera
• Pental 
• Silestone

Granite

• DalTile
• DaVinci
• Levantina
• MSI Surfaces
• Sensa (Cosentino)

FAQ

• What's the difference between granite and quartz?

  The main difference between granite counters and quartz counters is their composition. Granite countertops are 100-percent all-natural solid stone, with no additives other than top sealers. Quartz is an engineered stone that is made of crushed quartz, other minerals, and resins.

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

  Quartz countertops are easier to care for and maintain than granite countertops. Granite is porous and requires a sealant upon installation to protect it against stains and water absorption. This sealant must be reapplied frequently. Quartz countertops never need to be sealed.

• Do granite or quartz countertops help with the resale value of your home?

  Granite and quartz countertops are usually viewed as positives that add to the resale value of a home.

  Contact us to discuss your requirements of Premium Natural Quartz. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.