What Are the Main Differences Between Granite and Quartz?

When it comes to countertop materials, both quartz and granite are two of the most popular options on the market. Unfortunately, picking between the two can be a challenge. They’re both natural stones that boast a lot of the same benefits, but which is better?

Well, it depends on who you ask—there are very few topics that spark as much controversy between homeowners as the granite vs. quartz debate. Keep reading for a breakdown of the main differences between quartz and granite.

Granite vs. Quartz: The Differences

There are many notable differences between quartz and granite, and it’s prudent to weigh their respective advantages and disadvantages before choosing a material.

Environmentally Friendly

If you’re worried about the environmental impact of your countertop, quartz may be the way to go. Unless you’re going to a salvage shop, granite usually has to be quarried (a process that involves using a lot of energy), and depending on where you get it from, there could be a lot of transportation involved.

In comparison, quartz tends to be a little more environmentally friendly, especially if you use local manufacturers or a local fabricator.

Appearance and Customization

When it comes to customizing your countertop, quartz has the advantage. While it has the natural look of stone, there are quite a few more customization options. There is some variation with granite, but most homeowners still need to find a slab that matches the overall color scheme of their kitchen. Quartz, however, can be designed to meet your kitchen’s theme.

Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance, both granite and quartz tend to be easy to clean, and both materials are fairly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. To maintain them, granite and quartz typically only require soap and water or a mild cleaning solution to avoid stains.

But if you want to ensure your granite lasts as long as possible, it does require an extra step that quartz doesn’t: you’ll need to reseal it occasionally. If you can, resealing your granite countertop once a year is ideal, but doing it every couple of years also works fine.

Durability

When it comes to durability, granite and quartz are both highly durable, but not equally. Granite is a more porous material, which means that it’s more likely to stain if you don’t clean up spills quickly. Granite does have the advantage with heat because it’s more heat resistant than quartz.

Quartz is a harder stone, and as a result, it’s more durable. Since it’s not as porous as granite, it’s less likely to stain with spills and can keep your countertop more bacteria-free. Since it is susceptible to heat damage, you’ll want to protect the countertop with a heating pad if you plan to place hot pans or pots on it.

Granite vs. Quartz: Which Is Better?

Unfortunately, there’s not a single answer as to which material is the better choice. Both granite and quartz have their pros and cons, so the right material for you comes down to what you’re looking for. If you’re not sure which material is the best pick for your kitchen or you’re ready for a price quote, don’t forget to contact us today!