Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: Which is Better?

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quartz vs granite

It can be difficult to narrow down the choices when it comes to selecting a countertop. However, many homeowners find themselves choosing between quartz countertops and granite countertops. Deciding between the two premium materials is not always easy, especially if you don’t know the pros and cons of granite vs quartz countertops. Manufacturers of both granite and quartz boast that their products are durable, and top-of-the-line, and while this may be true, there are advantages and disadvantages to both types of countertops.

To answer the question of which is better, quartz or granite, we have broken down the composition, cost, and advantages of each material. Read on to learn which of these countertops is the best option for your kitchen, bathroom, or workspace.

What is Quartz?

quartz versus granite counters
Portrush Polished Quartz Slab by Marble Systems.

Quartz countertops are engineered stone composed of a combination of natural quartzite fragments, other minerals, and a bonding agent.

Quartz countertop slabs are not natural stones like marble, limestone, and granite. Instead, they are a form of engineered stone that is highly durable and practical. Quartz slabs are available in a variety of designs and often mimic the look of natural stone.

What is Granite?

what is better quartz or granite
Alpinus Polished Granite Slab by Marble Systems.

Granite countertops, on the other hand, are made of purely natural stone. Granite is quarried in large quantities from the earth and cut down into thinner pieces. The slabs are then polished and fashioned into dimensions suitable for countertops. Granite comes in many colors and patterns and is most known for its distinct graining.

Quartz vs. Granite

what's better granite or quartz
Cambria Quartz Collection by Marble Systems.
difference between granite and quartz countertops
Brown Lapiz Polished Granite Slab by Marble Systems.

Cost

When it comes to cost, both granite and quartz will be an investment. If you are operating with a smaller budget these may not be the best materials for you because the price doesn’t differ much.

Quartz countertops can cost between $80 to $140 per square foot installed. Granite countertops can cost between $80 and $175 per square foot installed. The price difference between granite and quartz will vary because both materials are international imports, so tariffs and other transport costs will impact pricing.

Sustainability

When it comes to being eco-friendly, granite is 100% natural. In contrast, quartz countertops are made of natural minerals and color pigments, but they have added polymer resins that bond the materials together and increase durability. Granite countertops are quarried from the earth while quartz is composed of leftover pieces of stone, so no additional quarrying is needed.

Durability & Maintenance

As far as durability and maintenance, you will find that both materials are durable, but quartz has a few decided advantages. As quartz doesn’t need to be sealed upon installation, you won’t have to worry about quartz counters cracking, staining, or trapping bacteria the way unsealed granite surfaces might.

Granite is similarly very hardwearing and durable, but it does have to be sealed.

Heat Resistance

The only area where granite outshines quartz is when it comes to heat resistance. Both are quite heat resistant, but granite can withstand much higher temperatures. Quartz can withstand temperatures up to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit, while granite can withstand up to an incredible 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Therefore, when cooking on a quartz countertop, be sure not to place hot pots and pans directly on its surface.

So, Which Is the Better Option for You – Quartz or Granite?

quartz countertops vs granite
Calacatta Capri Quartz Slab by Marble Systems.
granite vs quartz price
Black Ocean Polished Granite Slab by Marble Systems.

The bottom line is that both quartz and granite are high-end premium materials used for countertops. Both materials have the potential to add value to your home. Those with a desire for natural materials will favor the benefits of granite countertops, while others will value the easy maintenance and higher durability of quartz countertops.

Browse Marble System’s full selection of quartz countertops and granite countertops online or explore the wide selection of tiles and slabs at a tile store Los Angeles.

FAQ

granite vs quartz countertops pros and cons
Skara Brae Polished Quartz Slab by Marble Systems.

What’s the difference between quartz and granite?

The major difference between granite and quartz is their composition. Granite is a natural stone, while quartz is an engineered stone. However, both are top-end, high-quality countertop materials.

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

Quartz surfaces are easier to care for than granite. The surface of granite is porous and will need to be sealed and resealed over time to maintain integrity.

Which is more expensive: quartz or granite?

Buyers often wonder if quartz is more or less expensive than granite, and honestly, the answer varies. The prices of both materials per square foot installed are pretty similar, so you may not see a drastic difference in upfront costs. In terms of granite vs quartz, the prices are comparable.

Instead of asking what is more expensive, granite or quartz, you should consider which meets your needs and lifestyle better.

Does quartz scratch easier than granite?

Overall, quartz countertops will be more resistant to scratches than granite countertops. It isn’t that quartz is better than granite, instead, the added resins make quartz counters harder wearing over time. Granite is a natural material so it will need to be sealed to help prevent scratches, chips, and stains.

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

When it comes to resale value the quartz vs. granite countertops debate is pretty even. Both materials make long-lasting additions to home spaces. This value can be used to appeal to future buyers who want a home that already has premium features upon purchase.

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