When trying to choose a new countertop, it can be difficult to have two great options to decide between. Both granite and quartz offer strong advantages, but they also have their disadvantages as well. What you choose will depend on your specific needs and wants, as both materials have their enthusiasts.
The Differences Between Granite vs Quartz
1. Durability – Granite vs Quartz
In this area quartz has the advantage, as the beauty of natural granite comes with a few weaknesses. Granite, like all natural stone countertops, can easily stain. Additionally, granite needs to be sealed at installation, and resealed occasionally in the future. The stone also tends to chip more easily than quartz.
Quartz does not need the level of care Granite needs, and does also not crack nearly as easily. Although some of Granite’s deficiencies can be solved with resin- based sealing products, granite cannot compare to the durability of quartz, an engineered stone.
2. Appearance – Granite vs Quartz
Granite and quartz both have their strong points. Quartz’s color is extremely consistent throughout the stone, and since pigments are added to quartz during manufacturing, it is available in a wider range of colorations than granite is, though, not quite as many as solid surface countertop colors. On the flip side, granite shows natural variations of colors in its stone.
The colors can range from natural earth tones, to red, green, blue, and more. Which one is more beautiful? Well, that is up to the individual homeowner’s preferences. If you want consistency and a large variety of colors to choose from, go with granite. However, if you would rather see natural tones and colors, choose quartz.
3. Maintenance – Granite vs Quartz
While neither is overly burdensome to maintain, installing quartz countertops can tend to be easier than granite. Many installers recommend that granite should be regularly resealed, while quartz does not need to be. Additionally, quartz is generally more simple to keep clean. Since granite is a porous material, it can harbor bacteria and other germs easier than quartz.
Because of this, granite needs to be cleaned more often, and sometimes requires harsher cleaners than quartz. Seniors, and parents with young children, often prefer quartz due to it being easier to keep germ-free. Quartz is also a great choice for messy laundry room countertops. It is easy to only consider appearance when choosing a countertop, but make sure you think of the cleanliness factors as well, especially if you fit into one of the categories previously mentioned.
4. Natural vs Engineered – Granite vs Quartz
Some homeowners really prefer to have natural materials in their house. With granite, you can see the natural color changes and striations that make the slab unique to your countertop. In the end, this is a main reason many select granite over quartz. Yet, if having a ‘natural’ countertop does not matter to you, then one of granite’s greatest advantages means little, helping your decision becomes easier.
The Bottom Line – Granite vs Quartz
The best choice of stone essentially depends only your personal preference. If you desire natural stone and natural colors, than granite is the obvious choice. Yet, if you feel that engineered stone is perfectly fine, and seek the easier maintenance, better durability, and more consistent colors, than quartz is the greatest option.
