When investing in a kitchen remodel or building a new home, choosing the right countertop material is an important decision. Luxurious and functional countertops can enhance lifestyle, increase home value, and simply bring more beauty into your living space. Two premier options, quartz and granite, stand above the rest in both form and function.
But how does one choose between these two countertop heavyweights? By comparing critical factors from aesthetics to eco-impact, you can determine whether granite or quartz best fits your space and lifestyle.
Appearance
Natural granite surfaces are formed over geological ages by extreme shifts deep within the Earth, molding rich vibrant colors and bold or subtle artistic patterns in stone. No two granite slabs share the same markings, ensuring a unique allure for each piece.
Engineered quartz countertops are designed to simulate granite’s depth, movement, and random beauty. The experts over at Bedrock Quartz explain to us that quartz manufacturers create stylish patterns to mimic granite’s appeal by using natural stone particles and polymer resins.
Granite offers the widest range of aesthetic options, from solid elegant colors to wildly vibrant swirling multi-colored stoneworks. Quartz counters attract diverse styles, but granite has no rival when it comes to one-of-a-kind visual flair.
If creating a signature kitchen with dramatic focal point surfaces, granite may have the winning edge. Meanwhile, clean modern spaces may pair best with quartz counters engineered toward current design trends.
Maintenance
Any kitchen surface endures spills, stains, scratches, and scorch marks through years of meal preparation and entertaining. Quartz’s non-porous composition offers enhanced protection, resisting stains far better than natural stone. Granite must undergo resealing treatments up to once per year to prevent discoloration and deterioration over time, whereas most quartz installers recommend no sealing required.
Quartz also withstands heat, scratches, and chips more successfully than relatively soft granite surfaces. As an engineered product made from 95% ground quartz crystals combined with polymer resins, quartz can be fabricated to precise customized specifications for near-seamless installation. All of these factors give quartz the edge for fuss-free care and durability under pressure.
Source: thespruce.com
Cost
Quartz and granite costs fluctuate based on factors like quality tier, thickness, color patterns, and edge profiles. Generally, granite positions as the more affordable option for price-conscious remodelers. But designer-level engineered quartz now rivals the top end of premium granite slab pricing.
When weighing total cost of ownership, quartz delivers substantial added value from lower maintenance expenses and fewer replacement needs over time. Unlike natural stone, quartz never requires resealing treatments. While granite may cost less upfront, quartz provides a better return on investment and long-term cost savings.
Durability
Quartz and granite are both celebrated for their durability, making them ideal choices for high-traffic areas like kitchens. Quartz, with its engineered composition, boasts a slight advantage in terms of resistance to scratches and chips.
This resilience is due to the combination of natural quartz stone and polymer resins, creating a surface that withstands daily wear and tear with grace. Granite, while also robust, is a natural stone and may have slight vulnerabilities to chipping or scratching under severe impact.
Versatility
In terms of design versatility, both quartz and granite offer appealing options, but with distinct differences. Granite shines with its unique range of natural patterns and colors, each slab a one-of-a-kind piece that adds an element of distinctiveness to any space.
On the other hand, quartz provides unmatched flexibility in color and pattern choices. Engineered to be customized, quartz can mimic the look of natural stone or present unique colors and patterns, accommodating a wider array of design preferences and interior styles.
Source: marblegraniteworld.com
Installation Process
The installation processes for quartz and granite countertops have their nuances. Quartz holds the advantage of being engineered for precise fabrication, allowing for a more seamless and straightforward installation process.
Its consistency in thickness and pattern simplifies fitting and alignment, reducing the potential for unexpected issues. Granite, being a natural stone, presents challenges such as variability in thickness and pattern.
Installing granite countertops often demands higher skill levels and more labor, as each piece must be individually assessed and fitted to ensure aesthetic continuity and structural integrity.
Resale Value
When considering the resale value of homes with quartz or granite countertops, both materials are highly sought after by prospective buyers. However, granite may edge out quartz slightly in the realm of perceived value and appeal.
Granite’s natural beauty and uniqueness often resonate with buyers who value the authenticity and timeless elegance of natural stone. While quartz offers practical and aesthetic benefits, the prestige associated with granite countertops can sometimes translate into a higher resale value for homes that feature them.
Resistance to Chemicals
The resistance of quartz and granite to common household chemicals is another critical factor to consider. Quartz’s non-porous surface makes it highly resistant to stains and chemical damage, an attribute stemming from its engineered makeup.
This resistance ensures that quartz countertops remain pristine with minimal maintenance. Granite, while durable, is naturally porous and may require sealing to prevent damage from acidic substances and staining. Regular maintenance is necessary to preserve granite’s natural beauty and integrity against chemical exposure.
Longevity
Both quartz and granite countertops are investments that can last for decades, provided they receive proper care. Quartz may have a slight advantage in longevity, thanks to its engineered resilience against wear and tear.
This durability ensures that quartz countertops maintain their appearance and functionality over time, even in the most utilized spaces. Granite, while also long-lasting, may show signs of wear or require more maintenance to preserve its natural aesthetics and structural qualities throughout the years.
Repairability
Regarding repairability, both materials offer solutions should damage occur. Quartz countertops, due to their uniform composition, can be somewhat easier to repair, with options ranging from resin fillings for minor scratches to more comprehensive solutions for larger issues.
Granite’s natural variations make repairs more challenging, often necessitating specialized techniques to match the unique patterns and colors of the stone. While both can be restored, quartz provides a more straightforward path to repair, ensuring a consistent appearance even after corrective measures.
Eco-Friendly Rating
For environmental design enthusiasts, the materials’ respective ecological impacts could shape decision outcomes. As an abundant natural stone, granite adheres to green building standards with no harmful byproducts from quarrying and fabrication. While mining does entail some environmental disruption, improved practices reduce granite’s eco-footprint over time.
Manufacturing quartz countertops relies partly on polymer resins and releases some chemical emissions. Nonetheless, technological advances allow leading quartz brands to meet sustainability benchmarks through recycled content, renewable materials, and cleaner manufacturing processes.
Source: forbes.com
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing between quartz and granite means honestly assessing your kitchen plans, cooking habits, entertaining style, budget parameters, and environmental priorities. Whether you select high-performance stain-proof quartz or spellbinding natural granite for your home, either option elevates spaces with increased value, functionality, and individual style.
Weigh all the variables impacting your home life and make the most informed choice possible. With meticulous planning, you’re guaranteed to find the ideal countertop surface adding daily joy to your kitchen.
