The Ultimate Guide to Quartz vs. Granite: Which Is Best for Your Kitchen?
One of the most impactful decisions you’ll make for your kitchen remodelling is what type of material you use for your countertops. In this blog, we will answer common questions with our quartz vs. granite countertop comparison to help you decide which one is best for your kitchen.
Quartz vs. Granite: What’s the Difference?
We’ll start with the basics, comparing the main differences based on the materials themselves:
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are sourced from full slabs of naturally occurring rock formed as ancient molten rock (magma) cooled below the earth’s surface. A mix of minerals, such as mica and quartz, produced many granite variations, creating a singular look for countertops.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are made from an engineered material using a process similar to what took nature millennia to produce. A mixture of natural quartz crystals, binders, and pigments is compressed under tremendous pressure and then allowed to cure, creating a solid, durable material. The result is a far more consistent surface than the unique variations that nature produced, with a wide selection of colours, textures, and patterns.
Quartz vs. Granite: Which Is Stronger?
Granite reigns supreme as the strongest natural stone countertop. However, when matched against the manufactured surface of quartz, granite tends to be less resistant to damage and rates higher for strength and hardness.
There are a few more pluses for granite. It has a natural resistance to bacteria, which means little nicks developed over time will be easier to clean and less likely to harbour foodborne germs that can make you sick. Also, as a natural stone, granite can withstand the heat of pots, while quartz requires a heating pad to prevent damage.
Quartz vs. Granite: Which Is Easier to Maintain?
Granite is more porous than quartz, so it is more prone to staining. To prevent stains, granite countertops must be sealed annually, which means they tend to require higher maintenance than their quartz counterparts.
Quartz vs. Granite: Which Is More Attractive?
Neither material comes out as a clear winner when it comes to the most attractive countertop. It all boils down to personal taste. What one person finds attractive can be a complete turn-off for another. Also, as an engineered material, quartz is better able to meet the changing tastes of homeowners while rising to meet the shifting trends embraced by designers.
That said, there are a few things to consider when looking for the most attractive countertops for your kitchen remodelling:
- Is there a higher-end natural stone you would prefer, but can’t afford? Quartz’s wide range of very convincing marble looks and other trending stone designs will help you achieve the look you desire.
- Do you want a lot of texture and contrast in your counters? Consider both options so you can find the pattern that comes closest to what you had in mind.
- Are you designing a minimalist kitchen? You might find the neutral colours available in quartz are more suited to your sense of aesthetics.
- Are you committed to an authentic look in your kitchen? There really is nothing more authentic than natural stone counters, including granite.
- Are you designing a massive island? You might be limited in slab size for granite, as natural stone can be difficult to find on a larger scale. If you want a seamless, solid slab, then quartz is the better choice.
Quartz vs. Granite: Which Is Easier to Install?
While both types follow similar installation steps, quartz tends to be easier to install for several reasons.
Customization
As mentioned above, installation can become more complicated for granite if the design is complex or on a larger scale, due to possible limitations in slab availability. Quartz’s customized slabs, though, are made to order.
Breakage
Although both materials are highly durable, natural stone can be more fragile during transportation, which can lead to major damage if not handled properly.
Repairs
Since granite countertops are made from natural, unique slabs, damage during installation can’t be repaired. However, damaged quartz countertops can be repaired on the spot, whether it’s buffing out and polishing scuff marks and scratches or repairing cracks using epoxy or resins.
Weight
Although both quartz and granite countertops are on the heavy side, some granite slabs can be much heavier depending on their makeup. Quartz has a consistent weight regardless of the design.
Quartz vs. Granite: The Pros and Cons of Each
Use the following handy reference to consider the pros and cons of each type.
Granite
Pros:
- 100% natural material
- One-of-a-kind look that is distinct to your kitchen remodelling
- Resistant to bacteria
- Desirable kitchen feature to enhance property appeal and value
- Able to withstand high temperatures
Cons:
- Naturally occurring striations on the stone can make it more vulnerable to cracks and chips, especially during transportation
- Requires sealing to protect the porous surface from stains
- Almost impossible to match if installing multiple surfaces, or when expanding the kitchen with something like a new island
Quartz
Pros:
- More variety as an engineered product for a perfect match to any kitchen remodelling design
- More resistant to stains and cracks
- Easier maintenance as it does not require sealants
- Good resale value
- Easier to match for new features installed later
Cons:
- Some patterns have a very noticeable engineered look
- Will not withstand high temperatures like natural granite
- In some cases, poor quality brands can discolour, especially over longer periods of time
Contact the Professionals at Quartz Co Surfaces
Hopefully, our guide will help narrow down your countertop choices for your kitchen remodelling or counter replacement project. If not, Quartz Co Surfaces is your go-to kitchen counter specialist, offering an impressive range of quartz countertops at our local showrooms.
For more information about quartz and granite kitchen countertops, contact us here to book an appointment at the showroom nearest you.
