Granite vs. Quartz

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Here we are. We have made it to the kitchen renovation aspect of our home remodel and its time to pick out countertops. With so many great options its tough to decide on just one. To make things easier, I’ve decided to look at the pros and cons of both granite and quartz. Both are great products and would be a great addition to any kitchen. Which is right for you?

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Granite

Pros:

  • Natural stone, so every piece is unique.

  • Lots of options and price points.

  • Heat resistent, can withstand heat up to 1200 F without any damage to the surface.

  • Scratch resistent unlike laminate or wood options.

  • Stain resistent, almost stain proof when sealed correctly. Not advised to let spills sit though, you will still want to clean up quickly to prevent any breakdown of the seal.

  • Low maintanance. Any more when you receive your granite countertop it has already been sealed. Some places recommend resealing the granite every ten years, but we have even been told it won’t require any resealing. It is recommended to use a granite counter cleaner.

  • Sanitary.  When granite is sealed, it becomes non-porous so bacteria and moisture can’t harbor. Unlike wood or marble that is very porous and will soak up moisture and stains.

  • Versatile. Granite is extremely versatile. It is not limited to just kitchens, but can be used in bathrooms, showers, outdoor kitchens or accenting a fireplace.

  • Adds value to your home. Granite will add value to your home especially if you are replacing a laminate countertop. Many buyers like the look and durability of granite and consider it an upgrade.

Cons:

  • Seams will show if you have an L or U shaped layout. The slabs will need to be cut and joined together.

  • Needs to be sealed properly to maintain durability. If granite was not sealed upon purchase, or the seal has been broken it is possible for it to become susceptible to staining.

  • Susceptible to cracks. If something very heavy is dropped on the granite it is possible for it to crack, although this would be true for quartz, marble, and laminate as well.

  • Prone to fading since it is a natural stone. This is more common if it is being used in an outdoor kitchen exposed to direct sunlight.

  • Granite is heavy and should be installed professionally. The last thing you want to do is drop it and break the slab.

Quartz

Pros:

  • Large variety of design and colors because the manufacturing process is controlled.

  • Design ease. Since quartz is manufactured, the sample you see is what your countertop will look like. Unlike granite which can vary since no two slabs are identical.

  • No maintenance. Quartz countertops do not need sealed and are maintenance free.

  • Sanitary. Quartz countertops are nonporous, therefore they are very sanitary and do no absorb moisture. They can even be treated with an anti bacterial treatment.

  • Scratch resistant. Quartz countertops are very durable and nearly twice as scratch resistant as granite.

  • Stain resistant. Since quartz is nonporous, it will not absorb moisture causing stains. BUT it is still a good idea to clean messes up as soon as possible.

  • Add value to a home. Quartz and granite are both consider upgrades and will add value to your home.

Cons

  • Not heat resistant. Unlike granite that can withstand very high temperatures, quartz will be ruined if you set anything over 400F degrees on it. I recommend always use a trivet for hot pans whether it was granite or quartz just to be safe.

  • If you have an oversized countertop it is likely that seams will show.

  • Prone to fading if exposed to direct light over time and not ideal for outdoor kitchens.

  • Expensive. Quartz countertops tend to be more expensive right now than granite. Although, that’s not to say that a higher tier granite wouldn’t cost the same.

So what is YOUR choice? It was hard for us to decide. We ended finding a quartz we loved but then found a granite we REALLY LOVED. Unfortunately, the granite we found was an exotic type and way out of our price range. So we went with the quartz and are super excited to see how the kitchen all comes together. Stay tuned for updates!