The Great Debate: Granite vs Quartz Countertops
Selecting a surface to install as part of your home renovation is an important decision. Your chosen material should not only look great but also fit within your budget and hold up against everyday wear and tear. For many homeowners, this decision comes down to two primary material types.
Everyday at various home improvement showrooms you can hear the debate between granite and quartz countertops. These two types of countertop materials are not only aesthetically pleasing but they also will last for years and years, so they have that in common. However, they each have different physical characteristics that will change how you use them as well as how you maintain them.
Through this article, we will break down what you need to know regarding granite and quartz countertop materials. We will discuss how much each material is going to wear and tear while installed in your home, how much they are going to cost, and how much effort will be needed for daily upkeep of maintaining each material’s appearance throughout their lifespan. By the end of this article, you will know which countertop material is best for your home.
Understanding Your Premium Countertop Materials
To better understand the various features of these two types of surfaces, it is important to have some knowledge of how they are both produced by their respective manufacturers.
The Natural Beauty of Granite
Granite is 100% real stone. It is mined from all over the world and then removed from the ground by using large laser cutters to cut into individual blocks, which are then polished on one side to give them the desired shine. After they are polished, granite blocks are cut into different sizes and shapes depending on the cabinetry that will be placed on top.
Each block of granite has its own mineral composition, so no two pieces are exactly alike visually. The crystalline pattern formed during this process creates unique variations in color and mineral deposits.
The Engineered Perfection of Quartz
Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered product rather than natural stone. The quartz used in the production of quartz surfaces consists of approximately 90% of small pieces of naturally occurring quartz and about 10% resin and dye. The resin and dye are mixed with the quartz grains to form a cohesive material, which is then compressed into a solid shape using high-pressure molding techniques.
Designers have full creative freedom over the color and pattern of their finished product due to the ability to manufacture quartz from numerous colors and patterns, giving them complete control over the look of their finished product.
Head-to-Head: Durability and Maintenance
Surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms endure tremendous abuse. They face spills of drinks, hot tools, and dropped heavy items. Understanding the effect daily use has on these materials is very important.
Maintenance and Durability Comparison
| Feature | Granite | Quartz |
| Material Type | 100% Natural Stone | Engineered Stone (90% Quartz, 10% Resin) |
| Porosity | Porous (Absorbs liquids if unsealed) | Non-Porous (Completely blocks liquids) |
| Stain Resistance | Good (Requires annual sealing) | Excellent (Never requires sealing) |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent (Can handle hot pans) | Medium (Resin can scorch under high heat) |
| Scratch Resistance | High | High |
| Daily Cleaning | Mild soap and water | Mild soap and water |
The best thing about granite countertops is their heat-resistance ability. You can take a boiling pot off the stove and put it directly on the countertop without fear of damaging it. Since natural stone is porous, however, you will want to seal it every year with a liquid sealant so that wine, oil, or coffee won’t leave a stain.
Quartz countertops are easy to maintain because they are made from polymer resins that fill all of the tiny holes in the surface and make it completely non-porous, which means you do not need to seal it. However, resin burns and causes permanent scorching if exposed to excessive heat, so be sure to use a trivet or hot pad when placing a hot pan on a quartz countertop.
Comparing the Costs: Which Fits Your Budget?
The cost of a home renovation project will be impacted heavily by the budget. However, even though both granite and quartz offer significant value as an upgrade to your home, you can expect to pay a premium price for each.
The actual cost of granite and quartz will vary depending upon the uniqueness of the color, complexity of the design of the kitchen layout, and type of edge profile you desire.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Cost Factor | Granite Countertops | Quartz Countertops |
| Material Cost (Per Sq. Ft.) | $40 – $100+ | $50 – $120+ |
| Installation Labor | Moderate to High | Moderate to High |
| Long-Term Maintenance | $20/year (Sealant) | $0 (No sealant needed) |
| Overall Project Cost | Slightly Lower on Average | Slightly Higher on Average |
Note: Typically, entry-level granite is somewhat cheaper than entry-level quartz; however, exotic granite slabs with substantial veining (which are rare) can also be more expensive than some of the most expensive quartz slabs. Both types of stone often yield an excellent return on investment when you sell your property.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
Seeing the advantages and disadvantages side-by-side helps clarify which surface matches your lifestyle.
Summary of Pros and Cons
| Material | The Pros | The Cons |
| Granite | 100% unique appearance; Superior heat resistance; Great for outdoor kitchens. | Requires yearly sealing; Can chip if struck hard; Visible seams on large islands. |
| Quartz | Zero maintenance required; Highly stain-resistant; Consistent color and pattern. | Sensitive to extreme heat; Cannot be used outdoors (UV rays fade the color). |
Choosing Surfaces for Specific Rooms
The way you use a space will determine what type of materials you put into that space.
Best Kitchen Countertop Choices
A kitchen is the heart of the house. If you’re a chef who loves to use heavy cast iron pots and pans, granite countertop will offer you great peace of mind as you use them and remove hot pots from a stove. However, if your children spill juice and leave sticky messes on the kitchen island, you will find that quartz makes cleaning up very easy because it is virtually stain-proof.
Choosing the Best Bathroom Countertop Options
Bathrooms have lots of use and abuse from moisture, spilled cosmetics, and heat from hairdryers or hot styling tools. For all of these reasons, quartz countertop is a great option for a bathroom vanity because it is completely impermeable to moisture and bacteria. However, one issue you need to be careful about is putting a hot curling iron directly on top of the engineered stone surface of the countertop.
Make the Right Choice with A1 Flooring And Granite
Ultimately, deciding on granite vs quartz countertops comes down to your own style and what you routinely do on a day-to-day basis. If you are looking for something unique and natural that can withstand hot temperatures, then granite is the best choice for you. If you prefer a seamless, contemporary style with no upkeep at all, then quartz would work best for you.
Visiting with your local stone supplier will help simplify your choice as well. A1 Flooring And Granite carries a large inventory of either type of surface and has the expertise to help you choose the best product from their full selection of both natural stone and engineered stone products.
You’ll be able to find perfect examples of granite by viewing one of our many custom granite countertops or you can view one of our many beautiful modern premium-quality quartz countertops.
Whenever you feel ready to move forward with your upgrade, please contact one of our design associates to help you find the right slab for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which material lasts longer, granite or quartz?
Granite and quartz are both very durable materials, meaning that both will have a long life. With proper maintenance, both granite and quartz surfaces will last longer than any cabinetry that they are on. Both are designed to withstand heavy use over a long period of time.
Do quartz countertops look like fake stone?
Older versions of quartz were more similar to a “Fake” stone than today’s high-end quartz products. Today’s high-end quartz looks just like marble or granite and has the same deep hues and textures that can be found in granite, marble, and concrete.
Can I cut vegetables directly on my stone countertops?
Our recommendation is to not cut directly on either countertop surface, because while they both resist scratching, the hardness of both surfaces would quickly dull your kitchen knives. Always use a wooden or plastic cutting board to protect your countertops and the blades of your knives as well.
Should you use granite or quartz for an outdoor kitchen?
When it comes to using a countertop for outdoor kitchens, granite is the superior choice. Because of their exposure to bright sunshine and extreme exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, the colors and resin bonding in quartz countertops will fade and deteriorate very quickly.
The natural durability of granite makes it the best outdoor countertop material as it can withstand the damaging effects of sunlight, water, and excessive temperature fluctuations without any signs of wear.
Do granite counters or quartz countertops have a positive effect on your home’s resale?
Absolutely! Both materials qualify as high-end upgrades in a property by the majority of agents. Many home buyers place great value on the quality of stone surfaces in the homes they purchase.
Upgrading a countertop from an older laminate or tile to either granite or quartz will not only improve the overall appearance of the property, but will also dramatically increase the price at which the home sells.
