The Differences Between Quartz and Granite Countertops

If you’re redesigning your kitchen one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is the material of your countertops. The two top choices are quartz and granite – but homeowners are equally divided when it comes to choosing one over the other. We’ve broken down the differences between quartz and granite so you can make the right pick for your kitchen remodel.

What is Quartz?

Quartz countertops are manufactured by using 95 percent of natural ground quartz combined with 5 percent of polymer resins. This process creates a durable slab of rock without any cracks or pores. Pigments are then added to provide unique coloration to each piece.

What is Granite?

100 percent natural, granite is a hard stone that’s mined from different quarries throughout the world. Made up of quartz, micas, and feldspar, the slabs of stone are cut down into manageable pieces which are then polished so they have a fine finish.

Difference in Appearance

One of the reasons quartz is popular is because of its appearance. Quartz looks like stone but gives homeowners the ability to customize its style and design. Selecting the right piece of quartz to match your color scheme is easier than finding granite that matches your kitchen design.

Granite also comes in different colors and patterns simply because of the way its naturally formed. It’s this natural look that makes granite a good choice when you want countertops that add a subtle and unique complement to your kitchen.

Durability 

Consider durability when choosing between quartz and granite. Quartz is a harder material than granite and is very impact resistant because it contains resin. This means it’s easy to keep your countertops free of bacteria. One of the disadvantages to quartz is that it can be damaged by heat, so you’ll need to avoid placing hot pans and pots directly onto the countertop. Cleaning quartz is easy – just wipe down with a warm cloth or wash with mild soap.

Granite is also a durable material and unlike quartz, it’s heat-resistant. The disadvantage to granite is that the majority of granite needs to be seal. Clean granite countertops daily with warm water and soap or a mild kitchen cleaner. If you choose granite, you’ll also want to reseal your countertops at least once a year to protect your investment. Repairs on Granite will be nicer than repair on quartz.

Price

In general, there are cheap and expensive quartz and granite. Prices will vary depending on colors from 60-120$ per square feet. There can be difference in price between quartz and granite, so your final decision may come down to your renovation budget. Quartz can be more affordable and more expensive, and price will depend on quality and the style of countertop edging you choose. Because of the heavy weight of quartz, you’ll want to hire a professional when it comes to installation.

Granite can be cheaper and more expensive than quartz, but you can save on some of the installation costs by doing some of the basic preliminary work yourself and leaving the main installation to a pro. It depends on the color.

Still can’t decide between quartz or granite for your kitchen countertops? Talk to the experts at Granite au Sommet for their advice and answers to all your questions about buying and installing quartz or granite in your kitchen.