Granite vs. Quartz What’s the Difference?

When you are shopping around for new countertops many people want to know what the difference between Granite and Quartz countertops. There are many differences and many similarities and the differences we will list here.

Granite is a natural stone that is cut from the earth as a single slab. These large blocks of granite are unique because the design comes straight from nature and each color and vein is a natural occurrence.

Quartz countertops are made from 97% crushed quartz and 7% resin. These are manmade countertops and they are manufactured in many colors and patterns. You can control the look of your countertop when you buy quartz countertops.

Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are strong and can last a lifetime if properly taken care of. Because the countertops are stone, they can break and chip if they undergo a lot of abuse. This only happens when people do not treat their countertops as just that, countertops. They are not your stepping stools or a place to sit.

Granite countertops need to be sealed every six months or one year. While some granite does not need sealing, most do. Fortunately sealing your granite is very simple and can be done by the homeowner. The sealant does not cost a lot of money and it will last a long time as you only use a little bit each time.

Granite countertops will need to be installed by a professional to ensure it is done right. When the professional installs the granite countertops they will put the first sealant on so you will not have to for at least six months. The cost of installation of granite countertops will be slightly less expensive than quartz.

Granite countertops that you order may be different from the samples as they are each unique. If you do not want to be surprised ask the manufacturer to see the actual slab that will be installed in your home.

Granite countertops can be more expensive than quartz countertops, but the granite adds more value to your home. When you choose granite, you are making a future investment for you and your home.

Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are strong like granite, but they also are a little more flexible which means they may not break as easily. However, like granite these countertops are not indestructible and can break if you are really hard on them.

Quartz countertops will never need to be sealed, which can be considered a plus. Even though it does not need to be sealed these countertops will over time change color if they are exposed to sunlight. UV rays will discolor the counter and there is no way to prevent it or fix the counter after it has changed color.

Quartz countertops are heavier than granite so these will need to be installed by professional installers. Installation will cost a little bit more than granite.

Quartz countertops are sometimes less than granite countertops. However, the difference in price is really small and although quartz adds value to your home, granite will give you more bang for your buck.

Another thing to think about is some of the environmental factors of both products. Both Granite and quartz contains a radioactive gas called Radon that has been liked to lung cancer. However, granite has been tested and shows “almost no radon” and quartz shows “very little”. So based on that study by the Consumer Reports magazine both countertops are relatively safe to have in your home.

Granite countertops are the gold standard in designer homes; it is beautiful, natural, durable and completely unique. You will not find a countertop that looks exactly like your granite countertop as it was designed by nature not by man. By choosing the 100% natural stone you will have to do a small amount of maintenance to seal the stone properly, but when properly sealed this countertop is stain resistant and can last a lifetime.

Quartz Countertops can be ordered based on your specifications because even though it is 97% natural stone, it is manufactured by man. It is durable and stain resistant and can be slightly less expensive than granite. You can get this countertop in whatever designs you want and because it is not 100% natural it has very low maintenance.

Granite or Quartz is really about what you want out of your countertops. The decision can be made bases on maintenance, cost, and how natural the stone is. Pick the countertop that will work best for your family and can bring more value to your kitchen. This is one of the least worrisome choices you will ever have to make because either way you are going to get a beautiful countertop that will change the entire look of your kitchen.