When choosing a countertop material for their home, many homeowners prefer stone compared to laminate, wood, or tile. You will find stone countertops in various colors and patterns; quartz and granite are the most popular materials.
Constantly favored, granite countertops come from stone mined from quarries, cut into slabs, and polished before installation. Although quartz is also naturally occurring, it is considered man-made because the surface is manufactured through crushed crystals combined with resin for binding and pigments. This composition replicates natural stone and becoming popular as a countertop material.
Both granite and quartz have beautiful textures and offer long-lasting durability for home surfaces. If you are unsure which one to pick, our comparison between granite vs. quartz countertops will help you to make an informed decision.
Granite Vs. Quartz: Appearance
Similar to any other material, granite and quartz’s visual difference is based on taste. Some homeowners want the natural and unique look that granite brings. Granite countertops' colors are grouped into ten categories: white, beige, yellow, black, red, blue, green, brown, grey, and burgundy. The most popular is black. Meanwhile, lighter shades of granite open up the kitchen. The least popular colors are green, red, and blue.
Others prefer the broader variety of colors and patterns offered by quartz countertops. Being man-made, quartz provides the high-end look of marble at a lower price.
Granite Vs. Quartz: Durability
Stone countertops are preferred in a kitchen for a reason. Granite is considered the most durable countertop material and resists chips and cracks. But, being a man-made material, quartz is higher on the hardness scale and more damage-resistant.
Both materials can be easily cleaned with mild soap and some water. You can also use gentle cleaners for quartz, but certain all-purpose cleaners may be too harsh for granite. But, you should use a cleaner specifically for countertops to protect the surface. Wipe up spills as soon as they happen so your countertops don’t stain. Quartz is stain-resistant, but they happen; you can just remove them with a glass cleaner and non-abrasive sponge. For stains on granite, use a granite stain remover that will lift the stain without scrubbing.
Granite Vs. Quartz: Maintenance And Repairs
Since granite is porous, you will need to reseal it annually. When sealed properly, they will become resistant to stains. If your granite gets minor dings or scratches, resin or color-matching epoxy from the home improvement store is enough to fix it. But ask professional installers to repair cracks bigger than an ice cube.
Meanwhile, quartz is non-porous, so it will easily repel oil, coffee, and food coloring without sealing. But, quartz that is damaged is harder to repair and should be done by professionals. This leads to increased overall countertop costs.
Granite Vs. Quartz: Installation And Price
Granite and quartz countertops should be installed by professionals since they are extremely heavy and difficult to handle. Furthermore, cutting holes for a sink is not an easy task. Granite and quartz are similar in price per square foot, each with a price range that starts from $80. High-quality granite costs up to $175 and more, while quartz countertops may cost up to $140 per square foot. The price depends on each stone’s surface treatment, color, and pattern. Whatever the case, slab remnants save large amounts of money if your countertop is small enough.
Granite Vs. Quartz: Natural And Man-made Stone
If you are someone that prefers solid wood flooring over laminate, rugs that are wool over nylon, and natural material upholsteries, granite is for you. You will appreciate the natural beauty of this stone and see its potential flaws as character.
This is the main reason to select granite, marble, or any other natural stone or quartz. Even though quartz is 90% natural because of crushed quartz, that is similar to saying concrete is natural because its ingredients are found in nature. Like concrete, quartz is heavily processed, which turns off some homeowners.
Quartz countertops have designs that were engineered into them compared to granite, which has striations and slight color changes that make the stone unique. The color and design are real. Homeowners that like natural materials would prefer having a chunk of stone from the earth than something created in a factory with artificial color.
Conclusion
If you want a natural stone adorning your home, go with granite, but If you want something that has a wide range of colors, needs less maintenance, and is durable and stain-resistant, then opt for quartz countertops. Whatever option you choose, Badger Granite provides both quartz and granite, and marble for your home.
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