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Frequently Asked Questions
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When choosing countertop materials for a kitchen or bathroom, many homeowners prefer the look and durability of their countertop over any other detail. When it comes to the latest design trends the "two of the most popular materials" are Quartz or a Granite countertops. The difference between the two is that granite is a natural stone mined from quarries, cut into slabs, and polished before installation. Although, quartz also occurs naturally, it's considered an engineered stone because the surface is manufactured using crushed quartz crystals combined with pigments and resin for binding. The composite material replicates the look of natural stoneand is growing in popularity as a countertop material.
Both quartz and granite offer beautiful texture and long-lasting durability for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. If you're unsure which of these materials is best for you, use this simple quartz vs. granite guide to help inform your decision. We compare the differences between quartz and granite in price, appearance, durability, and maintenance to choose the right countertop material for your space and lifestyle.
Appearance of Quartz vs. Granite
As with any material, the visual differences between granite and quartz are a matter of taste. Some people prefer the natural and unique look of granite countertops. Granite Composite colors are typically grouped into 10 basic categories: beige, black, blue, brown, burgundy, gray, green, red, yellow, and white. The most popular choice is either white or black slab, though lighter shades of granite can open up a kitchen. The least common granite colors are red, blue, and green. The patterns are unique to each slab.
Others like the wider variety of patterns and colors offered by quartz countertops. Because it is manmade, quartz countertops are available in patterns that offer the look of high-end marble at a lower price. Unlike Granite, since quartz is a manmade material each slab will be identical to the name and slab color and you will always have a continued uniform countertop or also called Bookmatched when meeting up with an additional slab unlike granite.
Durability of Quartz vs. Granite
These both countertops are popular in kitchens for a reason. Granite is often cited as the most durable natural countertop material and is known for resisting cracks and chips. However, as a manufactured material, quartz rates a bit higher on the hardness scale and is slightly more resistant to damage.
You can clean both materials with mild soap and water. Gentle cleaners are also suitable for quartz countertops, but some all-purpose cleaners might be too harsh for granite. It will scratch easily unless using the proper cleaning products. So, plan to use a cleaner designed to clean granite to protect the surface. It's best to wipe up spills as soon as they happen to prevent stains from forming. Also remember, you need to seal your granite countertop every year to give it a longer life. Unlike quartz, it doesn’t have to be sealed. Because quartz countertops are highly resistant to stains, but if they happen, you can typically remove them with glass cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge. For granite stains, remove them using a granite stain remover that will lift the stain from the surface without scrubbing.
Maintenance and Repairs for Quartz and Granite Countertops
Because granite is a porous material, it must be resealed at least 1x a year just as I stated previously. With a proper seal, granite countertops are very resistant to stains. Minor scratches or dings in granite can be filled in with color-matching epoxy or resin from the home improvement store, but professional installers should repair cracks larger than an ice cube.
Quartz countertops are nonporous, which allows the surface to repel coffee, oil, and even food coloring without sealing. Damaged quartz is trickier to repair and should always be done by a professional, which could increase quartz countertops' overall cost.
So in a nutshell, when answering the question quartz vs. granite? Realistically, the answer will vary because it’s depending on the person who is buying them. It’s their preference and depending what they want to pay for countertops and their design choice and dedicated time to the cleanup and the maintaince the answer will be always be tie. It just depends on the customer’s taste.
1. Granite countertops typically cost less than quartz to purchase and install.
Granite can be purchased in several ways: Customers can select a slab out of which their countertops will be fabricated or choose prefabricated counter sections. The national average to purchase is $15 to $140 per square foot for slabs and $23 to $35 per square foot for prefabricated pieces, averaging $5,250 per project nationally. Especially for the slabs, this is an enormous range, because each piece of granite is composed of flecks and chunks of different stone material, so the patterns, thickness, and strength will vary from slab to slab. The more unique and solid the piece is, the more expensive it will be. Slab pieces will also require cutting and finishing (though many prefabricated pieces will also require sink cutouts and edge finishing). Because the cost of granite countertops varies so widely, customers with smaller budgets can select pieces that are attractive and affordable, and customers with larger budgets can choose unusual and expensive pieces to complement their luxury kitchen plans. Some retailers will also market decomposed granite (a crushed-stone granite that adds texture to surfaces) for a different type of countertop, either to include in concrete countertops for visual interest or in DIY-style resin countertops, although those options aren’t really considered to be traditional granite countertops and have different properties and costs.
Quartz countertops are an engineered product crafted from 93 percent natural quartz stone combined with colors and resin. When shopping for countertop products, customers may wonder about the differences between quartz vs. quartzite; the term “quartz” always refers to this composite product, where the term “quartzite” refers to 100 percent natural stone—a beautiful, strong, and much more costly option. The average cost of quartz countertops is between $19 and $100 per square foot, with a national range of $1800 to $12,000 total per project, averaging $5,500. While quartz is slightly more expensive than granite in general, the engineered nature of quartz makes it easier to choose a style and ensure that all of the countertop pieces will match in terms of color and pattern.
2. Although quartz countertops have a higher initial cost than granite, they are also more durable, which could justify the expense for some homeowners.
Quartz countertops are nonporous, which means that they don’t absorb the colors or odors of food or liquids that come in contact with the quartz. The material resists stains without the need for continuous resealing, and it is easy to clean. In addition, the combination of quartz stone dust and resin is exceptionally durable and resistant to cracking, chipping, or breaking. The most maintenance a customer might expect is to periodically check the seam where countertop pieces meet or where the counter meets the wall: It’s possible that the adhesive in the seam could degrade or loosen over long periods of time. In general, however, regularly cleaning the countertop is the only maintenance quartz countertops need. Therefore, while quartz countertops cost more at the outset, maintenance costs after installation will be minimal.
3. Granite countertops need to be sealed when installed and then on an ongoing basis, which adds to the cost. Quartz countertops do not require sealant.
In the past, granite countertops were installed with no natural or artificial sealant on the material, so they needed to be sealed monthly or more. Most granite is now coated prior to delivery with a sealant that has a little more staying power, so while the counter will need to be sealed immediately after installation, resealing is now an annual event rather than a monthly task. Still, the inconvenience and cost of sealing the counters, especially if the customer chooses to hire someone to do the job, add to the cost of the material over time. Failing to seal the granite regularly can lead to stains and discoloration from food and liquids—even water. Unsealed granite will not develop an attractive patina like a butcher-block or metal counter; instead it will stain and harbor bacteria. Quartz countertops, on the other hand, do not require sealing because the resin component of the engineered material naturally seals the otherwise porous stone.
The average cost of a kitchen remodel can vary greatly depending on the size of the kitchen, materials used, and specific features desired. However, a typical kitchen remodel can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. Depending on what's involved and how big your kitchen is.
The time it takes to complete a kitchen remodel can vary depending on the specific project. However, a typical kitchen remodel can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks to complete.
