Which is Better for My Kitchen, Granite or Quartz?

Granite and quartz are two of the most popular materials for countertops, each offering unique advantages that make them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or even elegant living room designs. Granite, being a natural stone, provides a distinct and organic aesthetic, making it perfect for those who seek a one-of-a-kind, natural appearance for their countertops or small bedroom decor. It is also highly durable, with strong resistance to scratches, heat, and stains. Quartz, in contrast, is an engineered material, made by combining natural quartz with other elements. It is even more heat-resistant than granite, making it an excellent choice for kitchens where hot cookware is frequently used. Additionally, quartz can also be used to enhance living room interiors with a sleek, modern look. 

Granite Vs Quartz

Are you considering updating the countertops in your kitchen? The first option in our Pinterest galleries is frequent countertops with a stone finish. Yet eventually we come to understand that kitchen layouts and material finishes have a significant influence. After all, we must take into consideration the countertop's cost, upkeep, and lifespan—all without burning a hole in our wallets. Granite or quartz are typically the only two materials available for a polished finish. Here is a quick read to help you decide whether quartz vs. granite countertops would be a superior material for your kitchen countertop.

Appearance

Granite comes in a variety of colors, ranging from soft earth tones to vibrant greens and blues. Finding the perfect piece to complement your kitchen's color scheme may take some searching. Quartz, however, is manufactured with added pigments, offering a broader range of colors and more consistent patterns, making it easier to select. These characteristics also influence the cost of quartz kitchen countertops.

Kitchen Countertops Price

Let's now compare the prices of quartz and granite. Quartz countertops tend to be more expensive because they are man-made, and the price is set by the manufacturer. However, various factors, such as shipping costs and the complexity of quarrying, may cause unexpected fluctuations in the final price.

Environmental Impact

Is quartz better than granite? The answer is often debated. Quartz may have an environmental edge since it's often produced locally, whereas granite is typically imported from quarries in other countries, driving up the cost per square foot for granite countertops. However, granite is free from synthetic resins, which could make it a more eco-friendly option. In contrast, quartz is manufactured using chemical resins. Ultimately, there's no clear verdict yet.

Composition

Since quartz countertops are engineered stones, they are made from a combination of 93% to 95% powdered quartz stone, along with various minerals, coloring additives, and resin that binds everything together. In contrast, granite countertops are made from real granite that is excavated, cut, and installed in its natural form. Because of this, granite countertops are generally more affordable than quartz ones.

Maintenance And Hygiene Factors

With simple soap and water or a common cleaner, granite surfaces are easily cleanable. Although they are not very stain-resistant and are readily destroyed, they nonetheless require the utmost care. Consider replacing your countertops at least once a year to ensure their lifespan. Due to its absorbency, granite can harbor unwanted microorganisms and oils if it is not properly sealed. Quartz, however, requires less upkeep because it is a solid surface that does not require resealing. They are more hygienic because they don't retain any bacteria or dirt at a deeper level.

Durability

Granite countertops offer several advantages due to their hardness, which makes them resistant to heat and various kitchen conditions. However, they can be damaged by strong liquid spills. Quartz, being non-porous, is generally more resistant to wear and tear compared to granite and is also significantly tougher. Despite this, excessive use can still cause damage, so it's important to use heating pads to protect the surface.

Aesthetics & Color Options

Granite comes in a range of designs and colors, making it a great choice for a kitchen with a soft, neutral palette and a standout countertop. Keep in mind that granite is a natural material formed from molten rock that has cooled and solidified, so each granite countertop will have its own unique appearance, adding a distinctive touch to your kitchen.

On the other hand, quartz offers a wider variety of colors and patterns, contributing to its growing popularity. Quartz can mimic the look of natural stone while perfectly matching your design scheme, making it easier to select a color that suits your style. Although quartz is engineered in a factory to meet specific preferences, it may lack the natural beauty and uniqueness of granite.

Textures And Finishes

Granite features somewhat larger crystals and an earthy texture, which gives it a unique color. It's a great choice if you want to bring a touch of nature into your kitchen countertops. On the other hand, quartz is usually mixed with resin, giving it a glossier, more polished finish. The finer the quartz is ground, the shinier the overall surface will be.

Quality And Grades

Quality is one of the main reasons they stand out when choosing a material for a kitchen countertop. Typically, granite is available in three grades: grade 1, which is intended for commercial kitchens; grade 2, and grade 3 plus. These rankings are determined by the stone's complexity and color. When compared to the other grades, grade one typically has a lower quality. The quality of the stone for your kitchen top will be higher than the grades. On the other hand, there are three different quality categories for quartz. The first one is an engineering stone that has been well-graded, is smooth and has few veins. The second batch is followed by the lesser-quality commercial-grade quarts. Excellent value is offered by it. The last grade is the lowest and has less durability than the other two granites.

Which Is More Prone To Accidents?

In our daily lives, minor kitchen accidents are extremely prevalent. Granite is a durable and unforgiving stone. Because of this, if a knife were to fall off your counter, there would be less evidence of cuts. Other mishaps, such as plates falling from cabinets or a pot being dropped on your granite countertop's edge, might cause chipping. You can easily repair these scars on the countertop by yourself. Quartz, in contrast, is held together by resin, which makes it more vulnerable to scratches. Also, if you keep hot pots and pans on top of your counter table, the resin in your kitchen countertop might scratch and stain the pots and pans.