When you are building or renovating a home, there are a million decisions to make about the design and material used. One of the most highly debated choices when it comes to countertop space is which material should be used – quartz vs granite. Both sides are passionate about their viewpoint, but which is better? Is there a clear winner?
What are granite and quartz made up of and how are the countertops made?
Knowing what these two types of countertops are made of is important for understanding the rest of their similarities and differences.
Granite and quartz countertops are both mostly made up of quartz stone – about 60% in granite and 93% in quartz. The difference is that granite is made up of quartz stone and whatever other minerals were around it when the rock it is quarried from was formed. A slab is taken from the quarry, cut to the measurements specifics, polished, installed in one piece and sealed.
Quartz, on the other hand, is made up of crushed quartz stone, resin, and a binder to hold everything together. This means the appearance is more uniform and can be customized with dye colors, but the natural veins of the stone are completely lost. It is engineered, cut to specification, and installed. Because it is engineered, it is sealed before it is installed.
When is it better to use granite?
Granite countertops are solid stone, which gives them good resistance against cracks and chips. They are natural stone, so their color will not change much (if at all) under sunlight. These attributes make it a great option for the areas of the house where countertops are exposed to the sun and frequently used for cooking and other activities.
Granite pros:
- Less expensive
- Color won’t fade with exposure to sunlight
When is it better to use quartz?
Quartz countertops are nonporous, which makes them more resistant to germs and bacteria and harder to stain. They are also more resistant to chips and cracks. Because of the way they are made, they need less care overall, but they are more prone to discoloring with a few years of exposure to sunlight. This makes quartz a better option for areas that see less sunlight and are used more frequently.
Quartz pros:
- More resistant to bacteria and germs
- Harder to stain
- Customizeable colors and patterns
The verdict on granite vs quartz
Once you get the basic tips of your kitchen remodel down there are many things to consider when it comes to the material for your countertops, including other design elements in your home. Quartz and granite both look beautiful, so there is no way you can go wrong! Keep in mind that quartz tends to be more expensive, so granite will be a more budget-friendly option.
RH Blanchard is a home remodeling contractor with over a decade of experience in the greater Boston area. Have questions about your next home remodel or renovation? Contact us today!
