Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: Which Material Is Best?

Homeowners planning to remodel their bathroom or kitchen will inevitably need to decide which materials to use for their countertops. Granite and quartz are both popular choices, but which of these materials is best for your countertops?

To make the best selection for your home remodeling project, you’ll need to evaluate the pros and cons of each. Let’s get started!

Quartz Countertop Pros & Cons

Quartz countertops have gained in popularity due to their stylish appearance. With their smooth, stone finish and neutral color scheme, they give homeowners the freedom to customize their living spaces without worrying about color matching. Opting for quartz over granite offers additional benefits as well:

• Quartz countertops are more flexible, making it more difficult for them to chip or crack.
• Because quartz is non-porous, you won’t need to worry about sealing or continued maintenance after installation.
• This non-porous surface also makes quartz countertops more stain resistant, allowing for quick and easy cleanup.

While these countertops certainly have a strong appeal, there are some drawbacks: The materials used to create quartz are not 100% natural, making them less environmentally friendly in terms of production. Quartz is manufactured using 95% natural quartz and 5% polymer resins.

Additionally, the color of your countertops may fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight. This can be troublesome if some areas are exposed to sunlight more than others, creating unwanted patterns and discoloration. While just as strong as granite, quartz can actually burn if hot pots and pans are left on its surface. Because of the way quartz countertops are constructed, you can expect to see seams in the finished work. This can be avoided by choosing a darker color; however, the seams will still be present. Quartz countertops are often more expensive to install (on average), ranging between $1,500 and $5,500 according to HomeAdvisor estimates.

Despite these downfalls, choosing to install a quartz countertop in your home is still a great option for those seeking to add style and elegance to their living space. Strong, durable, and virtually stain-resistant, your quartz countertops will be the envy of the neighborhood for years to come.

Granite Countertop Pros & Cons

Granite countertops are also an excellent choice. Unlike quartz, granite is 100% natural, mined from quarries around the world and polished to a fine finish. While not completely indestructible, well-maintained granite can easily last a lifetime. Choosing to install granite countertops offers other benefits as well:

• Granite comes in many different colors, allowing homeowners more design choices.
• While seams are present in granite countertops as well, modern fabrication practices make them increasingly difficult to spot.
• Granite countertop installation can be less expensive than quartz, costing between $2,000 and $4,000 according to HomeAdvisor estimates.

Like quartz, granite also has its pitfalls. Granite countertops are quite porous, making them harder to maintain and more likely to stain after spills. Additionally, granite can suffer significant damage if it receives a high-impact blow. Homeowners will need to reseal their countertops at least once a year after installation.

Furthermore, the store samples you select may not be the same color as the stone you receive. If the stone is collected from multiple slabs, you may end up with a range of colors speckled throughout your kitchen rather than the uniform look you hoped to achieve. This can be avoided by choosing a full slab from the stone yard.

Drawbacks aside, granite countertops are a fashionable choice that will enhance the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom. If maintained appropriately, your countertops will fill your home with a lifetime of luxury.