What is the Difference Between Granite and Quartz?

Posted by
Lewith & Freeman Real Estate Inc.

6 years ago

The kitchen is my personal favorite place to spend time in my house. I love trying new recipes and sharing homemade food with friends and family.

Counter space is important to me, as it is to many of you. That might be why you’ve found yourself here today wondering just what the difference is between two types you’ve found yourself between: granite and quartz.

What are they made of?

Granite is a 100% natural hard stone that is mined, cut, and polished to make beautiful, unique countertops. They have proven to be long-lasting and durable, and are on a lot of prospective homeowners’ must-have lists.

On the other hand, quartz is manufactured using around 95% granite and 5% polymer resins. The makes these even more durable and consistent-looking in appearance.

Now, that 5% resin makes a big difference, but each material has their own pros and cons, which we’ll take a look at next.

Granite vs. Quartz

Both of these materials are easy to clean and long-lasting, which is why two out of five homeowners choose one of them in their homes, according to this study.

But there are some logistical benefits to take into consideration with each one. For example, if you have a large kitchen with vast spaces of counter space (lucky you), you might want to look into granite. Available in wide slabs that are typically more than 12 inches larger than quartz, using granite will mean far fewer seams in your countertop.

However, it’s porous. While it can be more cost-effective than quartz and has great longevity and appeal, this is the point that often makes some people stop and think. So, what does that mean? If you let a spill sit too long it can stain your countertop and it needs to be resealed every two to five years. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to clean it daily but you also have to be mindful of the cleaning products you use because certain soaps can also stain the stone. Not everyone sees this as too big of a problem though, and quartz does often help with resale later on.

Now, quartz is low-maintenance compared to granite because, right off the bat, it doesn’t require any sealing and can be cleaned easily with nearly any product. Also, because it’s manufactured, the patterns come in a wider variety. If you’re looking for clean, simple countertops without a lot of movement, definitely look into quartz. It’s also harder than granite and, though granite is durable, quartz is even more durable.

Now, possibly the biggest con working against quartz is that it isn’t suitable for outdoor settings. Even though it’s non-porous and heat-resistant, quartz can fade from long-term exposure to sunlight.

So, which should you choose?

So, at the end of the day, knowledge is going to help you determine the best countertop for your kitchen. Knowing the pros and cons, as well as your own habits, will help you choose between the two. If you have a bigger budget and don’t want to reseal your countertops every few years, you might want to consider quartz. On the other hand, if you want something more natural looking, don’t mind the extra care, and tend to clean up spills quickly, granite might be best for you.

When it comes to the care of whichever you choose, be sure to read the product manual to ensure that your cleaning in the future doesn’t do any harm and that you’re doing everything you can to make your new countertops last for years.