11 Nov Granite vs. Quartz: The Pros and Cons
New countertops are a great option for updating any kitchen, and granite and quartz are two of today’s most popular options. Wondering whether you should invest in granite or quartz? Here is a look at the pros and cons of each option.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that is quarried from large igneous stone deposits. It is naturally rough and textured but is ground and polished during the countertop manufacturing process.
Pro: Natural
If you value a natural aesthetic, granite is definitely the way to go. Granite is comprised of many different minerals and can therefore exhibit a variety of highlights and hues. Each slab of granite has unique coloring and veining patterns.
Pro: More Durable
Granite, when sealed properly, is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat damage from pots, pans, hair tools, etc. (In fact, it is even more heat resistant than quartz is.) It will not change color or fade after prolonged exposure to sunlight, and it will not harbor bacteria or viruses.
Con: More Maintenance
One thing to note about granite: it must be resealed every three to five years in order to prevent staining or bacteria buildup. Though the resealing process is rather simple, this can be a con for some people. But even with resealing to worry about, granite countertops are, overall, very easy to clean and maintain.
Quartz
Because quartz countertops are manufactured (they are actually a mixture of crushed quartz and resin), they can exhibit a wider variety of colors than granite countertops can. In fact, they can be made to mimic other stones such as granite and marble in appearance.
Pro: More Affordable
Quartz has the advantage of being slightly more affordable than granite since it is manufactured.
Pro: Durable
Quartz isn’t quite as durable as sealed granite, but it does come close. It, too, is highly resistant to scratches and heat damage. It is also non-porous, which makes it very easy to clean and maintain. Unlike granite, however, it can change color or fade after prolonged exposure to extreme levels of sunlight.
Con: Not 100% Natural
For those who prefer having raw, natural materials in their home, quartz may not be the best option. Quartz countertops can be made with up to 94 percent of pure, natural quartz, but that still doesn’t quite put them on par with granite in terms of raw aesthetic. But again, well-made granite countertops can look very much like real stone and lend a sophisticated touch to any kitchen.
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