When it comes to choosing the countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom, two names always come out on top: quartz and granite. Each of these countertop materials has the benefits that they bring to the table (literally). There are several factors that help you make the choice of quartz vs granite countertops.
For instance, both of these countertop materials have their charm when it comes to their beauty. Similarly, they also have their pros and cons when it comes to various factors. Let’s have a look at what each of these countertop materials has to offer.
Quartz vs. Granite Countertop
Structure and Composition
One of the more defining aspects of the quartz vs. granite debate is the composition of both of these countertop materials. Granite is a natural countertop, while quartz is an engineered countertop. But what does it mean anyway?
Granite is a natural stone. The product that you see on your kitchen and bathroom countertop is the finished version. Before it comes to that, granite is mined from the quarries, cut into slabs, polished, and later installed in your homes.
On the other hand, quartz is known as ‘engineered stone.’ The process of manufacturing Quartz involves crushed quartz stones that are mixed with resin binders to create manufactured or engineered slabs. The ratio of this is usually 92 or 94 percent natural quartz, and the rest is the binding agent.
Quartz vs. Granite: Appearance and Aesthetic
Since granite is a natural stone, you’ll notice that no two slabs are alike. You’ll always find some kind of variation between them, thus setting them apart. Similarly, you’ll also find that the colors available will be neutral and earthy tones with some green and other light styles.
On the other hand, quartz countertops have a more uniform look. The reason behind this is that it is an engineered stone, so there’s more control over its production and appearance. Not only are quartz countertops more uniform, but you also get them in more colors and variants as opposed to granite countertops. Color pigments are added during the manufacturing process. Hence, you get a more comprehensive range of color options that are easily adaptable to your design aesthetic.
There is no clear winner here. In the end, it comes down to your choice and your bathroom style or kitchen style.
Durability and Longevity
Let’s face it; countertops are expensive. While choosing the right countertop material, you want it to last longer and require less maintenance. If this is your absolute priority, then you’re better off choosing quartz over granite.
One simple reason behind this decision is that granite is a porous material. Because of this, you’ll need to seal it every year. They’re also more likely to crack or damage as compared to quartz countertop. So what makes quartz more favorable?
Quartz countertops undergo a binding process using resins during manufacturing. This process makes quartz resistant to water damage and saves you the hassle of sealing it year after year. Both quartz and granite have a lifespan of 20 to 50 years.
Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: Cost
In the end, it all comes down to money. You might have chosen the best of the best kitchen countertop material, but it also has to fit into your remodeling budget.
To begin with, both quartz and granite are considered to be premium countertop materials. If you’re looking for budget countertop materials for your kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel, you will most likely choose laminate or other lower-range countertop materials.
The average cost of granite countertops is $80 to $180 per sq.ft, and the average cost of quartz countertops is $70 to $140 per sq.ft. The final cost of countertop installation would depend on several factors like size, shape, complexity, local prices, etc.
If you are still confused about how to choose between quartz vs granite countertop, let’s make things a bit easier for you.
Reasons to Consider Granite
One of the biggest reasons as to why homeowners choose granite is because of its natural look. Granite is the no.1 choice of homeowners who like to surround themselves with natural elements in their home.
Everything you get with a granite countertop is real. From the color, the mineral design, and even the ‘imperfections.’ As mentioned earlier, another distinct advantage of granite countertops is that they’re unique. This means that even if you and your neighbor purchase granite from the same supply yard, your countertops will still be unique.
If you are ready and willing to seal your granite countertop every year and prefer the natural look, you should consider opting for a granite countertop.
Reasons to Consider Quartz
Now that you know about the main reasons to choose granite, let’s look at some of the top reasons to choose quartz countertops.
The biggest positive of installing a quartz countertop is that it saves you the hassle of sealing it and then repeating the sealing process every year. It is non-porous and requires nothing more than regular cleaning.
On top of that, you get more color options with quartz. Granite, being a natural stone, is limited to natural colors only. However, because quartz undergoes a manufacturing process, you get a more comprehensive range of colors. Hence, if you want different colors and don’t want to deal with the hassle of regular maintenance, quartz is the best bet.
In the decision of quartz vs granite, the decision is a highly personal one. What works for someone may not work for you. Each of these countertop materials has its pros and cons, and hence, its value depends on your kitchen or bathroom remodeling design and requirements.
