Granite countertops have been popular for quite some time but recently, Quartz countertops have been coming on as a strong contender.
When it comes to countertops, there are two materials that are often at the top of homeowners’ lists: granite and quartz. Both materials offer a variety of benefits, but they also have some drawbacks depending on your priorities. To help you decide between quartz and granite countertops, we’ve compiled a list of the benefits and drawbacks of both of these countertop materials.
Granite Countertops
Granite is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth. It is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, and it is known for its durability and beauty.
Granite countertops are also more resistant to stains and scratches, and they are easy to maintain. However, granite is also one of the most expensive countertop materials available, so that makes it more of a luxury choice for homeowners.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is also available in a variety of colors and finishes, and it is known for its durability, stain resistance, and low maintenance.
Quartz countertops are also less expensive than granite countertops, making them a great alternative to granite. However, quartz countertops are not as heat-resistant as granite countertops, and they can be more difficult to find in custom colors.
Considerations to make when deciding between quartz and granite
While both granite and quartz make excellent countertops, your choice should reflect your unique requirements and budget.
Budget
If you want something that is elegant in appearance, requires minimal maintenance, and you can afford it then granite serves as a great candidate.
On the other hand, if you want something more budget-friendly but still want the look and feel of a luxury material, then quartz is a great option for you.
Durability and Maintenance
While granite is durable, it’s a porous material, meaning it absorbs liquids and requires periodic sealing to prevent stains and bacterial growth. However, this only needs to be done every 1-2 years or when your granite countertop shows signs of needing to be re-sealed. Failure to seal granite countertops can result in staining.
On the other hand, quartz is non-porous and can generally hold up better to stains than granite. However, it’s not completely immune to damage. It’s not as heat resistant as granite, so you should invest in trivets or hot pads to protect your countertops.
Heat Resistance
As we mentioned above, granite is more heat-resistant than quartz, making it a better countertop material to place hot pots and pans directly on.
Your current home design
The number 1 factor is almost always your existing kitchen or bathroom design, color palette, and preferred aesthetics. Granite’s inherent elegance might seamlessly complement traditional designs, while quartz’s versatility could thrive in more modern settings.
General Appearance and Installation
Granite Countertops
While granite is known for its natural beauty and patterns, this does cause a downside. The distinctive patterns and colors in granite can make seams more noticeable, which can affect the overall aesthetic of the countertop surface.
When two pieces of granite need to be joined together, such as in the case of a long countertop or an L-shaped kitchen layout, the goal is to create a seam that is as inconspicuous as possible. Achieving this requires a skilled and experienced professional installer who can carefully match the patterns and colors of the granite slabs to create a seamless transition.
Properly done, professional installation can significantly minimize the visibility of seams and maintain the natural beauty of the granite surface.
Quartz Countertops
Unlike natural granite, quartz countertops are manufactured using a controlled process that allows for more consistent patterns and colors across the entire surface. This uniformity in appearance means that seams in quartz countertops can be less noticeable, as the patterns and colors are designed to flow seamlessly from one section to another.
However, working with quartz does introduce different considerations during the installation process. Quartz countertops are known for their density and weight, which can make them challenging to handle during installation.
Customization
Moreover, the availability of customization might sway your opinion. If personalized colors are a must-have, granite might present limitations because it is a natural stone, meaning what’s available in the natural world is what’s available on the market.
On the other hand, quartz is man-made so slabs can be custom designed to match a homeowner’s vision or the design in their home. This is what makes them a popular choice for people that want more customization for their kitchen countertops.
A Unique Advantage For Quartz Countertops
Because of their non-porous qualities, quartz countertops are better able to resist the growth of harmful bacteria and microbes.
The non-porous structure of quartz countertops makes it incredibly difficult for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to penetrate and thrive on the surface. This characteristic not only enhances the overall hygiene of your kitchen and bathroom but also provides several practical benefits for daily use:
- More hygienic food preparation
- Reduced cleaning efforts
- More family-friendly
- Lower maintenance hygiene
- Suitable for high-traffic areas
Hiring a Professional
A truly experienced professional can walk you through the different things to consider for these materials and how they match up against each other. They can give you a better understanding of your specific needs.
Professionals navigate the realm of both granite and quartz countertops, so their insights can illuminate unexpected possibilities and assist you in making a choice that aligns with your lifestyle.
