While several home design elements can spark debates, one of the most prominent is whether homeowners should choose granite or quartz countertops. But is one better than the other, or does it just come down to preference?
This article will compare quartz and granite for countertops to help you decide which may be better for your home.
Granite vs. Quartz: What’s the difference in material?
Granite is a hard stone that is mined in quarries worldwide. It’s 100% natural and can easily be cut down to a specific size and polished to a fine finish. On the other hand, quartz is not 100% natural. Most quartz custom countertops are 95% natural quartz with 5% added polymer resins.
Granite vs. Quartz: Cost
Cost is one of the most important factors when determining the material for your custom countertops. Quartz tends to be more expensive than granite according to HomeAdvisor.com. You may be able to do some of the preliminary work to prep your countertops before the professionals install them. But don’t expect to save a lot because engineered quartz is heavier than other stone surfaces, requiring a professional installer to ensure that it is structurally sound and fabricated/installed professionally.
The average cost of premium slab quartz material ranges from $2,000-$4000. Price is not necessarily a reflection of quality but most often of detail/design of material and often scarcity of material. Cost of fabrication varies depending on slabs, cutouts and edge detailing.
Granite vs. Quartz: Appearance
Another important factor when deciding whether to choose granite or quartz is based on their appearance. Granite comes in a limited array of colors and patterns because it's formed naturally . You can choose a subtle complement to your kitchen or a standout slab that makes your kitchen pop. There is a limited variety of selection, and no two granite countertops are the same. Granite is less predicatable from slab to slab or from one cut to another.
Quartz has become popular in recent years because of its appearance and customizability. While granite offers many options, it can be difficult to find the right piece to complement your kitchen, while quartz has many more options and predictability from slab to slab. Quartz has a wide array of colors, styles, veining that the design options are almost limitless.
Granite vs. Quartz: Maintenance
In terms of maintenance, quartz wins over granite when it comes to being the Most low maintenance. Granite requires upkeep of sealer while quartz has been polished to a sheen that requires no sealant. While you will want to clean any spills on quartz countertops with soap and water immediately, the solid surface means that there is no need to have them resealed. On the other hand, granite countertops need to be cleaned daily and can easily be stained if not sealed properly. This type of material also requires yearly maintenance to ensure the longevity of your investment.
Granite vs. Quartz: Durability
Quartz and granite are both fairly equal in durability and maintainence as they are both primarily all quartz stone. Customers need to take normal precautions for both of no extremely hot items placed on counters or spills left over time. They are both porous materials and are easily cleaned if stains do get left. There are many stone counter cleaners on the market but in general we hold the ideal that more natural and less chemicals in your daily cleaners and maintainence cleaners the better.
Reach out to Advanced Construction and Design for custom countertops!
Founded in 2009, Advanced Construction and Design is a family-owned and operated company. We have a team of skilled, trustworthy professionals who can make customer quartz, grained, and marble stone countertops, help with your kitchen remodeling projects, and create custom cabinetry to fit your exact requirements. Our general contractors, interior designers, draftsmen, and engineers can also help take your home remodeling project from dream to reality.
Call us today for a free quote on our services!
