Granite VS Quartz

‘Quartz VS Granite Countertop – A Comparison’

There has always been a heated debate on the comparison of Quartz and Granite about which of them has an edge over the other. Well, both these materials stand out with their features, and also they have their separate fan base.

This post is all about breaking this quandary of “which one has an edge over the other as countertop?” and “which one will suit the best to you according to your requirements”?

Granite VS Quartz

100% natural and a wonder in itself just like other natural stones, Granites are widely available around different parts of the world and are processed into manageable dimensions and polished finely for application. Quartz, on the other hand, is a man-made material that is made from 95% ground Quartz and 5% polymer resins.

Appearance

When it comes to appearance both have their unique aesthetic factors. Just like any other natural stone, Granite is authentic and exudes a natural feel and its available around the world in many different shades & patterns. The mineral inclusions in every Granite is unique in itself & creates interest and movement. Granites will add authenticity to your kitchens which only nature can offer. On the other side, Quartz is a man-made material that offers the look of stone while allowing customization. Granite offers wide options in terms of appearance, yet a person may have to look for the right shade to match the color scheme in area of application. With Quartz, it is easier to find colors and designs to make elegant combinations with its surroundings.

Durability

Both are hard materials and have a long-lasting quality. However, granite is a porous material, and therefore it is prone to staining if the kitchens are messy and liquid spills on the countertops are left uncleaned for longer. Quartz, on the other hand, is non-porous and it’s easy to keep it clean and bacteria-free.

Although Granite is hard, it is more brittle than Quartz, and it can get damaged if the counter receives a high impact blow or can chip/break at the time of installation. Granite is heat resistant, whereas heating pads should always be used on top of Quartz countertops. It is strongly advised to avoid Quartz installations for outdoor applications as it has a sun-sensitive nature and can fade after some time.

Maintenance

Maintenance is necessary for a lasting effect in both Granite as well as Quartz. However, Quartz has an edge here- due to its non-porous nature there’s no need for sealing. In contrast, Granite needs to be resealed periodically to secure the longevity of your investment. Granite has to be cleaned daily by a gentle wash using a mild household cleaner(granites are sensitive towards acidic liquids/cleaners). As discussed earlier, some liquids/spills are acidic, and if left on countertops for extended times can result in staining. For example, if vinegar is spilled on your granite countertop, the mild acid constituent can ruin the sealant.

Costs

Both Granite & Quartz can be found in a wide range of prices depending on the type/kind of material. You can buy Granite as cheap as $40/square foot or go as high as $200/ square foot in the exotic granite range. Quartz can go as much a $95/square foot. To minimize some more cost, we advice you to make purchse from wholesaler/distributor and do some initial basic work yourself and leave the installation part to a professional. At Sunderlands, we pride ourselves on having a wide range of options for you to choose from.

Versatility

Due to granite’s wide slab sizes, upon its application, it offers a seamless and cohesive look. Granite comes in slabs more than 70 inches wide.

Quartz slabs are usually found 56 and 65 inches wide so, for a wide Quartz countertop, you might have to combine more than one slab -which results in a seam. But this can be overlooked, as quartz comes in endless colors and designs, which gives it more design versatility than Granite.

Conclusion

Both Granite & Quartz have their own distinct attributes. Quartz appears to win with its easy maintenance, long-life & environment-friendly nature. However, the natural appeal of granite is still sought after by many. In short, you really can’t go wrong with either material for your countertops, it’s a matter of personal choice.