Which way should I go?
Maybe you just purchased your dream home or just looking to spice up your home with new countertops. We know how hard it is to make a decision. So, to make it a bit simpler, we will answer one of the most asked questions for you today, “what is the right countertop material for me, granite or quartz?”
Granite countertops remain in high demand for their beauty and durability, Quartz countertops often called engineered stone countertops, are similar in appearance and performance, yet quite different in their makeup.
Granite is an igneous rock, in other words, natural stone formed due to cooling of molten rocks made up of primary quartz, feldspar, micas, amphiboles, and a mixture of additional trace minerals. These minerals and their variation in abundance and alteration give granite the numerous colors and textures. Granite slabs are mined from pure rock sources such as underwater caves, mines, and mountains. The stone is sawed into slabs then cut and polished for many purposes.
Quartz slabs are known as engineered stones, in other words, man-made slabs. Although consist of roughly 90% quartz, natural material, Quartz slabs are bonded through-composed of resins, polymers, and various types of pigments. This creates a very durable artificial slab with many color and pattern options that are unlike to natural stones.
If we were to compare the stone properties of these two directly;
| Quartz (Quartz Arenite) | Granite | |
| Hardness | 7 (pure quartz) | 6-7 (depending on mineralogy) |
| Melting Point | 1670 °C | 1215–1260 °C (dry) |
| Natural Radiation | None | Trace amounts (Radon) |
| Source | Man-made | Natural |
| Natural Fractures | None | Small but variable amounts |
| Porous | No | Very slightly |
| Color | May have small variations | Yes, lighter/darker colors, veins, stripes etc. |
| Fissures | No | Lines of separation may appear in your slab |
| Slab Dimple | No | Possible |
| Sealer | Not required | Required frequently depending on usage |
| Color | The coloration of quartz is more consistent, and it is available in a wider array of colors since they are produced with added pigments | Colors range from earth tones to blues, greens, and roses |
Since we covered the basic intro and the properties of the stones, here are a couple of important factors in choosing which slab is the best option for you.
Granite Vs. Quartz
There is no wrong answer to the question, should I choose granite or quartz? It all boils down to what you are looking for.
- If your main concern is the looks, you will find much more beauty in granite and since it is a natural material you will always have unique and impossible to replicate the look. The variations and small imperfections you will find on the slabs would add character to your kitchen, not to mention the excitement in upgrading your countertops with many different looks of the granite you like.
- If your primary concern is having a durable countertop that you can ignore and heavily use, quartz is the answer. Quartz countertops are primarily made out of quartz arenite, which means they are more durable than granite. Also, they are sealed during production therefore, it is non-porous. Granite, on the other hand, naturally pours, can crack and chip more easily than engineered stone. In addition, natural stone countertops including granite and other natural materials stain quite easily. Granite that has been sealed with a resin-based product during manufacturing will be more resistant to staining than standard granite, but still not as resistant as quartz.
- If what you are looking for is better and easier hygiene, quartz has an advantage over granite. The pores and capillaries naturally find in granite can harbor germs such as bacteria and viruses. The non-porous surface of engineered quartz won’t collect these contaminants, so quartz is a better choice to keep Germ-Free. The ease in maintaining the cleanliness of quartz countertops is one of the primary reasons why many parents with young children and elderly who may be susceptible to viruses and bacteria choose this material. Not to worry though properly sealed natural stone does a decent job keeping out germs as well, if the sealant breaks down, there can be issues. So it is advised to seal your natural stone countertops regularly.
- Finally, if the price is the most important aspect in choosing the right slab for you, though quartz tends to be couple dollars more in pricing, for the most part, both quartz and granite are in the similar budget point.
Undoubtedly, you can’t go wrong with either, both granite and quartz are perfect options to achieve the beautiful look for your dream home. If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch with us. We consider ourselves great matchmakers and will love to assist you in choosing your new slab crush.