Granite vs. Quartz is one of the toughest and most interesting comparisons in the world of design and architecture. It is very tough to choose between the two, as both of them have some of the irreplaceable properties. Granite is a natural stone whereas quartz is an engineered one, still, they give tough competition to each other.
In this blog, we will compare both stones based on certain parameters. These parameters will help you understand the key differences between the two. It would be easier for you to decide what’s the best option for your residential or commercial project.
What is Granite?
Granite is the king of all-natural stones. It is a 100% natural stone (igneous rock) formed through geological processes. The journey of granite stone starts from mining in the quarries; cut and polished in the factories. Granite is known for its extreme durability, resistivity, and easy maintenance. It is the top choice of homeowners and designers for kitchen and bathroom countertops. With excellent aesthetics, it also offers a natural and earthy tone to the interiors.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is an engineered stone, formed with the composition of natural quartz crystals and resins. It is the only engineered stone that exhibits natural stone properties to a great extent. When it comes to beautiful aesthetics, it can beat granite due to the wide range of color and design options. Despite being man-made, it is highly durable, resistant, and easy to maintain. With time, architects and designers are appreciating the quartz’s aesthetics, durability, and easy maintenance. It is emerging as a popular choice for all types of spaces.
Let’s now get into the difference between granite and quartz, depending upon certain parameters such as appearance, durability, maintenance, cost and much more.
1. Which is better in Appearance: Granite versus Quartz
Granite counters offer unique color and veining patterns due to their natural formation under the earth. Each slab of granite is different from the other. You can choose from endless varieties for your granite kitchen counter or granite dining table set. If you are someone who prefers subtle yet striking features to your kitchen, bathroom, or vanity, it is suggested to go for granite countertops.
Quartz countertops are gaining popularity nowadays due to their natural stone appearance. They are available in various colors and designs, allowing more room for customization. Choosing the right fit for your lovely home becomes much easier. Kitchen granite countertops may offer a remarkable look, but searching for the one that suits the color scheme of your kitchen is challenging.
2. Durability: Quartz vs Granite
Granite: It is a highly durable natural stone that is resistant to heat, fire, scratching, chipping, etc. Granite is the best kitchen countertop material. Still, it is porous, and it is susceptible to stains if a liquid is left on the surface for extended periods. Experts can easily remove those stains using professional methods.
Quartz: Since it is an engineered stone, it is more durable and long-lasting than granite. It is resistant to chipping, scratching, and even staining because it’s a non-porous material. However, it can get damaged due to extreme heat so, ensure you are using heating pads to always place your hot pans.
3. Which is easy to maintain: Granite vs. Quartz
Granite: It is a low-maintenance investment; however, it is important to wipe down the granite surface with a mild surface cleaner every day to eliminate any chances of staining. Also, remember to reseal your countertops at least once a year for them to last forever. Failing to take proper care might add replacement costs to your expense list.
Quartz: They do not require a reseal annually but still need cleaning every day. Use a mild surface cleaner or water and soap to wipe off the surface, and the quartz countertops should be fine. They are also anti-bacterial, so you do not have to worry about germs breeding on your kitchen surface.
4. Which is more expensive: Granite or Quartz
Granite: When it comes to quartz vs granite price, it depends where you are sourcing it from. If you purchase from a wholesaler like Stone Depot, USA, you can save a considerable amount of money. Some people might still find granite expensive but in the long run, they are totally worth it. Also, granite prices go with the market price, unlike quartz.
Quartz: Quartz prices fluctuate a lot depending on the quality and customization. Since it is a man-made and heavy stone, manufacturers determine the price as per their preference. A premium quality quartz with styling, customization and installation will cost a lot more than a granite countertop.
5. Eco-Friendliness
Granite: It is a natural stone mined straight from the earth. It is cut, polished, and installed in your kitchen with no added chemicals. However, it must be sourced from where it is mined which uses a lot of energy like fuel for transportation. One can visit wholesalers in their area and find pieces that fit their requirements.
Quartz: It can be regionally sourced, but the making procedure of quartz countertops involves adding synthetic resins. These chemical resins are harmful to the environment. Try to source your countertops or worktops from a local shop like Stone Depot, Texas, as it cuts down on transportation distance significantly.
6. Material Composition
Granite: Granite is a completely natural slab that is dug up, cut, and installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and vanities. It is an igneous rock formed due to the slow crystallization of magma. So, it costs much less compared to quartz countertops.
Quartz: It is a man-made product that includes natural stone, chemical resins and colorants. The synthetic resin is what holds everything together and makes it non-porous.
7. Installation & Customization
Granite: It is a hefty stone that requires professional handling and installation. Shape and size customizations can only be made using professional-grade machines and skilled labor. Making custom cuts in granite slabs is easier than quartz because the prior is softer than the latter.
Quartz: It is also a large heavy slab that requires expert handling. The manufacturing of the quartz, precise cutting, shaping, and finishing can all be done by industrial types of machinery and suitable labor only.
8. Resale Value
Granite: According to current estimations, the resale value of granite countertops is around 25% of their retail value. That is the price of the countertops alone, excluding the installation fees. Although it might not seem like much, that still represents a good resale value percentage. So, if it’s a construction project that can be up for resale a few years down the line, go for granite countertops.
Quartz: When it comes to resale value, quartz is not doing so great. But these feelings are evolving. The advantage of a low-maintenance material combined with the constantly improving quality and styles offered is capping the already narrow resale value gap. By the time you consider reselling the property, that gap will be much smaller.
How can Stone Depot Help You with Granite vs Quartz Countertops?
Stone Depot USA, one of the leading natural stone countertops wholesalers and suppliers since 1984. We offer an outstanding range of granite and quartz slabs of all sizes. We have a wide variety of color options to choose from such as Black, Brown, Blue, White, and Grey. All these colors are available in different shades such as Absolute black granite, Black Forest, Fantasy Brown, Colonial White, Steel Grey, and much more.
In quartz, we have options including Sparkling White Quartz, Dazzle Grey River, Venetian White, Carrara Hilos, Calacatta Divine, Bianco Quartz, Statuario Quartz, Carrara Quartz, and Calacatta Quartz Countertops, Bottichino Classic Quartz, Calacatta Laza Quartz and more. If you need help choosing which stone’s best for you, contact our experts.
Final Thought
Looking at quartz countertops vs granite, granite is unquestionably the winner for those who want only the best countertops, want to use only a completely natural product, are willing to pay the price and don’t mind a little bit of upkeep. Quartz is the best alternative for everyone else with a budget that can support pricey countertops. But no matter what your choice, Stone Depot offers the best of both worlds!
Related Blog: Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite
George is an accomplished content writer at Stone Depot, specializing in creating captivating and informative content related to the world of natural stone. With a passion for writing and a deep appreciation for the beauty and versatility of stone, he strives to provide readers with valuable insights and inspiration.
