Quartz vs. Granite: 4 Tips to Help You When Selecting Countertops for Your Home

The #1 question when selecting new countertops is, what is the difference between quartz and granite? 

Understanding the differences between quartz and granite will help you decide which countertops are suitable for your home. 

Tip #1. Understand Where Granite and Quartz Come From

Granite counters are quarried from pure stone throughout the world. Brazil and India are large importers of granite. Granite is the oldest igneous rock, believed to have been formed as long as 300 million years ago!

Quartz counters are engineered stone – made in factories and manufactured from crushed quartz mixed with pigments for color and resin to bind together. Quartz countertops typically comprise 93% crushed quartz, with resins making up the rest.

Tip #2. Understand the Differences in Appearance

Granite is natural and one of a kind, with varying patterns, colors, and textures, such as polished or brushed. Quartz offers consistent color and design throughout. White quartz is the most popular color with bold or subtle veining. If you’re looking for a countertop without many patterns and want it to be consistent, select quartz. Suppose you want a unique piece of art formed in the earth, choose granite. Ultimately, your decision will come down to what you like. Both are great options!

Tip #3. Understand the Price Differences

Is Quartz more expensive than granite? In most cases, the answer is yes. However, at Wisconsin Granite, several quartz countertops are comparable to the cost of granite. Good news if you’re selecting quartz! To keep costs down, choose in-stock material since special orders can increase costs. Quartz and granite slabs that have veining and movement throughout typically cost more. Creating veining in engineered quartz requires more steps than a solid color. Granite with veining and unique patterns may have less availability, driving the cost up. In addition, Granite with a lot of movement can take longer to fabricate, affecting the overall price. There are other natural stones besides Granite that can cost significantly more than quartz, such as quartzite and marble.

Tip #4. Understand the Durability and Maintenance

Quartz is harder than granite; therefore, quartz is less likely to chip. However, if granite chips, it is easier to repair than quartz. The epoxy used to fill a chip is less noticeable in granite than in quartz. Granite is more heat resistant than quartz. The resins used to engineer quartz make it less heat resistant, and trivets will need to be used. Granite will require routine sealing. Sealing your granite countertops is not a complex process, don’t let sealing be the reason to not select granite. In contrast, quartz does not need to be sealed. Daily maintenance is easy with either material, wipe up after yourself, and your new countertops will last for years to come!

Considering These Tips – Have You Decided What Countertops to Select?

Selecting new countertops can be an overwhelming decision. With so many options in the market, it can be confusing. Use the tips mentioned to help make your selection of quartz or granite. Understanding where your selection came from, and the differences in appearance, pricing, durability, and maintenance will set you up for success in selecting the right countertop material for your lifestyle.