Granite is often cited as the most durable natural countertop material and is known for resisting cracks and chips. However, as a manufactured material, quartz rates a bit higher on the hardness scale and is slightly more resistant to damage.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
Bottom Line. Both granite and quartz are high-end countertop materials that add real estate value to a home. Granite appeals to people who like all-natural materials, while quartz offers easier maintenance and slightly better durability.
Granite is a durable material that is resistant to heat and many other kitchen elements. Spilling liquids can be damaging if they receive a high liquid flow. Quartz is much more durable and harder than granite and is nearly indestructible because of its non-porous nature.
Hardness: Granite is sturdy and the most durable of the natural stone surfaces. But compared to quartz, surfaces are a touch less resistant to chips, cracks, and scratches. Use caution when handling heavy or sharp objects near your granite countertops.
Durability, ease of maintenance, cost, the environment, and project limitations are all reasons why granite is preferable over quartz countertops.
Quartz is Easier to Maintain than Granite
This countertop achieves a high level of durability without any sealant. As opposed to Granite, which requires re-sealing each year to maintain a less superior guard against the common hot pan, spilled wine, and dirty hands. An easy to clean countertop is the new kitchen dream.
One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
Quartz is made up of mostly quartz mixed with resin. The resin in the quartz is highly affected by heat, and this is why placing a hot pan on quartz is so strongly discouraged. If you were to put such high heat on quartz, the resin is very likely to burn and the countertop's coloration would be significantly impacted.
Granite is naturally heat resistant, and heat damage would occur only if the granite was heated unevenly. So briefly putting a hot pan down on your granite countertop isn't going to cause long-term damage. That said, we don't recommend putting hot pans on granite countertops — not for the granite's sake but for yours.
Size. In most cases, granite slabs are narrower and shorter than a standard quartz slabs. Granite being typically smaller means it's easier to install, but the downside is that they cover a smaller area.
Durability: Quartz is one the hardest materials on the planet. This means it has a higher scratch resistance than granite and won't chip or crack easily. Great for applying to different surfaces including floors and stairs.
Conversely, there are many quartz options that cost more than some granites. Each individual type of granite or quartz will fall into a different pricing block. On average, granite costs from $80-$180 per square foot. Quartz can vary from $50-$200 per square foot.
When choosing a natural stone option, granite is widely considered to be the best stone slab for kitchen countertops. It has a reputation as a premium stone material that will elevate your kitchen design. One of the most appealing features of granite countertops are their beauty.
With a long-lasting and robust material, you can be sure that you won't need to make another large investment anytime soon. Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation.
You could be considering finishing, maintenance, staining, durability, color, or any other of the number of aspects that come with different countertop options. But when it comes to specific interests, namely doing high level cooking in the kitchen, top chefs in the world prefer granite countertops.
Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, and its seams blend very well.
Note: Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.
Both quartz and granite countertops for bathrooms can last between 10-15 years; however, quartz is more durable than granite because it isn't porous. It's also easier to keep bacteria-free, although it can be damaged by excessive heat, so heating pads or trivets should be used at all times.
Everything from white granite and black granite countertops to granite slabs has fallen out of style. The second reason granite countertops have lost their appeal is that the preference for light, simple kitchens has replaced the trend of dark, warm kitchens. Designers quit wanting “movement” and instead wanted peace.
It's resistant to scratches and chips, and since it's waterproof, it also resists stains and water damage. In fact, this is one of the biggest reasons people choose quartz countertops.
The undisputed, unbeaten champion of the Porous Test, quartz is non-porous. Quartz's non-porous nature allows it to resist staining much better than granite, marble and concrete. Quartz can repel the harshest spills, from juice to oil to tomatoes, coffee and more.
Quartz counters do not need sealing due to their lack of porosity. Liquids and stains cannot penetrate non-porous materials because they have a built-in seal. Natural stone countertops, such as polished marbles or granite, have pores and small splinters that require sealing on a regular basis.