Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.
The resins in quartz countertops make them considerably more resistant to staining than granite. By some reports, quartz is also less susceptible to harboring bacteria, again thanks to the resins that make the surface less porous.
Quartz is an engineered stone
Such high quartz percentage is the reason why quartz is highly resistant to scratching. Granite is, unlike quartz, a natural stone, which makes it less resistant to other impacts, like resistance to staining.
Quartz Countertop Cleaners to Avoid
Most household cleaners you would usually use to do a quick clean with such as Windex, vinegar and Lysol wipes (some of which contain bleach) are not a good idea for quartz countertops.
The main downsides of quartz countertops are their price, appearance (if you desire the look of natural stone), and lack of resistance against heat damage.
Clorox, whether it is Clorox wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones.
No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on quartz countertops. Disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient and are not diluted in any way. When you use these wipes to clean your countertop, they will weaken the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to discoloration.
Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.
Quartz and granite countertops are priced similarly per square foot, with granite counters having the wider variation in price. Granite can be more expensive than quartz at times, based on the availability of a color and pattern. Sometimes quartz is more expensive due to the treatments it receives during manufacturing.
Quartz is scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Remember that although your quartz countertops are incredibly durable, they are not cutting boards. Never cut directly on your countertops to avoid scratching the finish and making the stone more vulnerable to staining.
Although quartz countertops will have less to zero radon, it does not preclude granite as a "less safe" choice in kitchen countertops. Given the radiation naturally encountered through flying, walking around a city, and living your everyday life, it is not significant enough to discourage granite in the household.
Granite and other natural stone countertop sales are projected to grow into 2025, according to economists. Consumers and homeowners have fallen in love with granite over the last twenty years, and that's not ending anytime soon!
It comes from quarries all over the world, and it takes millions of years to produce more of them. Technically, the world can run out of granite if enough comes out of the ground. However, in the centuries that people have used granite for various reasons, they have barely scratched the surface of the granite supply.
Quartz is bound with resin which means the countertop doesn't have the crystalline structure or natural fissures similar to those you find in granite. Due to this, quartz has a smoother texture. You should note that the more finely ground the quartz is, the glossier and more polished the overall appearance is.
Yes, you can use a Magic Eraser to clean quartz. They won't scratch the surface and can even remove some imperfections you thought you had to live with. Scotch-Brite also makes some non-scratch scouring pads that work well on engineered stone.
Homeowners who choose quartz slabs that resemble the creamy white look of Carrara marble are more likely to see occasional stains, which is why they should wipe down spills immediately.
Common household cleaning products such as Lysol and Clorox are a big NO for disinfecting quartz countertops especially if they contain bleach or vinegar. Both bleach and vinegar can ruin quartz causing permanent damage to the surface. No acidic, alkaline, or harsh cleaners should be used on Quartz.
Since granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the granite. Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick.
Simply get a quality soap film remover to get the shine back. High mineral content in your water (hard water) can also result in a dulling buildup on your countertops. Most soap film removers will do the job, but you can also find combination soap buildup/mineral deposit removers that can tackle both problems.
Cons for Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are strong and durable as long as it receives sealing each year. If homeowners are lax in their maintenance, the porous granite can suck up oils, juice, and wine, which will be impossible to remove. Bacteria can also harbor inside granite if not sealed properly.
No, it is not recommended that you place appliances like a toaster oven on your quartz countertop. The dramatic fluctuations in heat could cause your countertop to crack. Put a trivet or cutting board under your toaster oven while in use to prevent any damage to your beautiful counters.
Quartz countertops are made with up to 90% quartz. The rest of the material is pigments and resin. Since the resin can only withstand approximately 150 degrees, placing very hot materials such as a pan directly out of the oven will burn the countertop and cause permanent damage.
Installation ranges from $150 to $280 per square foot. That's for installing a quartz slab—If you want special finishes or need extra cutouts, the cost goes up. If you choose quartz, your heart rate might increase because you're in love but you should also see an increase of 3-7% home value.