Which is more expensive, quartz or granite? Both quartz and granite maintain their value for many years to come, and the materials cost approximately the same, with quartz being slightly less expensive. However, luxurious quartz products can be as expensive as granite slabs.
Granite is considered to be slightly more valuable than quartz slabs, largely because it's a naturally occurring stone rather than man-made. However, both offer a good return on investment in the long run.
However, granite countertops will yield the highest resale value of any other type of countertop. Quartz countertops are a close second or about equal to granite regarding resale value.
Fissures and Pits
Any granite that you purchase, no matter its source or its grade may have natural fissures or pits in its surface. Some of these are harmless; cosmetic cracks or small indentations in the stone. But others could actually weaken the structure and integrity of the countertop.
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 vs. granite rates slightly higher on the hardness scale and is somewhat more damage-resistant. You can clean both materials with mild soap and water.
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. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
You can put hot pans on granite with no worries if you place something underneath them. A trivet, pad or potholder will absorb the heat from the pan before it reaches the surface, preventing damage to your countertop and preserving its beauty.
Con: Heat Resistance
For some countertops, such as laminate, that would be a disaster. Quartz countertops are somewhat heat resistant, but at very high temperatures the resins that bind the quartz crystals may discolor.
The first reason is simple: some early styles and color palettes associated with granite fell out of fashion. Granite selection and finishes continued to evolve, but it was too late to erase the impression some had of granite as dark and preternaturally polished. Another reason for the granite backlash? Overkill.
Both countertop materials are similar in terms of cleaning and maintenance, but it seems that quartz may have a slight edge since it never needs to be sealed, and since it's a nonporous surface, stains or liquids penetrating the surface aren't as worrisome as they are with natural stone.
Quartz Countertops and Home Value
People love quartz because it resists the impact of hot pans, knives, scrubbing pads, and stains from your homemade spaghetti sauce. Quartz also demands less upkeep. The durability and maintenance factors alone should add value.
Granite is durable, beautiful and would be uniquely yours. But you can't' beat quartz if you want the classic beauty of natural marble without the headache and heartache of keeping natural marble looking good.
Granite and Quartz can both be damaged by exposure to high temperatures since some of the elements contained within each one is susceptible to being damaged by intense heat. Granite is porous while quartz is not, so granite can suffer from spills and stains while quartz is more stain resistant.
How much does a 10 foot quartz countertop cost? Quartz price per sq ft is around $50, so 10 ft quartz should be anywhere between $400 to $600 depending on the grade of quartz you're willing to purchase.
Your granite countertop is sealed when installed, and it is recommended that it be resealed one year after installation or sooner if you start to notice water stains that evaporate slowly in a given area. You might also consider sealing granite if you are selling your home.
While quartz countertops have risen in popularity as the preferred material for modern kitchens, granite countertops remain a strong and timeless choice.
Granite. Granite has long been a popular choice for countertops, and it continues to be highly sought after in 2024. This natural stone offers unmatched beauty, with its unique patterns and impressive color variations. One of the most significant advantages of granite countertops is their durability.
Quartz is a man-made product that is made of 93% natural quartz and 7% resins. 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.
Harsh, abrasive cleaners, pads, and sponges should be avoided since they can permanently harm countertops. Scrubbing too hard can leave a dull surface or cause superficial scratches. Oven cleansers, grill cleaners, paint removers, dishwashing detergent, and other high pH cleaners should not be used on quartz surfaces.
In most cases, it is perfectly fine to use cooking appliances such as toaster ovens, air fryers, and microwaves on a quartz surface. However, these appliances could cause some slight discoloration after prolonged use. So, if you use your appliances often, it is best to use either trivets or heat-resistant mats.
The choice between quartz and granite is less about specifics and more about your personal taste and what your kitchen remodel needs. If you're looking for the strength and beauty of natural stone, granite is probably right for your kitchen.
As with any natural stone, certain exposure to heat may cause cracks due to thermal shock. We do recommend that you always place them on a trivet or cutting board to protect your countertop. (Review your electric appliance manual as a reference.)
No matter what type of clothing your are wearing, the rough stone can cause damage. Especially if you are wearing pantihose or something similarly delicate. Polished undersides will make sure that this does not happen.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
In a spray bottle, create a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. One cup alcohol and one cup water should do it. Spray the entire counter down with the water/alcohol mixture and wait five minutes.