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.
Dark-colored quartz countertops continue to dominate this year's countertop trends, especially when it comes to adding drama and elegance to a space. These surfaces are perfect for making a bold statement and creating a focal point. The Sterling's amenity bar with Caesarstone 5101 Empira Black.
Talk to any group of realtors and ask about quartz vs. granite countertops. You'll find several who side with granite. Installing granite may attract a buyer quicker and get you closer to your asking price.
Now, after several years of declining use, the day has come: another surface has officially surpassed granite in terms of popularity. Any guesses as to what the new countertop du jour might be? It's quartz, otherwise known as engineered stone.
While quartz countertops have risen in popularity as the preferred material for modern kitchens, granite countertops remain a strong and timeless choice.
Quartz countertops are made of “engineered stone" and have a low maintenance, uniform look. Granite countertops are unique slabs of mined stone that require more care than quartz. Both options are durable and beautiful.
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.
Differences in Durability and Resistance
While quartz countertops and granite countertops are both extremely durable, granite does better against heat, while quartz does better against spills. A granite countertop is solid and extremely heavy, making it highly resistant to scratches and heat.
Can You Put Hot Cooking Utensils On A Quartz Countertop? The quick answer is no, you should aim to not place a hot pan on a quartz kitchen worktop as the heat from the pan will cause the quartz to burn. The resin that is in the quartz material can only withhold 150 degrees in heat before it reaches its maximum.
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.
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 are incredibly durable and can bring you a return on your investment (ROI) of 60%-80%. Quartz is a beautiful and strong material that makes a great choice for countertops in the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas of your home.
Sintered stone is exceptionally versatile and is one of the best countertops 2024 for sustainability. Sintered stone countertops represent a revolution in countertop design, fusing breathtaking beauty with exceptional versatility.
Warm Hues: The Biggest Design Movement of 2025
Warm hues are poised to dominate the world of quartz countertops in the new year. Featuring creamy or white bases with warm gold or cinnamon veins, this trend brings a touch of classic sophistication to kitchen countertops while staying fresh and contemporary.
Classic White Quartz
White quartz countertops are durable, resistant to stains and scratches, and low maintenance. Quartz's clean, minimalist aesthetic effortlessly complements various design styles, making it a desirable choice that never truly goes out of fashion.
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.
Granite is widely considered one of the best kitchen countertop materials, offering a great balance between price and excellent durability against heat, scratches, and daily wear.
Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate. If using laminate countertops, specify that the substrate be made with a no added formaldehyde (NAF) resin. Additionally, CDPH-certified laminate materials are preferred.
Food & drink spills: Red wine, coffee, tea, and tomato-based sauces are notorious culprits. Blot spills immediately to avoid stains setting in.
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.
Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials on the market and is a favorite among homeowners compared to other minerals when remodeling for resale for good reasons. When it comes to granite vs quartz for resale value, granite is a clear winner.
Granite has too much versatility to be outdated. Nor has engineered stone made granite obsolete. Granite's list of strengths — durable, heat-resistant, fade-resistant, scratch-resistant and easy to clean — compare favorably with man-made products.
That combination produces a color-consistent slab during the manufacturing process. With poor-quality quartz, the resin will often pool in one section. Finally, higher quartz grades will have a consistent shine on the surface.