Both materials are very durable and enhance interior designs and functionality, but which one costs less? Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project.
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.
Quartz is the preferred countertop surface in most homes. This is because of its many benefits including durability, ease of maintenance, wide variety of colors and ease of cleaning. It's no wonder most people prefer these countertops as opposed to wood, glass or granite. But do quartz countertops increase home value?
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. You can clean both materials with mild soap and water.
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.
Quartz countertops resemble natural stone, but the pattern and hues are much more uniform. This offers cohesion for those who don't enjoy granite's natural flaws. Seams are less noticeable. Quartz is also available in solid colors with little to no pattern.
Price: Having one of the highest price tags of all countertop types, the luxury of having quartz countertops comes at a significant price.
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.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
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.
Taking the time to care for your granite will help maintain the natural beauty of your countertops. Quartz, on the other hand, is much easier to clean and maintain. Because quartz is a manufactured product, it is non-porous and more resistant to staining. Quartz is also well known for being GERM-FREE.
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
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.
They can if they are not properly taken care of. Quartz has been proven to be stain-resistant; however, it is not a stain-proof material. In fact, quartz countertops are susceptible to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and chemical spills.
That being said, granite is typically found in earthy colors like black, brown, tan, khaki, and white. On the other hand, quartz is bound in resin, which means it doesn't have the same crystalline structure or fissures found in granite. This gives quartz a much smoother texture.
Con: Heat Resistance
Quartz countertops are somewhat heat resistant, but at very high temperatures the resins that bind the quartz crystals may discolor. If heat resistance is a top priority for you, a natural stone countertop may be a better choice, although stone surfaces can also be damaged by excessive heat.
Too much sun exposure can damage your quartz countertops over time, leading to issues like fading, warping, and voiding of your warranty. Additionally, the UV lights can cause the colors in your countertops to fade—and even begin to have a yellow hue!
Sunlight. Because quartz is made using polyester resin, over time you may start to notice some discolouration - particularly in lighter coloured countertops. On average, it takes less than a year of daily sunlight for a quartz worktop to fade.
There was a time long ago when Rolex produced the Rolex Oyster Quartz which had a battery but they have almost immediately stopped producing this watch. Nowadays, all Rolex watches are mechanical and use either automatic (self-winding) movements or in some cases, a manual wind movement.
In terms of durability, natural stone is considered more brittle than engineered quartz. Natural stone is also naturally more porous than quartz which means it can absorb liquids in the event of a spill.
Quartz countertops are a more affordable option in comparison to its natural stone counterparts. That being said, they are not cheap. The average cost of quartz countertops ranges from about $50 to more than $100 per square foot.
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.
One drawback is that quartz countertops can become dull eventually. However, it's important to note that some quartz countertops are manufactured with a deliberate matte or textured finish (concrete for example). These finishes don't look shiny, no matter how they are cared for.
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.