While both materials have their benefits, the nod goes to granite as the better choice. Here are some surprising reasons why. Simply put, granite is more durable than quartz.
Hardness and Durability: The only stone harder than Quartzite is diamonds, quartzite is harder than quartz or granite, making it quite durable. It withstands heat very well. While quartz is hard as well, it is not quite as hard as quartzite.
Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation. Having a durable countertop is a lifelong investment and if you plan to sell your home at some point in the future, its value will be higher if you've used a durable countertop like quartz.
Stone countertops are popular in kitchens for a reason. 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.
While it is more resistant to major cracks and chips than natural stone, quartz is not immune to major damage. We most often see cracks appear in quartz as a result of major temperature changes. Although it is stronger than most other countertop materials, quartz is not immune to cracking.
A Corian countertop is significantly less durable than a Quartz alternative. If you are looking for something extremely tough, you may wish to further explore your options. The large amounts of acrylic polymer and resin used to construct Corian countertops makes them more susceptible to scratches and heat marks.
One of the top choices for kitchen countertops is granite. This material is a popular option that is durable and tough, allowing the granite to stand up to impact and abrasive damage. Additionally, this material is resistant to heat, making it an ideal choice for the kitchen.
While Corian is a brand name, the term is commonly used to refer to any type of solid surface containing polymer and natural minerals. It is a lower-priced material than quartz and other premium countertops. This low cost is Corian's primary call to fame.
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.
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, ease of maintenance, cost, the environment, and project limitations are all reasons why granite is preferable over quartz countertops.
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.
Hardness and durability
Granite is one of the hardest natural stones along with quartzite. Marble, another natural stone, is comparatively softer. Granite does compare to quartz in hardness which means they both deliver a strong, durable countertop surface.
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 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.
Quartzite requires sealing to prevent staining the surface, while quartz needs virtually no maintenance. So if you love a plethora of choices and a reliable, consistent look to your countertops, or perhaps you're searching for a durable material that won't break the bank, quartz may be just the thing for you.
Price: Having one of the highest price tags of all countertop types, the luxury of having quartz countertops comes at a significant price.
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.
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.
I love our quartz! The sink does the job and I'd recommend it. It's not a super fancy sink, but for the price I think the size and quality are well worth it when compared to the prices of similar styles out there. If you're looking to save a little bit of money, I say Ikea kitchens are the way to go.
The main difference between Corian and Quartz is that Corian® is a registered brand name for well-known worktops made from engineered stone, known as solid surface, while Quartz is a different type of exceptionally hard engineered stone, used by several manufacturers to create worktops marketed under different brand ...
Both quartz and Corian solid surfaces are non-porous, stain-resistant and extremely sanitary. Granite is also durable, but can still be prone to cracking, fissures and staining. And granite requires simple, but regular, sealing to maintain.
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 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.
If you're looking for the most durable and easy to clean surfaces, you can opt for a favourite among commercial kitchens—stainless steel worktops. They are incredibly hard-wearing, hygienic, and heat-resistant, making them ideal for avid chefs.