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.
Quartz is the most stain resistant material because it is engineered with ground-up natural stone and resin. This creates a non-porous material that is highly stain resistant. Quartz is also easy to maintain as no sealer is required.
Quartz is highly durable, resistant to scratches, and less porous than granite, making it less prone to staining. While quartz is generally heat-resistant, it is advisable to use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from extreme heat. Quartz is low-maintenance and does not require sealing.
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.
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.
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Quartz countertops do have a certain level of heat resistance. However, it's not as heat-resistant as granite countertops. The same thing that makes quartz countertops so strong also makes them weak when you put heat or hot cookware on them.
No, you can't use disinfecting wipes on granite countertops. This is because disinfecting wipes contain citric acid as their primary ingredient. This is highly acidic and weakens the seal on your countertop's surface leaving them vulnerable to stains and discoloration.
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 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.
Not Heat Resistant: Quartz is not as resistant to heat as granite, so caution will have to be used with hot pots and pans in the kitchen or hot hair tools in the bathroom.
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.
Thankfully, granite is one of the least porous natural stones. When properly sealed, it won't stain at all.
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.
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.
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.
Grays, browns, whites, tans, olives, and other neutral colors are a great choice, helping the style of your kitchen outlast the trends and fads that come and go year in and year out.
For cost-efficient, long-term countertop options, consider granite and other natural stone materials. Sheets of granite are smooth, durable and heat-resistant, making this the perfect material to use in your kitchen.
Those who say that granite is on its way out point to studies like Statista's “Leading kitchen countertop materials used for remodeled homes … 2021/2022” that showed quartz with a whopping 42% of the market compared to granite's 24%. Or they quote elite home shoppers who sniff at the idea of “settling” for granite.
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.
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.
Typically, granite should be resealed every 12 to 18 months. Nevertheless, there are some other factors that come into play when determining how often to reseal granite countertops. For example, a lighter colored granite will need to be resealed more often because it is typically more porous.
Quartz edges ahead of granite in this category. It requires almost zero maintenance because it is stain-resistant without needing to be re-sealed. While granite does not have this innate low-maintenance quality, sealing granite is easy.
Many people use Windex® or similar cleaners to help shine their countertops, while this is okay for most quartz, you should avoid cleaners with bleach or ammonia. Windex®, for example, comes in an ammonia-free version. The real key to caring for quartz is to be gentle.
Tea, coffee or fruit juice can stain quartz worktops if left for too long. To remove the stain, use a three parts baking soda, one part water solution. Apply the solution onto the countertop and let sit for a few minutes, after which you can gently rub with a soft cloth and wipe away.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
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. Add dish soap and warm water to a sponge, get a good lather and begin cleaning. Avoid using abrasive pads, as granite can be scratched.