Perhaps you've already Googled quartz vs granite or similar searches only to be left with more questions. It's understandable. That's why we're here to break it down for you. As the premium choice for outdoor kitchens, granite countertops offer the durability necessary to stand up to the harsh outdoors year after year.
If we had to choose any material for an outdoor countertop, we'd go for granite. It's trusty, hardwearing and dependable. It's equally strong as concrete or quartz, but it won't discolour in the sunlight and the surface won't scratch easily.
While marble and quartz aren't great for outdoor countertops, there are two natural stones that work well outside, Soapstone and Granite.
According to Neely, granite is “probably the most ideal for outdoor kitchen countertops,” citing its durability against stains and the elements. Granite countertops are extremely heavy and must be positioned and supported properly to avoid cracking.
Quartz is made to withstand most weather elements like rain, snow, and humidity. Most weather will also not stain or discolour the quartz. However, be sure to secure loose objects (including pots and pans) if you live in an area where high winds are common.
Even if you live in areas with freezing temperatures, tons of direct sunlight, and other types of harsh weather, granite countertops can withstand the elements, and be functional and beautiful for decades to come.
Extreme cold or moisture can damage some countertops
Unfortunately, some countertops are sensitive to extreme cold. For example, quartz countertops aren't just sensitive to heat. They can also crack if they're exposed to very cold temperatures.
Look no further than Hanstone Quartz, Ascale Porcelain, and Hanex Acrylic Solid Surface. These solid surface materials offer durability, resistance to the elements, and various design options, making them ideal for outdoor applications. Let's explore why these materials are the top choices for outdoor countertops.
Quartzite is a non-porous material, meaning it is resistant to staining and damage from water. It is also highly scratch resistant as it is an extremely hard material (even harder than granite) and can withstand the elements making it a great choice for outdoor applications.
Quartz will not get stained even by the most persistent liquids such as coffee or wine. It makes a good outdoor kitchen surface where you will have a lot of spills. This material is very hard and will handle pressure without breaking or cracking. It will not get scratched even if you cut directly on it.
Granite is one of the best choices of natural stones to use in outdoor areas. It is incredibly resistant and easy to maintain. As long as you seal it, it will be protected against the cold and it won't crack.
It does not fade when exposed to the sun, and with very little maintenance, it can last for years. All you have to do is to apply a sealant once per year, and your countertops will remain gorgeous for as long as you want. Granite countertops will put all your outdoor entertainment ideas into motion.
As the premium choice for outdoor kitchens, granite countertops offer the durability necessary to stand up to the harsh outdoors year after year. Vital to outdoor performance and longevity, granite holds up well against an unforgiving sun or hot cooking tool.
Quartz is Easier to Maintain than Granite
As a non-porous stone, it is heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and bacteria-free. This countertop achieves a high level of durability without any sealant.
Yes, it can. However, this typically only happens if you've used indoor quartz outside or exposed the countertop to direct sunlight for prolonged periods every single day. Under normal conditions, discoloration from sunlight is relatively rare.
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.
Granite — Not only is granite beautiful, but it's also more durable and resistant to freeze-thaw cycles than most other hardscape materials. In addition, granite has a low absorption rate and is highly resistant to fire and heat. Depending on the type, granite is rated six or seven out of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
Granite is one of the most popular choices when it comes to choosing exterior wall cladding materials because of its hardness and superior physical properties - making it an extremely reliable option.
Granite is extremely hard, making it ideal for use on patios where high-quality natural stone is desired. It's also water-resistant and stain-resistant, making it an ideal solution for patio areas that are exposed to humidity and rain.
Black Pearl Granite – The Best Countertop for Outdoors
This is mostly preferred because of its dark black shade, which not only preserves the quality and luster of the slab but is also a very practical and wise choice. The stone is easy to clean, even if not cleaned properly.
Made popular by Joanna Gaines, concrete countertops are a wonderful way to elevate a farmhouse chic kitchen or add a special touch to an industrial, modern kitchen.
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.
Sudden exposure to extreme heat could cause the quartz stone countertops to crack. The resin (non-stone) component of a quartz surface will become damaged at temperatures hotter than 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you were to put a hot pan or pot on a quartz countertop, the countertop could become very damaged. Quartz is made up of mostly quartz mixed with resin. The resin in the quartz is highly affected by heat, and this is why placing a hot pan on quartz is so strongly discouraged.
Alkaline high products like bleach, acidic cleaners like degreasers and glass cleaners can significantly harm your quartz countertop. The type of cleaning cloth also matters. Using an abrasive scouring pad will scratch the surface of your quartz countertop. For durability, use a soft cloth or sponge.