Is quartz really a better choice than granite and vice versa? This quartz vs granite comparison guide will help answer this question to guide you in choosing the best countertop material.
Here at A1 Stone World, a countertop installer serving the greater Jacksonville, FL area you can rely on, we will use seven criteria for our comparison to allow you to choose wisely.
Quartz vs Granite: Side-By-Side Comparison
Let’s take a look at the key similarities and differences between granite and quartz first in the table below:
| Quartz | Granite | |
| Appearance | Offers a wide variety of customizable designs but look uniform | More color variations with each slab being unique |
| Composition | An engineered stone made from 93-95% natural quartz stone | A natural stone containing quartz, feldspar, and other minerals |
| Stain Resistance | Non-porous that won’t easily stain and is resistant to bacterial growth | Porous but can resist staining effectively when properly sealed |
| Heat Resistance | Excessive heat can damage it | Withstands heat better and won’t discolor |
| Scratch Resistance | Rarely cracks and resists chipping and scratching well | Hard enough to resist scratches from kitchen utensils but can be damaged by high impact |
| Cost | Materials: $35 – $225+ per square foot Installation: $10 to $30+ per square foot | Materials: $35 – $200+ per square foot Installation: $10 to $30+ per square foot |
| Installation | Requires professional installation due to its weight and will require special tools for cutting- Recommended for bathrooms due to its water and stain resistance | Also requires professional installation- Ideal for kitchen countertops due to its heat resistance and longevity |
| Care & Maintenance | Virtually none | Requires sealing every 1-3 years |
Now, let’s proceed to the comparison between quartz and granite based on seven criteria:
1. Appearance
Granite comes in a wide array of more unique looks but are harder to match while quartz can be customized to any style you want.
Granite Countertop Styles
Granite countertops are available in tons of colors and veining patterns with inconsistencies and earthier texture. But since they have more unique designs, it may be harder to match all the styles if you have a huge kitchen.
Quartz Countertop Styles
Quartz countertops have more patterns and colors that you can customize based on your preferences. Some can even be made to mimic granite or marble. However, their patterns look uniform and have smoother textures.
2. Strength & Durability
Both stones are durable, but quartz may have a little bit of advantage when it comes to stain and scratch resistance while granite wins for heat resistance.
- Composition
Granite stones are 100% natural and come directly from quarries before they are cut into slabs and made into countertops. On the other hand, quartz slabs consist of 90-95% natural quartz along with some colorants, minerals, and resins.
- Hardness
Quartz is harder with a rating of 7-7.5 on Mohs’s Hardness Scale while granite ranges from 6 to 7. This makes quartz more durable and nearly indestructible.
- Stain Resistance
Like all natural stones, granite slabs are porous and can easily stain when not properly sealed. On the other hand, quartz slabs are non-porous which makes them stain-resistant and less likely to harbor bacteria since they repel moisture and dirt.
- Heat Resistance
Granite is more heat-resistant than quartz so setting hot pans on its surface directly won’t easily cause damage. However, take note that some sealers can be affected so you still need to use heat pads. Meanwhile, excessive heat can damage quartz and can discolor.
- Scratch Resistance
Granite is hard enough to resist scratching and chipping caused by kitchen utensils, but high impact can damage it. With quartz having a more uniform texture, it rarely cracks and develops scratches due to the hard resins in it.
3. Cost
In the quartz vs granite price comparison, both are expensive materials that are not for budget-conscious homeowners. But, installing granite is cheaper than quartz.
Granite Cost
Granite countertop labor costs can range from $10-$30+ per square foot while materials can be in the range of $35-$200+ per square foot.
Quartz Cost
Quartz countertop labor costs can range from $10-$30+ per square foot on average. While quartz material costs can range from $35-$225+ per square foot
Factors that May Affect Pricing
Take note the prices may vary depending on the following factors:
- Style
- Quality
- Slab size
- The type of edging
4. Installation
Both granite and quartz are bulky and heavy materials so they will require professional installation in addition to the need for special tools to make precise cuts. Both are expensive materials so it won’t be worth the risk of installing them yourself unless you are making a small vanity countertop.
A Few Installation Tips for You
- Quartz is a more ideal fit for bathroom countertops since they can resist water damage and won’t stain due to bathroom essentials. They are also easier to maintain and are resistant to bacteria.
- For kitchen countertops, granite is more suitable due to its heat resistance and longevity. It can also resist moisture better once you seal it properly.
5. Care & Maintenance
Soapy water is enough to clean both granite and quartz countertops. But while granite is low maintenance, quartz is almost maintenance-free.
Granite Care & Maintenance
Granite is porous so you need to seal it upon installation followed by periodic sealing every 1-3 years to ensure its stain resistance. For granite countertop cleaning, you need to avoid abrasive all-purpose cleaners and should still use heat pads to protect its surface even if it is heat-resistant.
Quartz Care & Maintenance
This stone has a solid surface, so there is no need to reseal them, unlike granite. As for cleaning quartz countertops, you can use standard all-purpose cleaners. Also, you need to always use heat pads to avoid discoloration.
6. Resale Value
Both stones will improve the resale value of your home, but granite may have a little bit of advantage due to its more natural nature. Granite can even increase your countertop’s retail value by up to 25%.
7. Environmental Friendliness
As for environmental friendliness, granite vs quartz may result in a tie depending on whether it is about their material composition or how they are made.
Granite is a natural stone and must be quarried in specific places which uses a lot of energy. So in this case, quartz being an engineered material may be considered more ecofriendly. But when it comes to material composition, granite wins because it doesn’t use chemical resins like quartz.
So, the decision whether which of the two is more environmentally friendly will depend on what you prioritize more.
Find the Best Quartz and Granite Fabricator in Jacksonville FL
If you are not sure whether to go for a granite or quartz countertop, we can assist you in finding the most suitable material based on your preferences. We offer professional granite or quartz countertop fabrication and installation in Jacksonville, FL and surrounding areas including Green Cove Springs, Saint Johns, St. Augustine, and Ponte Vedra Beach. Contact us now and let’s build your ideal countertop!
FAQs
Yes, quartz costs a little bit but can range from $35-$225+ per square foot when installed while granite costs between $35-$200+ per square foot. While you may find cheaper quartz options, they are of lower quality.
Granite is a porous material which makes it more susceptible to stains but can handle them well with the right sealer. It also requires periodic resealing, unlike quartz which is a harder nonporous material that won’t require sealing which makes it more water and stain-resistant. However, granite is more heat-resistant than quartz and slightly cheaper.
No, quartz is a non-porous and harder material than granite and is less prone to scratching and chipping. On the other hand, granite being a natural stone can resist scratches from kitchen utensils well but can get damaged due to high impact.
Final Thoughts
Both quartz and granite countertops are among the premium materials chosen by many homeowners. However, granite is best for people who prefer natural materials while quartz is for those who want something that offers more durability and is easier to maintain. But if you want a cheaper and more heat-resistant option, granite is the wisest choice.
