Granite vs. Quartz. How to Choose Your Countertop.

If you’re a homemaker, you know that a home is nothing without a beautiful countertop. Today, the two most popular countertop materials are granite and quartz. However, not everybody knows the difference between the two.

Comparing granite and quartz may be confusing to many. Both quartz (man-made stone) and granite (natural stone) are marketed as natural, sourced from the earth, and as hard as stone. As such, they are often interchanged.

Now, before you should your countertop, we’re here to discuss both granite and quartz, compare them, and help you make a final decision. Read on to learn more.

Granite vs. Quartz: The Appearance

Because each granite slab has a distinct mineral pattern and colour, your countertop will be one-of-a-kind. Despite the availability of various colours and patterns, including forms that do not resemble granite, quartz countertops have a more uniform appearance as a manufactured product.

Individual preference is important in this case. Use granite if you desire natural-looking stone. Many people believe that quartz countertops are distinct and superior to genuine stone surfaces.

Granite vs. Quartz: The Composition

Granite countertops are quarried, cut, polished, and fabricated. On the other hand, quartz countertops are made from a blend of natural quartz and other minerals. Stone byproducts are turned into slabs for countertops and other uses rather than quarried stone.

Granite vs. Quartz: The Cost

Granite and quartz are both high-end and expensive countertop materials. In terms of cost, neither of these countertop materials is ideal.

Granite countertops cost between $80 and $175 per square foot to install. Prices differ depending on the design and edge treatment. Quartz installation costs between $80 and $140 per square foot. As quartz became more popular and widely available, the cost of conventional counters fell, while designer styles and colours became more expensive.

Because both things are imported, their prices vary. Depending on the price of petroleum, quartz and granite are container-shipped across oceans. Tariffs and other variables have an impact on prices.

Granite vs. Quartz: The DIY-friendliness

You can only install small bathroom vanity counters on your own. A 36-inch chunk of granite or quartz can weigh up to 100 pounds. A specialist is required for the manufacture and installation of a countertop. It is simple to install granite and quartz countertops. DIY installation using costly materials is dangerous.

Granite vs. Quartz: The Environmental Impact

Both granite and quartz countertops are made of natural ingredients, however, granite is totally made of stone, whilst quartz contains natural materials, colours, and polymer resins.

Unlike granite worktops, quartz countertops are made from stone leftovers rather than mined stone. Granite countertops are also unlikely to increase annual radiation exposures above the natural background level.

Granite vs. Quartz: The Overall Durability

Quartz outlasts granite in terms of durability. Quartz countertops, on the other hand, are not heat resistant. Let's compare the maintenance and durability of various materials.

• Bacterial Management

Quartz is germ-resistant due to the resins that make it less porous than granite.

• Cracking Tendencies

Granite slabs can shatter due to faults in the material. Meanwhile, quartz is a hard material that rarely cracks.

• Heat Resistance

Quartz withstands higher temperatures better than granite. Granite countertops are heat resistant. Unlike granite, quartz may be scorched by a hot saucepan or skillet.

• Sealing Performance

Granite is a porous stone that necessitates regular and installation-specific sealing. Quartz slabs are made with resins that do not require sealing.

• Staining Properties

Quartz surfaces are stain-resistant due to resins. However, the same may not be said about its granite counterpart.

Granite vs. Quartz: The Value-Added Property Worth

Both are wonderful building materials. Compared to laminate flooring and ceramic tile, granite and quartz may increase the value of your home. Granite is popular among purchasers because it is a natural substance.

Conclusion

Indeed, this goes beyond the appearance of your interiors. Choosing the best material for your countertops involves durability, costs, maintenance, as well as resistance to heat and bacteria. Now that you know how to compare the two, assess your lifestyle and your needs to decide if you want granite or quartz.

Are you interested in getting new kitchen countertops in Edmonton? Granite Enterprise offers a wide array of quality materials to use for your home. Meet our certified team members today!