Figuring out which type of stone works best for your kitchen counters or your bathroom vanity requires answering just one question: granite or quartz? Both granite, a natural stone, and quartz, an engineered stone, are popular choices for homeowners looking to upgrade their countertops. Find out how each material differs and which one will work best for your needs.
What is it?
Granite is a natural stone quarried from underneath the ground. Generally sourced as large chunks of stone, they’re cut into slabs and then finished in the fabricator’s shop, where they’re made into countertops, tiles and more.
While granite is generally comprised of 100 percent natural stone, quartz is engineered. It’s usually mixed with a small percentage of resin. After crushing the quartz crystals and adding pigment for coloring, the quartz is mixed with 7 percent resin to create the engineered stone. Then, the fabricator will cut the slab into the necessary shape and polish the surface and edges.
Pros and cons
Quartz offers quite a few advantages for using it:
- It’s strong. In fact, it’s one of the strongest materials available. It’s also flexible – more so than granite. As a result, it’s very easy to work with during fabrication and installation.
- It’s durable. Quartz’ strength makes it an extremely durable option for kitchen and bathroom use, where heat, water and sharp objects abound.
- It’s not porous. Nothing will get through the quartz surface. As such, you won’t have to worry about germs, bacteria or water damage.
- It doesn’t stain. Spilled some wine? No worries. Wipe it up promptly with a clean cloth and go on with your day.
- It’s expected. When you choose a slab in the showroom, you’ll get that same uniform pattern and color throughout the slab.
On the other hand, quartz has a few drawbacks worth considering:
- When exposed to direct sunlight, it will discolor, or lighten up, over time.
- Quartz will also have some seams when installed; however, if you choose a slab with a busy pattern, it’ll be easy for installers to hide the seams.
Choosing granite for your countertops also offers some perks:
- It’s natural. As a result, homeowners that want to go with a natural stone often turn to granite.
- It’s strong. But not as strong as quartz. This is just a technicality, however. In terms of usage, you can expect both quartz and granite to hold up well under the same use conditions.
- It’s unique. The pattern and color you choose is essentially one of a kind. No other homeowner will have this look, and it will be exclusive to your home. For many homeowners, this panache is a draw.
- It’s non-porous. The seal that fabricators apply to the granite keeps moisture and germs at bay, just like quartz. In its natural state, however, granite is technically porous.
With the interesting look and feel that both quartz and granite offer, it’s hard to make the choice between the two stones. In fact, the stones measure up so closely, it often comes down to personal choice. For one homeowner, the deciding factor may come down to the expected look that quartz offers. With granite, you may not know exactly how the pattern or veining will come out on the entire counter. However, what is one man’s dismay is another’s delight. Some homeowners find the unexpected, surprising patterns of granite to be a sought-after quality.
The bottom line when it comes to choose a countertop involves legwork. Research quartz and granite options and seek guidance from an expert. As you evaluate your personal needs and preferences, you’ll reach the right decision between the two stones.