{"id":11873,"date":"2021-05-25T13:28:34","date_gmt":"2021-05-25T17:28:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.igscountertops.com\/?p=11873"},"modified":"2024-02-15T15:28:13","modified_gmt":"2024-02-15T20:28:13","slug":"quartz-vs-granite-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.igscountertops.com\/quartz-vs-granite-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Quartz vs Granite: What’s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Quartz vs Granite: What’s the Difference?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n
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Updated May 25th 2021 | New Advice, New Pictures<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you’re thinking of a kitchen remodel or you want to replace your kitchen counter, you have plenty of options. The two most popular countertop surfaces you have to choose from include granite and quartz. But is there a difference?<\/span><\/p>\n

Many people will argue that each one is better, debating reasons why they’d never select the other. They prefer granite or quartz for their own reasons. But what’s the right countertop surface for your home remodel? In this article, you’ll learn the difference between granite and quartz so you can decide what’s best for your kitchen. Let’s get right to it!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Quartz vs. Granite: What’s the Difference?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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To help you decide which is best for you we will compare five qualities to of quartz countertops and granite countertops.<\/span><\/p>\n

But first, let’s discuss their properties. Granite is a coarse stone that comes from nature. You’ll find it around the globe. Granite comes from igneous rock, rock formed by magma or lava when cooled. For the most part, granite rock comes in pink, white or gray. Its mined from quarries, cut to a transportable size and polished to a fine finish before it gets to your home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quartz is a natural mineral found abundantly in nature.\u00a0 To make quartz countertops, quartz is mined and quarried in chunks, and then ground down and combined together with pigments and binders to form quartz slabs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that you know the composition of the two rocks, let’s compare its qualities.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. The Look<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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In this section, we’ll compare the appearance of quartz countertops versus granite countertops.<\/span><\/p>\n

Granite<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Granite is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns because of how it’s formed, the cooling process into molten material.<\/span><\/p>\n

No two slabs of granite are the same. The selection of granite is endless. There’s no limit to the colors and formations you can choose from.<\/span> When you’re looking for a statement piece to make your kitchen pop or a continuous design for total symmetry, your choice of color and appearance is unlimited.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quartz<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Quartz enthusiasts love the appearance of quartz. The popularity of quartz has literally taken the countertop industry by surprise.<\/span> The reason why people like quartz so much is due to its look of stone. Quartz is also easy to customize its design and coloring because of its stone makeup.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re looking to customize or personalize your kitchen, quartz is simpler than granite due to its flexibility.<\/span> Although granite offers many choices in slabs, it can be more difficult to find a piece to match your color scheme. Quartz offers an easier way to select the right piece.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Cost<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Now let’s compare pricing between the two countertop materials.<\/span><\/p>\n

Granite<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

It typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000 to buy a slab of granite. And when you purchase granite from a wholesale merchant, you might save some cash.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also save money doing the preliminary work DIY. But it’s best to have the fabrication and installation of your granite countertops done by a pro. Here’s how to find cheap granite<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, some Granite’s like Exotic or Luxury Granite, can cost upwards of $4,000 a slab.\u00a0 Granite has long been thought to be the cheapest stone option, but in truth only a few granite colors can be purchased at a low price, like builder grade granite.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quartz<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

The price of quartz can run higher than your basic builder grade granite. The typical cost to purchase and install quartz countertops can run as little as $1,500 but can get as high as $5,500.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is an average. The price of quartz you’ll pay depends on the quality of the piece of quartz you select and the edging style, and the amount of square footage needed to complete your project.<\/span> Although you can do some of the initial work yourself to save some money, it’s best to hire a professional installer.<\/span> Unlike granite, the space you place your quartz in must be structurally sound. This is due to engineered quartz being heavier and denser than other stone surfaces. A denser stone is actually harder to chip or crack.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Eco-friendliness<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Let’s talk about the impact of granite and quartz on the environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Granite<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Granite needs to be quarried to get to your kitchen. And this process utilizes an abundance of energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you order a special slab from another country, like Italy, the energy and fuel resources are expended. An eco-friendly idea is to first look at a salvage yard to find a slab that you can cut to tailor your tastes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quartz<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

Quartz can be better for the planet since its engineered. It won’t need as much energy for transport. This is when you purchase a slab that’s manufactured locally or from a regional manufacturer or fabricator.<\/span><\/p>\n

Working with someone locally will drastically decrease the distance and fuel consumption needed to transport the slab or quartz for your kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Maintenance<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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So how do you take care of your countertops? Let’s find out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Granite<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

You’ll need to clean your granite countertops using soap and water or a gentle granite cleaner every day. You’ll also have to prevent certain acids in food and oils from staining granite countertops.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s best to reseal your granite countertops every year. Resealing protects your countertops–and your investment. However, resealing can add up cost wise, and can be a tedious process to complete every year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quartz<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

Quartz is easier to maintain than granite. Similar to granite, you need to wipe up spills with soap and water or a gentle household cleaner, but that’s where the maintenance ends.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quartz does not require you to seal or reseal it EVER. That’s because it is a solid, non-porous surface. It’s simpler to clean and maintenance is less expensive, especially if you prefer to hire a professional to reseal granite countertops.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Durability<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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How long will your countertop last?<\/span><\/p>\n

Granite<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

Granite is a durable material and it’s heat-resistant, unlike quartz. But due to its porosity, which means it absorbs liquid easily, spilled liquids can get absorbed into your countertops.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you leave liquid sitting on your countertop, it can damage your countertop. Banging something hard on your countertop can also damage granite.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quartz<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

Quartz is more durable than granite because its surface is harder. As a matter of fact, quartz is almost impossible to destroy.<\/span> Quartz is also non porous, unlike granite. And it fights bacteria better than granite since it’s harder for bacteria to penetrate quartz.<\/span><\/p>\n

The downside of quartz is that excessive heat can damage its surface. To avoid this, use hot plates, trivets and heating pads always. An easy, efficient fix.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Final Thoughts On Quartz Vs Granite<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Now you know more about each countertop surface to help you decide which is the better choice for your kitchen: granite or quartz. <\/span>When comparing quartz vs granite, you learned that quartz lasts longer, it’s more eco-friendly, and it’s easy to customize if you want to personalize your countertops. <\/span>But quartz can be more expensive, so if you’re price-conscious or you prefer the unique colors of granite it might be worth the extra cleanup and yearly resealing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which countertop suits your and your family’s lifestyle: quartz or granite? You decide.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ready to shop<\/a> for your quartz or granite countertops? Visit the International Granite & Stone website to view our selection. Or check out our blog<\/a> for some great content about countertops.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t

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