GRANITE vs QUARTZ…countertops that is…
When it comes to updates that add value to your home, granite and quartz countertops are the top contenders. And while there are some FABULOUS high end laminate countertops, nothing beats the quality and popularity of granite and quartz.
Of course, there are other countertop options, such as soapstone, marble and concrete, but these aren’t what we are looking at today. And why do you ask that we are not even considering these?
Because HANDS-DOWN, granite and quartz countertops are the most popular choices for style and DURABILITY. But when it comes to these two, it isn’t always about STYLE; there are a few other important considerations. This is why today, you’re getting the answers to the most COMMON questions related to these two competing surfaces. So here goes…
1. WHICH COUNTERTOP IS THE MOST HEAT-RESISTANT, GRANITE OR QUARTZ?
Granite is DEFINITELY the most heat-resistant, but quartz has a ‘reasonable’ heat resistance.
GRANITE & HEAT-RESISTANCE
Granite countertops are REMARKABLY resistant to heat. However, place the same hot pot on the same spot time and time again, and you risk losing a bit of color in your granite countertop. But aside from this, granite countertops are GENERALLY heat-proof. Still worried? Use a trivet.
QUARTZ & HEAT-RESISTANCE
While quartz countertop does a GREAT job of withstanding heat (not including the less expensive/lower quality brands), even high-quality brands can be damaged by excess heat.
Remember, these countertops are VERY hardy and heat-resistant; they’re just not fool-proof.
2. DO GRANITE & QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS NEED TO BE SEALED?
Granite? DEFINITELY YES! Quartz? NEVER!
GRANITE & SEALANT
Because granite is a natural surface (like marble or soapstone), it will absorb liquids. Keep in mind; it’s harder than marble and soapstone and FAR more resistant to staining, etching and loss of sheen. HOWEVER, suppose you don’t seal and maintain your granite (depending on how often your particular sealant needs reapplied). In this case, you risk not only staining and discoloration but MOLD and bacteria build-up. So please seal your granite!
QUARTZ & SEALANT
While quartz countertops are approx 90-95% natural, the 5-10% *resin/filler in them makes them pretty darn bullet-proof as it relates to staining (they’re also EXCEPTIONALLY hard to scratch – trust me, I have four kids that do lots of projects or cut directly on the counter and mine are still in great condition!)
But are the stain-PROOF? No, nothing is 100% safe. This being said, the high-end quartz brands stand behind their products and most times, can pull stains out of their product IF something manages to get through.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S AN EXCEPTION!
With the price point of quartz and granite, it can be tempting to save money – don’t. Cheap quartz countertops are often made with a lower quality resin, making them less resistant to heat, staining and SCRATCHING. Again, nothing is totally bullet-proof, but the cheaper the quartz is, the more risk you’re assuming.
Although, if you’re looking at one of these products for your bathroom, a more affordable lower-end quartz works if you don’t have to worry about heat tools or use abrasive cleaners.
3. ARE GRANITE & QUARTZ NATURAL PRODUCTS?
Granite? YES. Quartz? Almost.
GRANITE IS 100% NATURAL
While granite has to go through a manufacturing process, it’s 100% natural, which is why you’ll see WILD and unpredictable variations in patterns.
QUARTZ IS 90-95% NATURAL
Whereas granite countertops are natural, quartz countertops are like the ‘botox’ versions of the countertop world.
What does this mean?
They’ve been injected with resins and/or fillers to improve their look and performance.
What are these improvements?
1. These resins help to prevent bacteria and mold from forming as the countertops don’t ABSORB anything. This is also why granite DOES get sealed, as it doesn’t have these resins.
2. The use of resins in the creation of quartz countertops allows for altered colors and patterns.
However, it’s this same resin that can cause discoloration when exposed to HIGH heat, which is why using a trivet is important.
4. WHICH IS HARDER- GRANITE OR QUARTZ?
Both countertops are pretty darn hard based on the MOH’S scale (which measures the hardness of minerals). However, quartz is a weee tiny bit harder, coming in with a score of 7 to granite’s 6 (but this can vary slightly). At the end of the day, they’re pretty comparable.
5. WHICH COUNTERTOP IS THE MOST SCRATCH-RESISTANT – GRANITE OR QUARTZ?
This is where the HARDNESS of a surface comes in handy, especially if you’re considering a countertop OTHER than quartz or granite. The higher its rating on the MOH’S scale, the more resistant a surface will be to scratching and etching.
COUNTERTOPS – SOFTEST TO HARDEST
While there’s a bit of variation depending on the source, this is a good GENERAL guide for hardness.
WHICH IS CHEAPER – QUARTZ OR GRANITE?
Regarding affordability, the word ‘cheap’ can passively suggest a low price AND low quality – such is the case with cheap quartz (which WILL stain/etch). Aside from the low-quality brands, granite, and quartz are often comparable in price, depending on which brand/line you invest in.
SHOULD I REPLACE MY GRANITE WITH QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS?
If you have one of the more traditional granite countertops from the early 2000s, there’s a good chance you’ll add value to your home by investing in a more modern-looking quartz countertop. While a lot is based on personal perception and target market, more people prefer quartz to granite.
SUMMARY OF THE PROS & CONS OF GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
PRO: super heat-resistant
PRO: very hard and chip/scratch-resistant
CON: must be sealed regularly to prevent staining – even then, wipe up spills quickly
CON: unpredictable appearance (some would see this as a PRO)
CONS: seams can be noticeable depending on the pattern chosen
SUMMARY OF THE PROS & CONS OF QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS
PRO: reasonably heat-resistant, but a trivet is recommended
PRO: low maintenance – no sealant required
PRO: super hard, making it very challenging to crack/scratch
PRO: more popular/trendy than granite in most target markets
PRO: very stain-resistant
PRO: consistent appearance
CONS: not totally heat-resistant
CONS: seams can be noticeable depending on the pattern chosen
