The Difference Between Quartz And Granite Countertops

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The difference between quartz and granite countertops.

It may be hard to believe but quartz is heftier than granite and that s saying a lot. Quartz and granite countertops are priced similarly per square foot with granite counters having the wider variation in price. As with any material the visual differences between granite and quartz are a matter of taste. These include granite marble quartzite soapstone porcelain butcher block quartz solid surface and laminate.

Quartz countertops can handle oil tomato wine coffee juice and many other stainable products. Unlike the color variation you find in granite countertops quartz countertops are more consistent. Some people prefer the natural and unique look of granite countertops. Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat so use heating pads at all times.

While quartz can closely compare with granite and marble it is of better quality than solid surface countertops. Quartz countertops are engineered stone made up of up to 90 quartz content that mimics the look of natural stone. Plus quartz doesn t hold viruses or bacteria so you know that your countertops will be clean when you wipe it down. Unlike granite and marble which require frequent care and cleaning quartz surfaces are as low maintenance as it gets.

Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus more durable. It never needs to be sealed and can even withstand acidic foods and low ph. Each surface material ranges in price some being more dramatic than others. Homeowners often turn to quartz as an alternative to not only granite and marble but materials such as solid surface as well.

Granite comes down to two things. Read on to find out which countertops are the cheapest and which are the most expensive. Be careful with cooking pans though. In fact quartz is nearly indestructible and because it isn t porous like granite it s easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria free.

Both countertop materials are overwhelmingly made of natural materials but granite countertops come out slightly ahead since they are made from 100 percent stone while quartz is roughly 93 percent natural materials with the remainder comprised of color pigments and polymer resins that bond the materials together. The table below displays the positive and negative qualities of quartz. Granite countertop colors are typically grouped into 10 basic categories. Granite can be more expensive than quartz at times based on the availability of a color and pattern.