Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: Which Is Better?

When it comes to selecting countertops for the bathroom or kitchen, the two most common options are quartz and granite. It can be a difficult decision since the differences between the two materials are not always clear. Both quartz (an engineered stone) and granite (a natural stone) are solid durable material.

So, what sets them apart and which one is superior: Quartz vs. Granite Countertops?

quartz stone slab pure light grey effect

Composition

The production of granite countertops involves using entirely natural stone that is sourced directly from quarries. The stone is then sliced into thin slabs, polished, and transformed into countertops through fabrication.

In contrast, quartz countertops are made from engineered stone products that consist of a significant portion of natural quartz, as well as other minerals. Rather than being slabs of quarried stone, they are formed from ground-up stone by products, then shaped into slabs for use in countertops and other applications.

Appearance

While granite has the advantage of offering a unique mineral pattern and color in each slab, engineered quartz countertops are more uniform in appearance. However, there are a variety of colors and patterns available for quartz countertops, some of which don’t resemble granite at all.

Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to personal preference. If you prefer the natural look of stone, then granite may be the better choice. However, some people find that quartz countertops offer a distinctive and improved appearance compared to natural stone.

Environmental Impact

Although both granite and quartz countertops are primarily composed of natural materials, granite has the edge as it is made entirely of stone, whereas quartz is made up of natural materials, color pigments, and polymer resins that bind everything together.

However, the production of granite countertops involves quarrying stone from the earth, while quartz countertops uses leftover stone by products, which eliminates the need for quarrying.

There were concerns about radon emissions from granite countertops in the past, but recent studies suggest that both granite and engineered stone countertops emit little to no radon. According to the EPA, “It is highly unlikely that radiation from granite countertops would increase annual radiation doses above normal, natural background levels.

Maintenance and Durability

When it comes to durability, quartz has a clear advantage over granite, but there is one downside to quartz regarding heat resistance. Let’s examine the maintenance and durability of each material.

Sealing: Granite is a porous stone that needs sealing upon installation and regular sealing thereafter. However, quartz doesn’t require sealing due to the resins used in its fabrication.
Cracking: Granite slabs may have inherent flaws that make them prone to cracking, while the uniformity of quartz means it rarely cracks.
Staining: The resins in quartz countertops make them much more resistant to staining compared to granite.
Bacterial resistance: Quartz is also less porous than granite, making it less likely to harbor bacteria.
Heat resistance: Although both materials are heat-resistant, granite can withstand higher temperatures than quartz. Granite is one of the most heat-resistant countertop materials available. Granite allowing you to place hot pots and pans directly on it without immediate damage. Conversely, quartz can become scorched when exposed to high heat, which is also a concern in bathrooms with hot styling appliances.