Granite Countertops vs Quartz Countertops - Which is Right for You?
December 30th, 2022 | 4 min read
When selecting a material for your countertops, you'll likely come across two of the most common options: granite and quartz.
Without knowing the characteristics of each, you can potentially make the wrong choice for your kitchen or bathroom remodel, costing you thousands.
At Custom Built, our mission is to provide Mid-Michigan homeowners with their dream kitchens and bathroom spaces every day. For the last 15+ years, we have delivered on this promise and built more than 100 kitchens for Lansing area residents.
The product information for this article was provided by Jeff Schei, the owner of Superior Granite in Carson City, MI. He has over 14 years of experience working with both quartz and granite countertops.
In this article, you will learn the differences between granite and quartz countertops so you can make the right choice for you.
Main differences between granite and quartz
Both quartz and granite make beautiful countertops. The main difference between them is that granite is a natural material, while quartz is manmade. This difference has some practical implications, as you’ll read below.
Granite Countertops
Granite is a type of rock found throughout the world that makes a great material for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Its durability, color, texture, and one-of-a-kind patterns, make it a practical and fashionable choice for countertops.
The patterns, colors, and textures found on a single granite slab are unique. Like snowflakes, no two pieces of granite are the same. Granite countertops are truly one-of-a-kind.
Granite countertops will last a lifetime if protected, cleaned, and maintained properly. This includes sealing the countertop with commercially available products every five years. Sealing prevents staining and adds an extra layer of protection.
Granite, unlike quartz, is incredibly heat resistant, so there’s no fear of damaging these countertops by placing hot pots and pans directly on them.
Typically, granite is also cheaper than quartz. Prices within granite are determined by product and pattern availability. If you want an exclusive pattern rather than a more common granite pattern, you can expect to pay more.
Quartz countertops
Quartz is a manufactured product made from epoxy resin and stone particles that closely resembles the appearance of natural stone. Because quartz is manmade, its patterns, colors, and textures can be replicated for mass retail, making style choices more accessible.
Additionally, quartz is available in solid colors, such as pure white. This is a popular trend for kitchen countertops that pairs well with clean kitchen designs. Granite, on the other hand, does not have pure color options and will always have some kind of pattern.
Quartz countertops are incredibly durable and require no maintenance outside of regular cleaning. However, they are not as heat resistant as granite. Remember to use hot pads for pots and pans to protect the countertop surface.
Quartz is typically more expensive than granite due to product availability and vendor exclusivity. Because quartz is a patented product, certain vendors have exclusive rights to sell and shape it to fit your countertop space.
Granite or quartz - which is right for you?
Both granite and quartz make beautiful countertops, will last a lifetime, and can be fabricated to fit your exact size requirements.
However, comparing their differences will help you choose which one is right for you.
Granite countertops are right for you if
You want a unique pattern or texture for your countertops. If you see a pattern at a granite showroom that you love, don’t hesitate to purchase it, because you will not find that pattern anywhere else. Even in the same showroom, each granite slab is unique. If you leave to think about it, it may not be there the next day.
Cost is your primary concern. Granite is the more affordable option. You will pay less for the same quality and durability as higher-priced quartz.
You want patterns and textures, rather than solid colors, in your countertops. Granite is available in many colors, patterns, and texture options. There is a granite countertop to fit every style except a pure, solid color.
You have a family with children. Easy maintenance, durability, and cleaning make granite a great choice for families. It is heat, scratch, and chipping resistant so you can rest assured that your kids will not be able to damage it.
Quartz countertops are right for you if
You are designing your kitchen or bathroom space with a bright white and clean appearance. A pure white quartz countertop could be the perfect choice for you. It has no pattern variation and is the perfect match for an all-white space.
Making a beautiful statement is more important to you than cost. While quartz is the more expensive option, it is a beautiful option to truly make a statement, especially with pure white. If you are looking for the perfect look no matter the cost, quartz is the right choice for you.
You want an easily accessible option. Because quartz is manufactured, patterns you love will be readily available, unlike granite, which is one-of-a-kind. If you are concerned about specific pattern availability, quartz is the right choice for you.
You’re not worried about your family members damaging the material. While quartz is durable and scratch resistant, it’s not as heat-resistant as granite. You will need to be mindful of setting hot pots and pans directly on the quartz surface. If you are confident you can set some guidelines for your family members to protect your countertops, quartz is a great choice.
Next steps to add granite or quartz countertops to your home
Purchasing countertops for your home before doing proper research on which material is right for you can lead you to make the wrong choice for your home.
By understanding the differences between granite and quartz countertops, you will know exactly which material is right for your kitchen or bathroom.
As a premier design-build company in the Mid-Michigan area, we have 15+ years of experience helping clients build beautiful kitchens and bathrooms, and we’d love to work with you.
Book an appointment with our sales team to see if Custom Built is the right fit to help design and build your kitchen or bathroom space.
Want to learn more about kitchen and bathroom remodeling? Consider checking out the following articles:
Michael brings over 2 decades of building and remodeling experience to his position as the Owner and Visionary of Custom Built. Michael’s passion to make an impact on the home building industry has led him to serve for over ten years at the local and state Home Builders Association, culminating as President of the HBA of Michigan in 2020.
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