When it comes to choosing countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, you have a wide variety of options to choose from. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the multitude of available choices, a good place to start is by learning the benefits and drawbacks of two of the most popular countertop options: quartz and granite.
At Custom Built, we have over 15+ years of experience designing and remodeling beautiful kitchen and bathroom spaces in Mid-Michigan homes. Our extensive knowledge and experience with both quartz and granite countertops has been gained by installing more than 100 kitchens and bathrooms for our clients.
We understand the importance of choosing the right countertops for your home and are dedicated to helping you make an informed decision. We love sharing our expertise and passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces with you, so you can trust yourself to make the best choice for your home.
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 get a clear understanding of the pros and cons of quartz and granite countertops, helping you to choose the best option for your home:
Quartz vs. Granite: What Are the Differences?
Quartz countertops are man-made surfaces manufactured from a blend of natural quartz and other materials, such as resin and pigments. This engineered stone is known for its beauty, durability, and resistance to damage by scratching, chipping, and staining.
Additionally, because quartz countertops are manufactured, they come available in a wide range of replicable colors and patterns, including pure white. You’ll easily be able to find a quartz that fits your taste and the overall design of your kitchen or bathroom.
Granite countertops are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom surfaces because of their durability and beauty. This natural stone is known for its ability to withstand the wear and tear of daily use, including heat, making it a beautiful and practical choice for countertops.
Because they are natural, no two slabs of granite are the same, which will add character and individuality to your space. With a wide range of colors and patterns available, you will certainly find a granite you love.
Pros of Quartz Countertops
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Color availability: Quartz offers a wide range of color, pattern, and texture options for you to choose from. This allows you to easily find a style that compliments the design of your kitchen or bathroom.
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Low maintenance: To maintain the beauty and functionality of your quartz countertops, all you need to do is perform routine cleaning.
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Lifetime durability: Quartz slabs are made of an incredibly strong, stain resistant, and durable material that can withstand a wide range of wear and tear. From knife scratches to dings from pots and pans, quartz is resistant to most types of damage.
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Pattern replication: A unique feature of quartz countertops, and one that sets it apart from granite, is that its patterns are repeatable. This means that if you find a quartz you like, you can get that exact pattern even though it’s from a different slab.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
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Cost: Between quartz and granite, quartz is generally more expensive. This is due in large part to the manufacturing process and exclusivity of vendors who are allowed to fabricate and sell it.
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Professional fabrication: Installing quartz countertops is not a good DIY project. To ensure that your quartz countertop is the perfect size and fit for your kitchen or bathroom space, it is important to have it fabricated by an industry professional.
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Susceptibility to heat damage: While quartz is a durable and strong material that is resistant to scratching and other physical damage, it is important to remember that it is susceptible to heat. Avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on your quartz countertop, as this damage cannot be easily repaired.
Pros of Granite Countertops
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Cost: Granite countertops are available at a wide range of price points, making them a feasible option for many budgets. In general, the more exclusive (rare) a pattern or color is, the more you can expect to pay for it.
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Lifetime durability: Granite is a highly durable and long-lasting material. It is resistant to everyday wear and tear in a kitchen including scratching, chipping, and exposure to heat. When taken care of properly, a granite countertop will last you a lifetime.
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Variety of colors and patterns: As a natural stone, each slab of granite is unique. Additionally, the limitless variability of colors, textures, and patterns make it easy to find a style you’ll love.
Cons of Granite Countertops
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Maintenance: Unlike quartz, granite requires regular maintenance. Every five years, a granite countertop must be sealed to protect the material from absorbing stains. Fortunately, this process takes less than an hour to complete by professionals.
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Cost: While being a popular and budget friendly countertop choice, there are other, more affordable options on the market if it’s still outside your budget range. These include concrete countertops, laminate countertops, tile countertops, and butcher blocks.
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Professional fabrication: As with quartz, it is highly recommended to have your granite countertop fabricated by a professional to ensure the correct size and fit.
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Repair difficulty: Although durable, if granite is damaged by extreme force it is very difficult and costly to repair, owing to the fact that every slab is unique.
Next steps for adding quartz or granite countertops to your home
Sorting through the abundance of countertop options out there can be overwhelming. Understanding the pros and cons of quartz and granite countertops as two of the most popular choices can help you get started.
As a kitchen and bathroom remodeler and interior designer with extensive experience working with both quartz and granite, we’re giving you the same valuable information we provide to our clients in order to help you make a selection for your project.
If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, book a consultation with one of our project development advisors. They’d be happy to answer your questions or discuss your project with you.
Check out our reviews for both quartz and granite countertops. This will provide more information on each type of countertop.
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