When starting a kitchen or bathroom renovation, there are a variety of things you must make decisions on such as cabinet colors, sink options, color hardware, and your countertops. When picking your countertops, it tends to come down to two different options for the material: granite or quartz. Although they are not vastly different from each other, there are key differences that may influence your choice when the time comes to decide. Hopefully, this article can make your decision a little easier.

Composition

Quartz countertops are engineered stone products made of 93% crushed quartz mixed with resins. Most of the material is composed of minerals but anywhere up to 7% can be resins and color pigments. Resin refers to a certain material category of semi-solid natural and synthetic compounds that can be hardened into a highly durable plastic material.

Granite countertops are slabs of quarried stone. It is produced from purely natural stone that is mined directly from quarries and is then cut into thin slabs, polished, and fabricated into countertops.

Appearance

Since quartz is a man-made stone, it is much more uniform in appearance compared with granite. One of the biggest reasons quartz has become so popular is due to its similar appearance to stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. Quartz is usually designed to resemble stone, but it is also engineered in formats that do not resemble stone.

Due to granite being a natural stone and the way it is formed (cooling and solidifying of molten materials), no two slabs of granite are the same.  Every granite slab is slightly different in mineral pattern and color which means your countertops would be completely unique. Real granite can display dramatic veining and patterns that cannot be replicated in quartz.

Maintenance

Due to its porous nature, granite needs to be sealed when it is installed. It is recommended to reseal it once a year after installation. Granite countertops may be cleaned with soap and water or a mild household cleaner. To avoid stains, make sure you research which cleaners are best for your granite countertops. Some cleaners may contain harsh chemicals that can damage your countertops.

Because quartz contains resins that make the surface less porous than granite, it more resistant to staining and therefore does not require sealing. Like granite, you can clean your quartz countertops with soap and water or a household cleaner.

Cost

Both granite and quartz are considered premium and high-dollar countertop materials. According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average cost of purchasing and installing granite can cost between $2,000 and $4,500 for kitchen countertops. And the average cost of purchasing and installing quartz can cost between $3,000 and $7,500 for kitchen countertops.

Installation

There are things you can do to save time and money in your kitchen countertop installation process. Some things include preparing your cabinets and making sure they are leveled, having the correct information for the sinks you want installed, and even having the correct appliance dimensions. If you have no experience with construction and home remodeling, we suggest speaking with a professional. They will talk you through the entire installation process and recommend what is best for your specific situation. When it comes to actually installing the countertops, both quartz and granite are extremely heavy materials that are difficult to cut and drill. It is best to have a professional fabricate and install your countertop.

The Verdict

Both quartz and granite are premium and beautiful options to install in your dream kitchen renovation and bathroom renovation. They add to the users’ enjoyment of their kitchen or bathroom. They also add solid resale value to your home for the future if you decide to sell. When people are looking into buying a new house, they tend to prefer granite and quartz countertops. This is in comparison to other materials used for countertop renovations such as laminate, solid surface, or tile. When deciding between the two materials, granite appeals to people who like all-natural materials with unique appearances and don’t mind the occasional resealing. Quartz counters offer easier maintenance and slightly better durability, but it does not offer the unique look of natural granite.