If you have been researching which material would work best in your kitchen and have narrowed it down to granite or quartz, this blog is for you. Both are excellent choices and have advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss to help you make your final decision.
Let Us Start with Granite Countertops
Here are the advantages of selecting granite countertops:
- Granite is durable.
The top benefit of choosing granite for your bathroom or kitchen countertops is its durability. Granite resists chips and scratches like no other natural stone. It is the second most durable natural stone in the world, next to diamond. Keep in mind that you should still always use a cutting board with sharp knives, as there is a possibility of damage.
- Granite is heat resistant.
Granite is naturally formed by heat and pressure, making it heat-friendly. If you accidentally place a hot pan on a granite countertop for a short period of time, it is unlikely to harm it. However, extreme heat or prolonged exposure to heat can damage the sealant.
- Granite is stain-resistant.
With proper sealing, granite is stain-resistant, and its resistance to stains will depend on how well it is maintained. When we say stain-resistant, we are not saying that liquid and food spills can be ignored on a granite countertop. They should be wiped up immediately with water and a mild detergent. It is essential to seal granite regularly, and you should know that repeated application of cleaning products and disinfectants can affect the sealant.
Here are the disadvantages of granite countertops:
- Granite requires regular sealing.
Because granite is porous, it needs to be resealed annually. A poorly sealed granite countertop can absorb liquids, grease, and bacteria.
- Granite Can Crack
This may confuse you because we noted durability as an advantage of granite. However, if a sharp or heavy object hits granite, it could chip. Should that happen, the experts at C&C Stoneworks offer granite repair services and can restore your granite countertops to new condition.
- Granite can be expensive.
There are three different levels of granite, and the cost varies depending on the grade. The grade of the granite slab is determined by some factors: its colors, veins, markings, thickness, and where it was quarried.
Next up are Quartz Countertops
Here are some of the advantages of choosing quartz countertops.
- Quartz is highly durable.
Quartz is harder than granite, making it more durable. Some even say that it is nearly indestructible.
- Quartz is stain-resistant.
It is highly stain-resistant and very easy to clean, but it is not entirely stain-free. While it is difficult to stain quartz, food items such as turmeric or food dyes that aren’t cleaned up promptly could cause moderate to very faint discoloration on quartz countertops.
- Quartz comes in a wide variety of styles and colors.
Since granite is manmade, engineered quartz comes in almost any color, pattern, and style you can imagine. From traditional and minimalist whites, browns, grays, and blacks to more vibrant, funky colors, quartz can complement any personality or style.
- Quartz does not require sealing.
Quartz is an engineered stone. Its composition is 90-95% quartz crystals, with the rest being resins that bind the particles together, making the surface non-porous. This means it does not require sealing.
Here are some of the disadvantages of quartz countertops:
- Quartz is sensitive to direct contact with extreme heat.
Prolonged contact with high heat or sudden temperature changes can cause damage like discoloration, warping, or even cracking, especially from very hot items directly on the surface.
- Quartz can be slightly more expensive.
Quartz countertops typically cost more than natural stone countertops due to their durability, but they can still compete with the cost of granite.
- Quartz may require more seams.
Quartz slabs tend to be on the smaller side compared to natural stone. Depending on your specific selections and layout, there may need to be more seams in order to properly fit.
- Quartz is not recommended for outdoors.
The main reason is that the resins that bind the countertops can fade or discolor in direct sunlight. Granite, slate, and other natural stone countertops are much better choices for outdoor living spaces.
Still Deciding Between Quartz & Granite?
If you have questions about the difference between quartz and granite and which stone might best benefit your living space, call us at 252-902-5535, stop by our showroom, or schedule a design consultation at C&C Stoneworks. We are located in Greenville, North Carolina, and provide expert quartz and granite countertop installation services throughout eastern North Carolina, including New Bern, Morehead City, Goldsboro, Washington, and other surrounding areas.