Both quartz and granite offer beautiful texture and long-lasting durability for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. If you’re unsure which of these materials is best for you, use this simple quartz vs. granite guide to help inform your decision. We compare the differences between quartz and granite in price, appearance, durability, and maintenance to choose the right countertop material for your space and lifestyle.
Appearance of Quartz vs. Granite
As with any material, the visual differences between granite and quartz are a matter of taste. Some people prefer the natural and unique look of granite countertops. Granite countertop colors are typically grouped into 10 basic categories: beige, black, blue, brown, burgundy, gray, green, red, yellow, and white. The most popular choice is black, though lighter shades of granite can open up a kitchen. The least common granite colors are red, blue, and green. Others like the wider variety of patterns and colors offered by quartz countertops. Because it is manmade, quartz countertops are available in patterns that offer the look of high-end marble at a lower price.
Durability of Quartz vs. Granite
Stone countertops are popular in kitchens for a reason. Granite is often cited as the most durable natural countertop material and is known for resisting cracks and chips. However, as a manufactured material, quartz rates a bit higher on the hardness scale and is slightly more resistant to damage. You can clean both materials with mild soap and water. Gentle cleaners are also suitable for quartz countertops, but some all-purpose cleaners might be too harsh for granite. Plan to use a cleaner designed for granite ($7, Target) to protect the surface. It’s best to wipe up spills as soon as they happen to prevent stains from forming. Quartz countertops are highly resistant to stains, but if they happen, you can typically remove them with glass cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge. For granite stains, remove them using a granite stain remover ($8, The Home Depot) that will lift the stain from the surface without scrubbing.
Maintenance and Repairs for Quartz and Granite Countertops
Because granite is a porous material, it must be resealed yearly. With a proper seal, granite countertops are very resistant to stains. Minor scratches or dings in granite can be filled in with color-matching epoxy or resin from the home improvement store, but professional installers should repair cracks larger than an ice cube. Quartz countertops are nonporous, which allows the surface to repel coffee, oil, and even food coloring without sealing. Damaged quartz is trickier to repair and should always be done by a professional, which could increase quartz countertops’ overall cost.
Installation and Price of Quartz vs. Granite
A professional should install granite and quartz countertops, as they are extremely heavy and difficult to handle. Additionally, cutting holes for the sink is no easy task. Granite and quartz countertops are priced similarly per square foot, each with a price range starting at about $80. High-quality quartz countertops might cost up to $140 per square foot, while granite can cost up to $175 or more. The price depends on the stone’s color, pattern, and surface treatments. In either case, slab remnants can save big money if your countertop is small enough.
