Granite vs Quartz

Granite vs Quartz

When it comes to bathroom and kitchen countertops, these two materials spark such heated debates as granite vs quartz. Both have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, so how do you decide which is the best material for your home?
If you would rather consult with a stone restoration professional, feel free to give us a call and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Granite vs Quartz: Which is the Best Material for Your Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops?

Many homeowners choose stone over laminate, tile, or wood for their kitchen or bathroom counters because they believe it is more attractive and durable. Quartz and granite are two of the most popular materials used in kitchens owing to their beauty and durability.

Both quartz and granite are heat resistant, scratch-resistant, and low-impact, not to mention incredibly hard—scoring a 7 out of 10 on the Moh's mineral hardness scale.
Both are elegant and high-end, with homeowners attracted to their timeless beauty and tough construction, but their differences run much deeper.
It might be difficult to choose the finest one for you, especially if you're not sure what your needs or likes are. Let's take a deeper look at both to assist you in deciding between quartz and granite.

In this article, we'll take a look at the key differences between both a quartz countertop and a granite countertop in detail, so that you can make an informed decision about which is right for you.

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Best Maintenance Products For Stone Surfaces

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Granite vs Quartz: Composition

Granite Composition
Granite is a naturally occurring stone that is quarried from the ground and sliced into thin slabs before being polished and built into counters. It's an igneous rock formed via slow magma crystallization deep under the Earth's surface.

The stone is light-hued and features big, visible grains. The material is mostly made of quartz and feldspar, with minerals responsible for its color, which ranges from red to pink to grey or white.

Quartz Composition
Quartz countertops are called engineered stone countertops, which can contain a lot of natural quartz as well as various minerals. A quartz countertop isn't slabs of quarried stone but rather results from crushed stone byproducts that are molded into slabs for countertops and other goods.

Engineered quartz, which is a manufactured stone composed of 97 percent crushed quartz crystals and 3 percent resins, is produced from natural quartz. Quartz comes in a variety of colors, designs, and textures.
Quartz can be combined with other reflective materials to produce a gleaming result. Quartz is one of the toughest minerals on Earth, making it an excellent option for your home's decor. Quartz countertops, as an engineered product, are more uniform in appearance than natural stone.

Although there are a variety of colors and distinctive patterns to choose from, including ones that don't resemble granite at all, quartz surfaces are manufactured to be more consistent.

Quartz is a low-maintenance alternative for those seeking a specific style of granite or other natural stone that can only be obtained through quartz.
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Granite vs Quartz: Appearance

Granite countertops have several advantages over other types of engineered stone. Granite slabs are unique because their mineral pattern and coloration varies from one another, making your countertop one-of-a-kind.

Both granite and quartz countertops are available in a variety of colors and patterns to complement your culinary's color scheme.

Quartz countertops, like other engineered products, are more uniform in appearance than natural stone. 
Although colors and unique patterns abound, including designs that bear no resemblance to granite, quartz surfaces are more consistent in appearance than natural stone.

Quartz is the most popular material for natural stone countertops. Quartz, on the other hand, has many rivals as a natural stone material.

Granite and marble are both very popular choices; however, quartz counters have several advantages over them. If you want the look of real stone but don't want to pay for it, quartz is an excellent option.

Maintenance Tips For Natural Stone Surfaces

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Granite vs Quartz: Maintenance

Quartz countertops require practically no maintenance. The resin creates a non-porous surface that needs no sealing or maintenance. On very rare occasions, the caulking where the countertop meets the wall may need to be renewed.
Annual sealing is required for granite countertops, as its somewhat porous surface is susceptible to staining and scuffing. It's also essential to keep it clean for the same reasons. Also, avoid using harsh all-purpose cleaners on granite. Granite is classified as low maintenance.

Granite vs Quartz: Durability

Granite worktops are a popular choice in kitchens for good reason. Granite is recognized for resisting cracks and chips and is often regarded as the most durable natural countertop material available. 

Quartz, like other man-made materials, has a higher hardness rating than granite and is less susceptible to damage.

Both porcelain and quartz countertops can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Quartz counters may also be cleaned using mild detergents, although some all-purpose cleaners might harm granite.
To ensure that your granite countertop looks its finest, plan to use a cleaner made specifically for granite. It's best to clean up spills as soon as they occur since stains can develop if they are ignored.

Quartz countertops are stain-resistant, but if stains do appear, use glass cleaner and a soft sponge to remove them.

Remove stains on granite by utilizing a granite stain remover, which will lift the discoloration from the surface without the need for scrubbing.

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Quartz vs Granite: Advantages and Disadvantages of Granite

Advantages of Granite Countertops

1. This is a completely natural stone.
2. It is heat resistant.
3. The stone is very durable and long lasting.
4. Granite countertops are easy to clean with the proper care.
5. The resale value of your home will increase.
6. Granite has its distinctiveness owing to the fact that it features striations and subtle color changes.
7. Granite slabs come in a variety of hues.
8. Granite does not fade in the sun and is ideal for outside use.



Disadvantages of Granite Countertops

1.Because this kind of worktop it is a natural stone, stains readily, especially red wine.
2. Granite is a porous stone and requires sealing every few years.
3. Granite is an expensive countertop material.
4. You need to be careful with granite, as it can chip easily.
5. Granite also needs to be cleaned with special cleaners as harsh chemicals can damage it.
6. If a large portion of your countertop has to be replaced, you'll have visible connecting seams that are unattractive.
7. Granite is a porous material that absorbs oils and holds germs if not properly sealed. It's durable but brittle as well.

Quartz vs Granite: Advantages and Disadvantages of Quartz

Advantages of Quartz Countertops

1. Quartz comes in a wider range of colours and textures, as compared to granite.
2. It is a non-porous material, which makes it resistant to staining and easy to clean.
3. Quartz is a very strong and durable countertop surface.
4. It is a low-maintenance material as it does not require sealing like granite does.
5. Quartz is also heat resistant.
6. Quartz is simpler to mix and match patterns due to its availability on smoother, less textured surfaces.
7. Quartz is heavier than granite and does not shatter easily.

Disadvantages of Quartz Countertops

1. New countertops are more expensive than the cheapest granite.
2. Quartz is a man-made material and does not have the natural beauty of granite.
3. It can be difficult to find large quartz slab, which may lead to more seams on your countertop.
4. The resins used in quartz can yellow over time from exposure to direct sunlight.
5. While it is heat resistant, it can still be damaged by sudden and extreme changes in temperature.
8. Quartz is a very hard material, but it can still scratch and chip if hit hard enough.
9. You should avoid using harsh chemicals on quartz as they may damage the finish. Also, refrain from cutting directly on quartz countertops as this will dull your knives.
10. The quartz is not as attractive as it might be since it has been manufactured.
11. With no distinction, a quartz slab that is identical in color tend to be indistinguishable.

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Final Thoughts on Granite vs Quartz Countertops

Granite and quartz countertops are two of the most popular choices for kitchen and bathroom counters. Both materials have their pros and cons, so it's important to weigh those before making a decision.

Granite is a natural stone that is heat resistant and durable, but it can be expensive and require special cleaners.

Quartz is man-made and comes in a wider range of colors, but it may yellow over time from exposure to sunlight. Ultimately, the best material for your countertop depends on your personal preferences and needs.

Granite and quartz are both great choices that will add value to your home.

Do you have any thoughts or experiences with either granite or quartz countertops? Let us know in the comments below!

Don't forget you can call us anytime if you have any questions or concerns about marble floor maintenance and restoration.

Further Reading: Marble Cleaning and Polishing Tips and Tricks

Discover the latest tips and tricks for marble cleaning and polishing, as well as other stone surfaces, by checking out the posts below. Our expert advice will help you maintain the beauty and durability of your stone surfaces for years to come. Whether you need to remove stains, prevent damage, or protect your surfaces from wear and tear, we have got you covered. Browse our posts now and discover practical solutions for all your marble cleaning and polishing needs, and more.

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