Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: Which is the Best?

A kitchen with quartz counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

Introduction

When it comes to bathroom or kitchen countertops, the choice typically is split between two materials: quartz countertops vs. granite countertops. This is a difficult selection since the difference between the two countertop materials is not obvious. After all, the makers of quartz (manufactured stone) and granite (natural stone), such as the excellent go to pioneergraniteandquartz.com, both claim their products as being totally natural, direct from the soil, and as hard as stone. How do they vary, and which is better—quartz or granite? ​

The Basics

Granite countertops are made from natural stone that is mined and cut into thin slabs before being polished and constructed into worktops.

Quartz countertops are engineered stone materials that may or may not include a high percentage of natural quartz. They are not quarried stone slabs, but rather stone by-products crushed up and molded into slabs for countertops and other items.

Appearance

The one benefit that granite has over-engineered stones like quartz is that each granite slab is slightly distinct in mineral pattern and color, resulting in a one-of-a-kind countertop. Quartz countertops are more homogeneous in appearance as a constructed product, yet numerous hues and unusual patterns are available, including shades that do not resemble granite at all.

Personal preference governs this decision. If you want the look of real stone, consider a product that is truly natural—granite. However, many individuals believe that quartz countertops appear different and better than actual stone.

Cost

There is no doubt about it: Granite and quartz are both high-end countertop materials. If you are on a tight budget, these are not the countertop materials for you because neither is much less expensive than the other.

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Granite countertops range in price from $80 to $175 per square foot installed. The pricing difference is determined by the style chosen as well as the edging treatments required. Quartz countertops cost between $80 and $140 per square foot to install. As quartz has grown in popularity and availability, the cost of basic counters has decreased, with unusual designer styles and hues fetching higher prices.

Because both types of countertops are supplied elsewhere, prices vary. All of these items are transported by container across oceans. This is influenced by petroleum prices, which keep quartz and granite pricey. Tariffs and other variables might also have an impact on pricing.

Environmental Implications

Both countertop materials are mostly composed of natural elements. However, granite countertops have a minor advantage since they are created entirely of stone, whereas quartz comprises natural components, color pigments, and polymer resins that hold the ingredients together.

Granite countertops, on the other hand, need quarrying from the soil, but quartz countertops are essentially created from stone leftovers, with no quarrying necessary.

For a time, beginning around 2008, there was some media-induced concern about radon emissions from granite countertops, but recent studies show that neither granite or engineered stone emits little or no radon.

Conclusion

Both granite and quartz options are premium materials for countertops that add significant real estate value to any home, as well as a stylish look and practical function. Granite generally appeals to customers who prefer all-natural materials, while quartz provides the advantages of easier maintenance and usually a little bit of better durability.

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