A lot of potential homebuyers, ask for granite countertops but quartz countertops are rising in popularity. The question is which countertop should you look for in your new home, and what are the pros and cons of granite vs quartz countertops. Let’s take a deep dive and hopefully we can help you find an answer.
What Are Quartz Countertops Made Of?
While you might think quartz, its actually a man-made engineered stone countertop. Its formed by fusing around 90% of ground quartz (the natural mineral) with 8-10% of resins, polymers and pigments. This makes the countertop very durable while also making it non-porous. In this sense it’s very similar to granite countertops except, Quartz while harder than granite and more durable is more susceptible to damage from excess heat. You should always use heating pads or pot holders when cooking as opposed to placing the hot pan on the counter directly.
What Are Granite Countertops Made Of?
Granite like quartz is a naturally occurring mineral and it’s also quite durable it’s also less expensive than quartz due to it being the most popular choice for countertops. Granite also is a porous stone, therefore it needs regular upkeep by having a sealer applied to it annually. The bonus to granite though is of course, it’s not susceptible to damage from excessive heat in the same way quartz is.
What Are The Pros and Cons To A Quartz Countertop?
- Quartz countertops are more durable than granite physically. They are much more difficult to chip and they are more flexible than granite so they are less likely to crack.
- Quartz is non-porous meaning you don’t need to worry about keeping it sealed and the countertop is virtually maintenance free.
- Because quartz countertops are non-porous you don’t have to worry about stains if you spill some red wine, or any dyed liquid just wipe it off and you will be fine.
- Quartz can suffer from discoloration overtime if your countertop is directly facing the sun. This is due to the UV rays the sun puts off.
- Quartz countertops typically have a seam that is visible however, they are less visible in darker slabs.
What Are The Pros and Cons To A Granite Countertop
- Granite Countertops are typically inconsistent. This is because the stone itself forms differently unlike quartz countertops that are typically the same color and pattern throughout.
- Granite Countertops are porous and need to be resealed or else it can trap water, and stains.
- Granite while durable is not as strong physically as quartz and is more likely to chip, break and crack.
- Granite Countertops tend to have a very obvious seam where the slabs meet. However, if you have a really good fabricator and installer they can typically hide it quite well but it won’t be completely hidden.
- Granite Countertops are less prone to damage from heat though making them perfect for kitchens if you don’t have a heat pad or a pot holder to rest hot pans on.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you like the styling of quartz or granite countertops that is up to you. However, just keep in mind the strengths and weaknesses of each material and remember that it ultimately comes down to how much you’re looking to spend on a home or on the countertop you’re looking to install. Quartz is more expensive at the moment compared to granite but in a few years it might not be that way anymore. If you have any questions feel free to ask below.
Side note: If you’re looking to purchase a home and countertops are the one thing you’re going back and forth on. Often times, granite countertop homes are less expensive than an equivalent home with quartz countertops. So it might be cheaper to purchase the less expensive home and simply pay a contractor to install a countertop after the fact.