Granite and quartz countertops can both be great additions to your kitchen but have a few crucial differences.
Granite and quartz countertops are both popular options for a variety of kitchen designs. These materials are both attractive and durable, but they do have a few key differences. The differences in what they can offer in terms of appearance, porousness, heat-resistance, and price can be the deciding factors for homeowners looking for their new kitchen countertops. Read on to learn more about how granite and quartz countertops differ.
Appearance
Granite and quartz are both stones, so they both have a solid and natural appearance. However, granite consists of various minerals, so each slab is truly unique with various speckling. Granite countertops primarily come in darker colors, which may not always be what you want for your kitchen.
Quartz countertops can often come as “engineered stone,” which consists of quartz combined with a chemical binder and various other stones. This is useful when you want your countertops to have a more streamlined appearance and provide more color options.
Porousness
Granite is porous, so it requires sealing of the countertops upon installation, and every few years afterward. Otherwise, the counters will absorb countertop liquids and bacteria. However, quartz is non-porous, which means that neither liquid nor bacteria will be absorbed, and you do not need to seal the countertops.
Heat-Resistance
Granite and quartz are both two of the hardest materials you can select for your kitchen countertops. This makes both of them quite durable and resistant to damage like chipping or scratching. While both are mostly heat resistant, granite is more resistant to high temperatures than quartz. You should protect your quartz countertops from high-heat pots and pans or risk damaging the counters.
Price and Design
Both of these countertop materials provide your kitchen with an increased, beautiful appearance. Granite countertops can cost a bit more because the countertops can be cut and polished to fit your countertop’s dimensions. Alternatively, you can choose pre-cut slabs.
Engineered quartz countertops can offer more colors and a streamlined look than granite can. It also comes at a slightly lower price point.
Granite and quartz can both make excellent kitchen countertops. Before deciding which one is best for your kitchen design and personal preferences, consider the design options, durability, and price that each can offer.
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