Granite VS Quartz… Which Way to Go?

Featured Image: White Springs Granite Countertop

So you are updating your kitchen or bathroom and you get to the counters… Granite and quartz are both quite nice. What is the difference, you may be wondering?

As with any material, which countertop looks better is a matter of opinion. Some people prefer the veining of natural stone and some like the wider choice of color and pattern that quartz provides. If you are having a hard time choosing, we need to delve a bit deeper.

Granite

Golden Wave Granite Countertop

According to the Marble Institute of America, 75% of homeowners plan to use Granite countertops when they renovate. This is understandable when you consider that granite countertops are durable in addition to being beautiful and that this installation increases the value of their home. Available in slabs and smaller tiles, usually 12” by 12”, the tiles are designed for use on floors, but their smaller size makes them a good choice for DIY projects. Granite comes in a variety of colors with unique veining and is perfect for countertops, walls, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, vanities, tubs and shower surrounds.

Pros:

• Very durable
• Naturally stain resistant
• Easy to care for, but regular sealing required
• Bacteria resistant
• Heat resistant
• Wide range of unique colors and patterns that occur organically

Cons:

• Can have naturally occurring design imperfections
• Regular sealing will help maintain its appearance
• May be difficult to match veining if you need more than one slab

Quartz

Albion Amber Quartz Countertop and Backsplash

As for quartz, more than 93% of a Quartz countertop is made of natural quartz crystals. Quartz crystals are one of the hardest minerals found in nature making this an excellent material for durability. It also is an eco-friendly choice since quartz is a plentiful mineral that impacts nature less than granite and Samsung Radianz is also Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Control certified by the Greenguard Environmental Institute. With lots of choices of color and pattern, quartz is available to match any kitchen or bath. Quartz is perfect for countertops, vanities, backsplashes, tub surrounds and showers.

Pros:

• Wide range of colors
• Scratch resistant surface, slightly harder than granite
• Easy to maintain – no sealing needed
• Bacteria resistant
• Large slabs allow for more coverage and fewer seams
• Environmentally friendly
• Uniform color and appearance
• Stain resistant
• Heat resistant
• Samsung Lifetime Warranty

Cons:

• Best-suited for interior use
• UV light can damage the appearance and color

Now that you know a bit more about the differences and similarities between granite and quartz, you can make an informed choice when you update your living space. As you can see, they both will make a lovely addition to your home.

Try out our Just Imagine™ Visualizer Tool and find out whether your next project will be Granite or Quartz. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Pin your finished projects to Pinterest and put “@ArizonaTile – Tile Install” in the comment section so we can enjoy your creative handiwork too!