Both granite and quartz countertops are popular choices with homeowners, but they both have their pros and cons. While either quartz or granite will make a beautiful addition to your kitchen, certain materials will be a better choice for your home. At Spencer Granite, we want to help you find and install the best countertops for your home.
In this article, we’re weighing the pros and cons of granite and quartz countertops so you can make the best choice for your home.
Granite Countertops
As a natural stone, granite is a consistently popular choice for kitchen countertops. You can find a slab that will look good in any kitchen, no matter the design aesthetic.
Pros:
- Durability: Granite is an incredibly durable natural stone. It can withstand high temperatures, scratches, and chips. If you’re looking for a countertop that will last a long time, it’s hard to beat granite.
- Aesthetics: As a natural stone, granite has a unique appearance and natural beauty. No two slabs are exactly the same because of natural variations in the colors and patterns of the stone.
- Value: Granite is highly sought after because of its natural beauty and durability. Installing granite countertops is an excellent investment that can raise the value of your home.
Cons:
- Porous: Granite is porous, which means that it can absorb liquids and stains. Sealing your countertops can mitigate this problem, but you do have to keep up with regular maintenance.
- Cost: Due to the price of the stone itself and the labor costs of installation, granite is one of the more expensive options for countertops.
- Brittle: Despite its durability, granite can be brittle and crack if subjected to a heavy impact, especially if you don’t keep up with regular maintenance.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a common alternative to granite or other natural stone countertops. Many homeowners choose it if granite is not an option.
Pros:
- Non-porous: Quartz is a composite material of stone and resin, which is non-porous. It is much harder to stain and does not absorb liquids.
- Low maintenance: Because it is non-porous, quartz is very easy to maintain. All you need to clean it is regular soap or a mild detergent.
- Design flexibility: As a manufactured material, quartz can come in nearly any color or pattern you like.
Cons:
- Heat resistance: High temperatures can damage quartz, so you should always use trivets or hot pads.
- Less natural appearance: Manufacturers can imitate the look of natural stone pretty well, but you can tell the difference close up.
- Cost: Although it is less expensive than some natural stone options, high-quality quartz countertops are still expensive, especially in a large area like a kitchen.