As homeowners shop around for their counters, at some point, they may ask themselves, “Which is better? Granite or Quartz countertops?”.
Opting for a stone counter in your bathroom or kitchen offers your home a timeless and luxurious look and feel. There are many stone countertops to choose from, and finding one that meets your needs and wants can feel overwhelming. Two popular options for kitchen or bathroom counters are granite and quartz. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons and advantages and disadvantages.
So which is better? Continue reading to find out.
Granite or Quartz Countertops: Which is Better?
While granite and quartz countertops share some similarities, they are pretty different from one another. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Pros and Cons of Granite Counters
Granite offers many benefits that quartz cannot, such as:
Heat Resistance: Granite can withstand high temperatures. You can place a hot pan right on top of it without causing damage (though many homeowners still use trivets). Granite countertops are often used in outdoor kitchens and other surfaces because they can tolerate extreme temperatures and UV rays.
Natural Materials: Some people prefer granite to quartz because it is a natural material.
Versatile Aesthetic and Look: Granite comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns that will match your specific design aesthetic, allowing your vision to come to life.
While granite comes with many advantages, it also comes with several drawbacks:
Required Maintenance: Granite stone is porous and will require sealing periodically. This can be done yourself, but a professional will get the job done more effectively and efficiently.
Irregular Design: Because granite is a natural stone, no two slabs are the same. If your attention to detail requires complete uniformity, granite counters may not be the best option for you.
Carbon Footprint: A lot of energy is used to remove granite from the earth. Moreover, slabs that are imported from other countries require lots of energy to move.
Pros and Cons of Granite Counters
Here are some benefits that quartz offers that granite does not:
Durability: Quartz is nonporous, making it resistant to stains and bacteria buildup. It is also resistant to cracking or chipping, like granite.
Low Maintenance: Quartz countertops do not require any maintenance outside of regular cleaning and care, unlike granite or marble.
Appearance: Quartz looks like a natural stone but has a wider selection of design options.
Some shortcomings of quartz include:
Not a Natural Stone: Some homeowners really want a natural stone in their home. Quartz is manufactured, not the real deal.
Heat Sensitivity: Quartz does not hold up to excessive heat because of its resin content. It also should not be used outside because of extreme temperatures.
Considering Granite or Quartz Counters in Your House? Contact Granite 4 Less Help
If you’re thinking about putting granite or quartz countertops in your Salt Lake City, Utah, home, contact Granite 4 Less. One isn’t really better than the other; it just comes down to what the homeowner wants and considers important. Our team of professionals can help you determine which is better, granite or quartz, for your wants and needs. We are dedicated to your timeline and your budget! Call Granite 4 Less for your free estimate today.