Chris Bowe

Once again, we are up for a debate: is quartz as durable as granite? While this question is often too familiar with homeowners and business owners alike, there is more to it than just durability. You’re likely wondering about the pros and cons of quartz vs. granite countertops, so that we will outline the pros and cons of granite and quartz. Please get to know their source, attributes, and more. This way, you can clear up some doubts about the durability of each type, and you can finally choose the right one for you.

How do they compare

If you are thinking of having a home renovation, of course, you’d always choose which one is more durable. In selecting a countertop for your bathroom or kitchen, you have narrowed it down to two choices: quartz countertops vs. granite countertops. While this is not an easy decision, we have rounded up what you need to know about comparing both types. After all, quartz and granite have qualities that cater to each preference. 

In comparing quartz and granite, you need to look at durability, composition, and overall functionality. To fully understand the comparison of quartz and granite, we have looked into the pros and cons of each.

Quartz

What exactly is quartz? You may initially think that quartz is composed of 90% rock material or other minerals. From many geologists, the natural sorting of quartz is due to mineral strength and their differential weathering rates. So, there are weaker minerals than quartz that are more prone to weathering. After all, quartz is a predominant mineral that used to be in well-weathered sediment systems. Quartz is a natural hard mineral composed of silicon atoms and oxygen. This natural substance is abundant in the earth’s surface but has unique properties that can be a great countertop accent.

Pros

Due to the components used to make quartz, it does not require frequent sealing/ This is due to the resins used to fabricate the slabs. Plus, the material is uniform throughout, which means it does not have natural cracks or crevices. The resins in quartz countertops make them considerably more resistant to staining, unlike granite. According to some reports, quartz is also less susceptible to microbial growth because of its non-porous surface. Quartz is also highly resistant to impact and scratches, plus you won’t spend a lot of money on sealing and resealing.

Cons

Quartz is less heat-resistant than granite. Since quartz is artificial, it is easily subject to changes in heat. Unlike natural granite, it can withstand more heat. 

Granite 

Granite is an igneous rock made up primarily of quartz, feldspar, amphiboles, and a mixture of other minerals. These minerals give granite the signature appearance of colors and textures we see in granite countertops. Geologically, granite is a plutonic rock composed of 10 to 50% quartz and 65 to 90% total feldspar.

Pros

Granite is more heat resistant than quartz, making it a better option for high temperatures. Plus, granite has a distinctly natural look that caters to the preference of owners to complete an overall interior design. Perhaps the greatest durability feature of granite is its high resistance to heat and extreme temperatures. 

Cons

Granite is a relatively porous stone that requires frequent sealing upon installation. As you go through, you need to seal granite for it to perform better.  Granite also has natural cracks and crevices that may be prone to cracking for longer wear and tear. Keep in mind that granite requires sealing to perform better. With its natural cracks, microbes may grow and compromise the overall appearance of your countertop. Worse, it can affect your health, too.

Which is better

The debate boils down to a few questions that you have to ask yourself. Despite the differences between the two, it comes down to durability and the intent of the material. You will find much more beauty in granite if the countertop is used for high temperatures. But if you are looking for a great investment in the long run plus a cost-efficient approach. While granite has a more unique and” impossible to replicate” feel, quartz is popular for modern kitchen designs. Plus, you’ll find that quartz countertops are easier to clean and maintain. The key is to understand the purpose of the countertop before actually choosing which type of countertop you will be purchasing. To know more about the never-ending debacle between quartz and granite, you can check out this article. 

So there’s the breakdown of quartz vs. granite countertops when it comes to durability.  You can’t go wrong with either choice. If you want a sleek and high-end kitchen design, then you can always opt for quartz. It is both functional and classic. If you want a more grounded look, then granite is great for you. Just make sure that you’ll have fun choosing the right design not just for yourself but also for your family.

Contact us!

If you are still unsure which material to pick, we can help you out! At Faro Countertops, we pride ourselves on quality and professional work. From the start until countertop installation, our team ensures that we meet the expectations and needs of our clients. The team at Faro Countertops will offer quartz countertop services that are all done in-house, meaning we do not subcontract any third-party companies.  Faro Countertops guarantees the work reflects what our customers deserve, giving them peace of mind. We make sure that the quality of our countertops is of the highest standard possible. From material selection to installation, our services are complete and efficient. If you’re ready to choose a quartz countertop, contact us today, and we can offer you high-quality quartz countertops.

Our Services

QUARTZ WATERFALL EDGE 

QUARTZ BACKPLASH

QUARTZ INSTALLATION

UNDER MOUNTED KITCHEN SINK INSTALLATION

DIGITAL TEMPLATING FOR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF COUNTERTOPS

Faro Countertops

https://farocountertops.ca/

(604) 655-4985

[email protected]

3054 Saint Johns Street,Port Moody, BC V3H 4B6

The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal countertop material for aesthetic and practical purposes in most any kitchen. In addition to its natural strength, granite is a very beautiful stone that adds color and warmth to a room. Although granite countertops are quite popular, a homeowner may not want to spend the premium price for granite, or may live in an area subject to limitations on resale values. In cases like this, discount granite countertops are an attractive option.

Granite is relatively expensive, with prices starting at $60 a square foot. The majority of the cost is not in the stone itself, but in the quarrying, transportation, polishing and installation. Typically homeowners will contribute labor on improvements to reduce costs, but installing granite countertops should be left to the professionals. However, a large marketplace with numerous suppliers and substantial discounts creates a price range that allows anyone to have granite countertops in their home.

Granite suppliers will typically have three or four groupings of granite to choose from. The suppliers will refer to their groupings or "tiers" by numbers. The first tier will include the premium products that sell for the highest price. A stone is grouped based on several criteria, including country of origin, color, veins or patterns, thickness of the slab, amount of soft minerals in the stone, and fashion trends. Granite from lower tiers has the same beauty and utility as the slabs in the upper groupings. Additionally, stones in a lower tier could be harder than some stones in a first tier, so it pays to get out and look around.

While granite from the lower tiers exhibits the hardness granite is known for, the presence of softer minerals may require additional cabinet supports or a penetrating sealant. Thinner cut stone may be a little less than two centimeters instead of a recommended three; if so, the installer can provide additional stability by laminating it to plywood backing. Discount granite suppliers will typically deal with a thinner cut stone, and many suppliers now carry stones that are intentionally cut thin and laminated at the quarry.