You are planning to renovate your kitchen or primary bath, and the budget is going toward new countertops. As you weigh which countertop material is the best fit, you find yourself torn between granite and engineered quartz.
There’s no need to worry: both granite and engineered quartz are well-regarded countertop materials. The challenge is matching your needs and budget to the right one.
In this guide, we explain the strengths and drawbacks of each material so you can make a better decision in the end.
Composition
Granite
Granite countertops, whatever their price point, are cut from natural stone that is quarried from the ground. Granite is a combination of several minerals, including mica, feldspar and quartz.
Quartz
Engineered quartz, by contrast, is made mostly of ground natural quartz and other minerals, bound together with a small proportion of polymer resin. The result is a durable, non-porous slab that resists stains and is easy to keep clean.
Beauty and Design
Granite
Many homeowners and businesses are drawn to the classic, natural appearance of granite. There are numerous styles, patterns and hues to choose from, including whites, blacks, greens, reds and combinations of these.
The natural color variation and veining of granite are a large part of its standing as a premium countertop stone. Because it is a natural material, every slab is different, and what you can choose from depends on the slabs a supplier has in stock.
Quartz
Engineered quartz, in contrast, offers a wide and predictable range of styles and patterns. Manufacturers can control the color and veining during production, and many designs mimic the appearance of marble or granite.
The hallmarks of quartz are consistency and a modern look, which suit a contemporary or minimalist kitchen island or bathroom vanity.
One thing to plan for is seams, which can be noticeable on solid-colored quartz. Using larger slabs, placing seams carefully or choosing a design with bolder veining helps make them less visible.
Impact on Nature
Granite
Producing granite slabs takes a significant amount of fuel and electricity, from quarrying the stone to cutting and transporting the slabs.
Some producers have adopted more efficient practices that make granite production less wasteful and less energy-intensive.
Quartz
Quartz slabs are manufactured from ground quartz and other minerals, so less of the raw stone goes to waste. Even so, producing them uses fuel, electricity and resins, so neither material is impact-free.
Cost
Granite
In general, the cost of granite countertops varies from one supplier to another and with the type of granite you choose. Common colors are among the more affordable stone options, while rare and exotic slabs cost considerably more.
If you want to save, you can look at granite remnants for smaller tops, or at granite tile. With some flexibility on color, it is usually possible to find a good granite at a reasonable cost.
Quartz
Quartz countertops often have a somewhat higher upfront cost than common granites, depending on the design and thickness, though the two price ranges overlap.
Remember that whichever material you choose, customizing your countertops adds to the cost. Typical extras include edge profiles, special finishes, sink and cooktop cutouts and, for natural stone, sealing.
Resilience to Heat, Scratches, Cracks, and Dents
Granite
Granite is a hard stone with very good heat resistance. In a high-traffic kitchen, a granite countertop stands up well to daily wear and the occasional knock.
Despite its durability, we still suggest using cutting boards, trivets and hot pads to preserve the appearance of your granite.
Quartz
Engineered quartz is also very hard and resists light scratches and dents well. However, the resin in quartz can be damaged by high heat, and prolonged direct sunlight may cause discoloration over time.
So hot pads, coasters, trivets and cutting boards are just as important on a quartz kitchen island or countertop.
Stone Care and Maintenance
Granite
Granite has a porous surface, so it should be sealed, and resealed from time to time, to improve its resistance to stains and moisture. A sealed surface is easier to clean and keeps your granite kitchen island and vanity tops in good condition.
For cleaning, mild dishwashing liquid or a neutral stone cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth are all you need. Avoid abrasive scrubbers when wiping debris and spills off granite surfaces.
Quartz
Daily cleaning is the same for quartz countertops. Both materials are low-maintenance; the main difference is that quartz doesn’t need periodic sealing because its surface is non-porous.