Granite or Quartz: Which Kitchen Countertop is Best for You?

Granite has been the leading choice for kitchen countertops so far this century. The natural beauty and durability are a real plus for homeowners, and many homebuyers will accept nothing less. Then came quartz, which has quickly gained popularity among kitchen designers and homeowners, sparking a debate of granite or quartz. Which countertop is best for your kitchen? Baker Residential is offering a comparison so you can be the judge.

Structure

Granite is a 100% natural stone, comprised of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals that create its unique colors and patterns. It is mined, cut, and then polished to a high sheen.

Quartz results from the crystallization of silicon, and it’s one of the most abundant materials within the earth’s crust. The engineered quartz that is used for countertops, is about 95% ground quartz and 5% resin, which binds the crushed stone.

Appearance

Granite is mined all over the world. Each quarry produces a particular color variation, from shades of white across the spectrum of earth tones to black. Since your granite countertop is 100% natural stone, the colors, patterns, and flecks vary from slab to slab. If you appreciate this randomness, granite is a good choice. Bear in mind that the granite you choose in the showroom will not exactly match what is installed in your kitchen, due to these variations. The seams might be more noticeable because of the changes in the pattern from one slab to the next.

As a manufactured surface, quartz offers a wide array of colors and patterns. When quartz is engineered for countertops, pigments are added to achieve the desired look. You can order a particular quartz color and expect a perfect match. The uniformity also reduces the appearance of seams. 

Maintenance

Your granite countertop is a porous stone, so it can absorb liquids and develop a stain and potentially allow bacteria to grow. To protect your investment, seal the countertop once a year. You can test the surface with water and then lemon juice to determine whether you need to reseal it, which is a simple process.

Quartz, on the other hand, is not porous and will not absorb spills, so you won’t need to apply a sealant.

Durability

Both granite and quartz are tough enough to stand up to most of the kitchen activity. Granite might chip if it’s hit hard enough. The edges and corners are most at risk, but choosing a rounded edge can reduce that chance. 

Quartz is strong as well. Although less likely to crack, it isn’t scratch-proof. 

Cost

The price of the countertop material you choose will depend on the quality, color, and size. On average, the cost of quartz countertops runs about 15% more than granite.

You decide!

We can help you review the options for your new home’s countertops. Baker Residential includes granite as a standard feature in our luxury townhomes in Hackettstown, NJ, and single-family homes in Cary, NC, but we also want you to have choices. Your home is a major investment. The builder plays a big role in the outcome. When you’re ready to buy or build the home of your dreams, please talk to us at Baker Residential.