Pros and Cons of Quartz vs. Granite
When it comes to selecting the ideal natural stone for your Memphis residence, the debate between quartz and granite countertops is common. We’ll help you navigate this decision by delving into the pros and cons of each material. Join us to explore the factors influencing your choice, along with the essential 5 Questions to Ask When Selecting Your Countertops.
What is the Difference Between Granite and Quartz?
Let’s start at the basics and define what granite and quartz really are and where they come from.
Granite is a natural stone formed from the slow crystallization of magma deep within the Earth’s crust. Each slab is unique, showcasing intricate patterns and colors.
On the other hand, quartz is an engineered stone comprising approximately 90% natural quartz minerals and 10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This combination results in a highly customizable and durable surface.
Quartz vs. Granite: Which is a Better Countertop?
When choosing the perfect countertop material for your home, quartz, and granite are two of the most popular options. Deciding between the two can be challenging, as both materials have great features, and you can’t go wrong with either option. As you continue reading, we will explain the in-depth differences between the two products to help you determine which material suits your needs and preferences for your home countertop.
How to Tell the Difference between Quartz and Granite
Appearance
Pricing
Maintenance
Durability
How Much Are Quartz Countertops in Memphis?
The cost of quartz countertops in Memphis varies based on quality, color, design, and fabrication. On average, quartz countertops in Memphis typically range between $50 to $120 per square foot, including installation – while higher-end options could cost as much as $200 per square foot.
How Much Are Granite Countertops in Memphis?
Granite countertops in Memphis typically cost between $40 and $100 per square foot, including installation. The slab’s color, rarity, and thickness can impact the final price. Remember that more exotic or rare granite varieties can be more expensive.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
Pros
- Consistent appearance: The manufacturing process allows for a more consistent look across the entire countertop, making it easier to match with other design elements in your home.
- Low maintenance: Quartz is non-porous, which means it doesn’t require sealing and is resistant to stains, making it an ideal choice for busy kitchens and bathroom remodeling Memphis projects.
- Customizable: With a wide range of colors and patterns, quartz can be tailored to suit any design preference.
Cons
- Price: Quartz countertops are typically more expensive than granite countertops, which may be a significant factor for budget-conscious homeowners.
- Heat sensitivity: Quartz is more sensitive to heat than granite, so using trivets or hot pads is essential to prevent damage from hot cookware.
- Not as unique: Since quartz is an engineered material, it doesn’t possess the unique natural beauty of granite slabs.
Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops
Pros
- Natural beauty: The unique patterns and colors in granite slabs add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any space.
- Heat resistance: Granite countertops are highly resistant to heat, making them ideal for kitchens with frequent cooking.
- Scratch resistance: The toughness of granite makes it resistant to scratches from knives and other kitchen utensils.
Cons
- Maintenance: Granite countertops require periodic sealing to prevent stains from penetrating the porous surface Inconsistency: The natural variations in granite can make it challenging to match multiple slabs or coordinate with other design elements in your home.
- Cost: While granite can be more affordable than quartz, some high-end or rare varieties can be expensive.
Is Quartz Stronger Than Granite?
Hardness
Mohs scale measures the hardness of materials according to their ability to resist scratching, with quartz having an average rating of 7, while granite ranges between 6 and 6.5 on this scale. Quartz’s hardness rating suggests it may be more complicated than granite; this difference makes quartz more resistant against scratches and abrasions than its granite counterpart; nonetheless, both materials remain suitable for heavy traffic areas and use.
Durability
Durability measures a material’s ability to withstand wear, pressure, and damage over time. Quartz, an engineered stone composed of natural minerals and resin binders, exhibits high durability. The resin in quartz countertops makes them strong and adds flexibility, which helps prevent cracking and chipping.
On the other hand, granite is a natural stone with a crystalline structure, making it solid and durable. However, granite is more prone to chipping and cracking than quartz, especially along the edges or at weak points in the slab.
Resistance to Damage
When considering the strength of a countertop material, it’s also essential to evaluate its resistance to different types of damage:
- Stain Resistance: Quartz countertops are non-porous, meaning they do not absorb liquids and are highly resistant to staining. Granite is a porous material, which makes it more susceptible to staining if not sealed properly.
- Heat Resistance: Granite is more resistant to heat than quartz, which makes it a better choice for kitchens with frequent use of hot cookware. Quartz is sensitive to high temperatures and can be damaged by prolonged exposure to heat.
- Scratch Resistance: As mentioned earlier, quartz has a higher hardness rating on the Mohs scale, making it more resistant to scratches than granite. However, both materials are strong enough to withstand everyday kitchen use.
- Impact Resistance: Quartz, due to its resin content, has slightly better impact resistance than granite, making it less likely to crack or chip when struck by heavy objects.
Quartz vs. Granite: Which is Better?
Whether quartz or granite is the better choice for your Memphis home depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. To help guide your decision, consider the following factors:
- Aesthetic preferences: If you appreciate stone’s unique patterns and natural beauty, granite may be the better choice for your home. However, quartz might be more suitable if you prefer a more uniform and consistent appearance.
- Maintenance requirements: Quartz is a low-maintenance option that doesn’t require sealing. At the same time, granite countertops need periodic sealing to maintain their stain resistance.
- Budget: Granite can be more affordable than quartz, but the final cost will depend on factors like color, rarity, and thickness. Be sure to consider your overall budget when making your decision.
- Heat resistance: Granite is more heat-resistant than quartz, making it a better choice for kitchens where hot cookware is used frequently.
- Scratch resistance: While both materials are durable, quartz has a slight edge in scratch resistance, making it an excellent choice for busy kitchens.
Considering these factors and the pros and cons of each material stated earlier, you can decide which natural stone option is best for your Memphis home.
Marble Countertops
If you’re still unsure about Quartz vs. Granite, another option you can consider is Marble Countertop. Marble countertops are a classic and stylish choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of luxury to their kitchen or bathroom spaces. Marble is a natural stone known for its unique veining patterns and sophisticated appearance. However, when considering marble countertops, you need to understand their pros and cons to determine if they are the right choice for your home.
Pros of Marble Countertops
- Aesthetics: Marble is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural stone options. Its striking veining and soft color palette make it a timeless choice that can elevate the overall look of any space.
- Heat Resistance: Marble is a heat-resistant material. It is suitable for kitchen countertops where you can place hot pots and pans.
- Uniqueness: As a natural stone, no two marble slabs are exactly alike, ensuring that your countertops will be unique.
- Increased Home Value: Installing marble countertops can increase the value of your home, as they are often seen as a high-end, luxurious feature.
Cons of Marble Countertops
- Cost: Marble is typically more expensive than other natural stone options like granite, ranging from $60 to $200 per square foot, including installation.
- Maintenance: Marble is a porous material and requires regular sealing to protect it from stains and etching. Without proper care, marble countertops can become discolored or damaged over time.
- Scratch and Etch Prone: Marble is softer than other natural stone options, making it more susceptible to scratches and etching from acidic substances like citrus fruits or vinegar. Homeowners should take extra precautions when cutting boards and promptly clean up spills.
- Durability: While marble is relatively durable, it is not as resistant to chips, cracks, and other forms of damage as granite or quartz countertops.
Final Verdict
Quartz, granite, and marble countertops offer unique benefits and drawbacks, making the decision dependent on individual preferences, needs, and budget constraints.
Quartz countertops provide a highly customizable and consistent appearance, with low-maintenance requirements and excellent durability. These attributes make them ideal for homeowners seeking a modern, uniform look with minimal upkeep. However, quartz countertops can be more expensive and less heat-resistant than granite.
On the other hand, granite countertops showcase the natural beauty and uniqueness of stone, with excellent durability and heat resistance. They are famous for those who appreciate natural stone’s organic patterns and textures. However, granite requires periodic sealing to maintain its stain resistance and can be more prone to chipping than quartz.
Marble countertops exude luxury and elegance, with striking veining patterns and a timeless appeal. They can increase the value of your home and are heat-resistant, making them a suitable choice for kitchens. However, marble is more susceptible to staining, scratching, and etching than granite and quartz, requiring more careful maintenance and regular sealing.