Granite vs Quartz – A countertop Derby
Granite and Quartz are two giants in the countertop world, with customers often torn between the two. Whereas they do have some very similar qualities in terms of look and durability there are some very subtle differences in those key areas that stand them apart also.
In this blog we will help you to understand the key factors to help your customers make that important decision, while also having some fun by playing them against each other in a classic football derby style, to see which surface will knock up those goals and take the title of the superior countertop.
Origins of Quartz & Granite
For the fans of natural stone Granite will always be in a winner in this category. Granite is mined from pure stone, cut into slabs or tiles and then textured, polished and finished to the ideal look and feal. Quartz, however, is made up from crushed quartz and bound together with resin and colour pigments.
A typical Quartz countertop will contain 92%-94% quartz whereas a granite countertop is 100% granite. With the natural look playing a huge part in current trends, this is an easy first win for Granite.
With an early shot from Granite, the score currently stands at:
Granite 1-0 Quartz
The Look Of Granite Vs Quartz
Granite will often show slight natural variations in the hue, due to it being a wholly natural product. This is often a huge plus point for many people who prefer the natural look.
Quartz is manufactured and, as such has a more consistent colour as it’s artificially added with pigments meaning you are unlikely to find variation in a single slab.
A huge plus-point for Quartz in this category is that it is available in a much wider variety of colours than granite.
Of course, the look is a very subjective topic and personal preference is going to play a huge part here. Some customers will prefer the natural qualities of granite with all its variances. Others prefer the consistency of quartz.
With this in mind, we need to give both sides a point here.
This pushes forward the score to
Granite 2 – 1 Quartz
With an extra goal apiece, Granite remains in the lead.
Durability Of Granite Vs Quartz
This is where Granite will take a hit. As a stone it is much more durable than other natural stones such as Limestone and Marble, however, when it competes against engineered stone it cannot hold up its defence.
Granites natural composition is porous, which means it will require a certain amount of maintenance to stand up to classic kitchen substances. Granite will require sealing on installation and then a reapplication regularly throughout its life to help to repel stains and water. Granite is also more likely to crack or chip over the much stronger Quartz.
Due to the composition of Quartz with the resin bound into the stone, it has a much stronger countertop. Quartz will not require as much sealing as granite and due to the fact it is non-porous, it is actually much more hygienic as germs cannot collect in the pours making it easier to clean.
That said, the resin used in Quartz cannot handle even gentle heat so you cannot risk putting any hot cookware on the surface.
Both Granite and Quartz have an expected lifespan between 25 – 50 years depending on the care given to the stone.
However, Quartz wins the point in this challenge as its durability and low maintenance clearly outshines Granite.
With an excellent goal from Quartz to level up the playing field, it is now anyone’s game as the score stands
Granite 2 – 2 Quartz
Quartz Vs Granite Pricing
There isn’t much between them on this one with them both starting from around £60 per square foot. Though with the higher end coming in at around £130 for Granite in comparison to Quartz’ £100 per square foot Quartz just runs away with the point.
Quartz has snuck into the lead with current scoreline now standing at
Granite 2 – 3 Quartz
The Environmental Impact of Granite & Quartz
Due to the way it is manufactured, Granite releases fewer carbon emissions during its production than Quartz, making it a more eco-friendly material.
Just in the last few minutes, Granite managed to tie the score to:
Granite 3 – 3 Quartz
Leaving this match to conclude in a respectable draw.
So what have we learnt from pitching these two giants against each other?
Firstly I think it is easy to see why these two are a popular choice in kitchens across the world. With them both scoring some key points in important factors we can safely assume their popularity will only continue to grow.
When helping your customer select the material on their choice it is important to consider what is important to them. If their main priority is look and style then Granite is a clear winner, with the natural look gaining favour in most kitchens. If your customer is looking for low maintenance, durability and hygiene then Quartz is probably their best bet, an ideal choice for a busy family home.