Quartz vs. Granite: Which Countertop Material Is More Durable?

If you’re currently choosing materials for your kitchen or bathroom countertops, you’ll likely be considering two of the most well-known options: quartz and granite.

At first glance, these two materials might seem nearly identical, but there are distinct differences between quartz and granite countertops. Both are attractive and durable, but they vary in their composition, origin, weight, maintenance needs, and more.

Natural Stone vs. Engineered Stone Countertops

A key difference between quartz and granite countertops lies in their production process. Granite is considered a natural stone, while quartz is classified as an engineered stone in the realm of countertops.

Natural Origins

Both quartz and granite countertops originate from genuine natural materials. Quartz is primarily a crystalline mineral made up of silica, whereas granite is an igneous rock formed from a mix of minerals, including feldspar, mica, and quartz.

Depending on the minerals present, both quartz and granite can come in various colors, such as black, brown, red, blue, or green.

Manufacturing Differences

Nevertheless, manufacturers utilize these materials in distinct ways to create countertops. Granite surfaces are made by cutting large slabs of granite into the desired dimensions.

On the other hand, producers mix crushed quartz crystals with resins and other minerals to produce what’s known as "engineered quartz" or "engineered stone," which is then shaped into a quartz countertop.

This non-porous material has a consistent texture and appearance that mimics real stone, despite being a manmade creation resulting from a refined manufacturing technique.

Appearance and Uniqueness

Once you know what to look for, it becomes easy to tell the difference between granite's organic, unpredictable swirls and quartz’s more consistent, uniform look.

Granite countertops offer a more natural and diverse appearance, featuring distinct patterns and colors that result from the specific minerals found in each slab. If you value the authenticity and uniqueness of natural stone, granite countertops could be the perfect option for you.

Quartz countertops, being a manufactured product, imitate the look of natural stone but provide a more uniform appearance. While they also showcase a variety of colors and patterns, they lack the distinct, one-of-a-kind variations found in granite.

If you prefer the predictability and modern appeal of an engineered stone, quartz may be the ideal material to enhance your interior design.

Ease of Installation

The weight of the countertop material is an important factor during installation, and quartz and granite differ in this respect. Quartz is the lighter, more manageable option of the two.

Granite countertops are quite heavy because of their solid stone structure. Installing them demands careful attention and may require additional support for the underlying structure. Furthermore, transporting and handling granite slabs can be labor-intensive, potentially raising installation costs if specialized equipment is needed.

In contrast, quartz countertops are lighter than granite. Fabricators produce engineered quartz slabs with uniform thickness, making them easier to handle and install.

This could lead to potential savings on costs. Or, if you're into DIY home improvement, you might even feel confident enough to install quartz countertops on your own.

Differences in Durability and Resistance

Stone countertops are often found in high-traffic spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, so their ability to withstand heat, scratches, and everyday wear is key. Both quartz and granite countertops are very durable, but granite is better at handling heat, while quartz is more resistant to spills.

Granite countertops are dense and exceptionally heavy, which makes them very resistant to scratches and heat. For instance, you can place hot pots and pans directly on granite without worrying about heat damage or thermal shock. While quartz countertops are still tough, they don't handle heat as well. Putting a hot pan on quartz could potentially cause cracks.

One drawback of granite is that it's porous, meaning it can absorb liquids and stains if not properly sealed. On the other hand, quartz countertops are more resistant to stains due to their non-porous surface, offering you more peace of mind when it comes to spills from common items like wine, oil, or acidic substances.

Maintenance and Everyday Care

Quartz countertops generally require less maintenance than granite countertops.

Granite countertops need periodic sealing to protect against stains and preserve their fresh appearance. This sealing process must be repeated regularly, which can be more maintenance than some homeowners prefer.

Quartz countertops, in contrast, don't need sealing, which could be a major advantage if you prefer a more low-maintenance solution.

Luckily, keeping both quartz and granite countertops clean is simple. A mix of mild soap and warm water will easily remove dirt and grime, but be cautious of using abrasive cleaners or acidic products as they can damage the smooth surface.

It's important to note that quartz’s non-porous surface makes it particularly resistant to stains and less likely to support bacterial growth, making it an ideal choice for germ-free kitchen countertops if that's a priority for you.

Quartz vs. Granite: Environmental Impact

As environmental impact becomes increasingly important, it's worth considering both quartz and granite countertops from an eco-conscious perspective. While both have their benefits and drawbacks, quartz is generally viewed as the more environmentally friendly choice.

Critics of granite and other natural stone materials highlight the environmental destruction caused by extracting them from the Earth's crust. Additionally, transporting granite slabs can also have a significant environmental impact, especially when long-distance shipping is involved.

On the other hand, some argue that granite is a durable material that doesn't need to be replaced often, and its longevity helps balance out its initial environmental cost. Furthermore, quarries and mines that adopt sustainable practices can minimize their environmental footprint.

In comparison, the production of engineered quartz countertops allows for the incorporation of recycled materials, which helps reduce waste. Supporters also claim that quartz is more durable than granite due to its nonporous nature. However, critics point out that the resin used in quartz production is not biodegradable.

As with most materials, the total environmental impact of a countertop depends largely on the resource extraction process and the manufacturing practices employed by the company.

Health Concerns Surrounding Quartz

If you are concerned about supporting unsafe conditions in the countertop manufacturing industry, granite may be the more responsible choice for you.

A significant downside to quartz is its association with serious health risks. In December 2023, Australia imposed a ban on the production and importation of engineered stone due to a surge in silicosis cases.

Silicosis is a dangerous disease caused by inhaling silica dust from materials like engineered stone, such as quartz countertops. While granite also contains silica, engineered stones tend to have much higher concentrations, making them far more dangerous to work with.

In the U.S., as of July 2023, more than 10 deaths and nearly 80 cases of illness in California from silicosis prompted the state to consider a ban like the one in Australia. Other states, such as Texas, Florida, and Washington, have also reported cases.

While the federal government has set standards for silica exposure in the workplace, there is concern that many factories may not be meeting these standards or could be out of compliance altogether.