4 Things You Didn’t Know About Quartz vs Granite

Granite countertop on a kitchen island with stools.

If you’re considering a countertop upgrade you’ll want to consider both granite and quartz. Let’s start comparing them with a brief rundown and then dive into some of the finer points.

A brief rundown of quartz and granite

Granite countertops are quarried directly from the earth as a single chunk. These counters are all natural stone that have been taken out as large blocks that can be later cut into individual slabs.

Quartz countertops contain crushed quartz mixed with resin in a ratio of 93% quartz to 7% resin. They are manufactured in a variety of different patterns and colors.

An in-depth look at the pros and cons of quartz

A brief rundown of quartz and granite

Granite countertops are quarried directly from the earth as a single chunk. These counters are all natural stone that have been taken out as large blocks that can be later cut into individual slabs.

Quartz countertops contain crushed quartz mixed with resin in a ratio of 93% quartz to 7% resin. They are manufactured in a variety of different patterns and colors.

An in-depth look at the pros and cons of quartz

As with granite, quartz countertops also have their own sets of drawbacks and benefits that go along with them.

Quartz countertops are just as strong as granite but have the added benefit of being more flexible. This makes them easier to work with during the installation process.
Quartz is non-porous and does not require any sealing – ever. These stones offer a virtually no-maintenance material solution for countertops.
These counters are also very durable but they cannot be considered indestructible either. They are stain-resistant as well so dropping a glass of wine on them simply requires a quick cleanup.
One drawback that you should definitely take note of is these counters can discolor over time when exposed to direct sunlight. If you have a part of your counter that receives some of the UV rays from the sun while another part doesn’t, over time you may see a color difference.
These countertops need to be professionally installed and quartz is even heavier than granite.
You can expect to see seams with a quartz counter but they will be less visible if you choose a slab that’s darker in color. As well, the seams are easier to hide when you choose quartz because the counter has been colored and manufactured. If you buy a quartz countertop in a solid color, it’s much easier to hide the seam to a certain extent.

With granite, the natural veins and colors in the stone will never allow the seams to appear less visible.

The benefits and drawbacks of granite

Here are some of the most important drawbacks and benefits of granite that you need to know:

The appearance is not uniform. These stones are coming right out of the earth and are not perfectly designed by nature. For some this will be a benefit while others will consider it to be a drawback.
Granite countertops will need to be sealed before they are used and this will need to be repeated year after year for as long as you own the countertop. Granite is a porous stone and can only be considered to be stain-resistant if it has been sealed properly. While some people only seal their granite countertops every 3 years, it’s best to be safe and to do it yearly. If for any reason the sealant on the counter gets compromised, your countertop can get stained.
Countertops made of granite are extremely durable but should not be considered to be indestructible. It is a natural rock and can break or chip if subjected to heavy abuse. For regular day-to-day activities though, and with proper maintenance, this is a countertop that can last for a lifetime and beyond.
The stones are heavy and require a professional installation. Don’t even think of hiring your neighborhood handyman to put in your new countertop to save a few dollars.
It’s impossible to hide the seams in a granite counter. Expect the seams to show up once it has been installed.
The samples that you see can slightly differ from the stone that you receive. Keep in mind that these are naturally occurring slabs so the samples cannot be a true 100% reflection of the stone you are ordering. There may be color variances or occlusions in the stone you receive that gives the slab a slightly different appearance.

White quartz countertop on mahogany cabinets.

It’s all about you – the reviews can get very confusing!

If you spend some time browsing through the internet you’ll find a range of different reviews about quartz vs granite. While one homeowner will tell you that you absolutely, positively must get a quartz countertop, another reviewer will insist upon buying granite counters. When you do spend some time reading through these reviews, however, you will notice one point that stands out.

Both quartz and granite countertop owners are defending their own personal choices with a vengeance because they are so completely pleased with their counters. At the end of the day, you can walk away from these reviews knowing that choosing either quartz or granite stones will provide you with a countertop that you’ll love!

Let’s compare the cost

This can be the biggest consideration when it comes to choosing between a quartz countertop and one that’s made of granite. If you’re like most people you have a budget that you’re trying to stick to for your countertop material.

There’s no doubt that with either product you’re going to have to be digging deep into your pockets. A slab of granite is usually priced starting at $60 a square foot but the prices rise quickly from that point on. For quartz countertops, you’ll generally be paying anywhere from $67 up to $95 per square foot. For a 28 ft.² counter made of quartz you’ll have to budget for approximately $2200 – $3100. Here are some more details to help you get a closer estimate.

In most cases you’ll end up paying more for granite unless you find something in the $60 range that you love. Prices can vary according to the manufacturer, the pattern and the color of the granite slab. Fortunately, during recent years, the prices on granite countertops have come down significantly since they first made their appearance on the market.

Granite can often end up costing a bit more than quartz since it is a natural rock. This means that the complete slab needs to be excavated from the earth as one chunk of stone. This extraction along with the shipping of the product consumes a lot of energy, time and ultimately money. When it comes to granite slabs, you’ll need to be willing to pay the price for a thicker piece. The thinner the granite is, the weaker it will be as well.

All in all, you may have to pay slightly more for granite, but the cost difference won’t be all that significant. The important thing is to choose a budget and then do your best to stay within it by choosing the quartz or granite stone that you think will look fantastic displayed in your kitchen.

When it comes to aesthetics…

This is personal choice only. Don’t let anyone else tell you which one looks better. There are some very beautiful brands that make quartz likeCaesarstone and Cambria. If you’re looking at a painting and absolutely love it and then someone else comes along and tells you how bad it is, you’ll still love the painting despite the bad critique. The same goes for quartz versus granite. They both make lovely countertops and there is going to be one that grabs your fancy more than the other. It’s just human nature and you’ll have to decide for yourself which one you prefer the best.

Some people like the look of granite more than quartz because it has a natural earthy aspect to it. Others prefer the sleek uniform look of quartz. The great news is that you can never go wrong by choosing either one!

Why does granite seemed to be so much more popular than quartz?

Back in the 1990s, granite officially became a status symbol in the world of countertops. You had “made it” once you owned a counter that was made of natural stone. There’s something about granite and its “back to nature” appeal that simply cannot be replaced by any type of quartz, marble or stainless steel countertop.

It has secured its place as a must-have high-end stone and even nowadays it is deemed to be more prestigious than its counterparts. Granite continues to be the best-selling natural counter that you can find on the market, even though quartz continues to gain ground and even now that the prices of Silestone and other quartz manufacturers have come in line with granite. You can also get some very good deals on countertops at Ikea.

The indoor air quality of your home

There has been a lot of concern about the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be present in either quartz or granite counters. Quartz countertops are comprised of approximately 90% quartz and 10% epoxy binder (resin) and acrylic. This means that most quartz tops have more VOCs than countertops made of granite. On the other hand, some granite slabs containradon in very low levels. For the most part though, both of those countertops are considered safe for indoor use.

Adding to the value of your home

Adding a stone countertop to your home will definitely increase its value. While there are a lot of renovations you can do that will not contribute to the overall home’s value, a good stone countertop will raise the price value. You can expect to get back the value of your purchase when you resell your house later on. Adding a new natural stone counter can also help your home sell faster.

It’s hard to believe what a difference a quartz or granite countertop can make when it comes to selling a home. Some potential home buyers will even ask their real estate agents if the home comes with a granite countertop. As well, if a buyer is looking at 2 homes that are similar and one has a stone counter while the other has a laminate one, the odds are good that the home with the quartz or granite counter will be the chosen one. If you had to compare Silestone and granite countertops you probably wouldn’t let that sway your decision as you would with an inferior surface.

Going back to the status symbol effect of a granite countertop, you may want to keep in mind the effect it can have on a potential buyer if you’re planning on selling your home in the not-too-distant future. Granite countertops attract home buyers like honey!

The environmental impact

Today’s consumers are trying to make the best sustainable choices whenremodeling their homes. In terms of countertops, quartz materials generally leave less of a carbon footprint. Many of these products contain content that has been recycled and the manufacturing process is more environmentally friendly. Granite needs to be quarried from the ground and then shipped across the world to the manufacturing site. While quartz is also mined oversees and then shipped to the United States, there is one company that does its own processing in this country.

Woman using a sealer to protect her granite countertop.

If you’re looking for the friendliest environmental choice it’s coming from Cambria in the form of a quartz countertop. Most of their products are made in the United States, which helps to support the local economy while saving on fossil fuels that would be required for shipping from abroad. Their products are also Greenguard Certified, meaning that they do not have any type of impact on the air quality indoors. This company also recycles all of the water used during the manufacturing process.

When it comes down to it, there is a lot of energy being used for the manufacturing and excavating of both of these stone countertops. On the other side of the coin, however, they are both extremely durable and can last a lifetime when cared for properly. In this regard, they can be viewed as a sustainable countertop that can conceivably last the entire lifetime of the home.

Most people are only going to remodel their home 2 to 3 times during the span of their life. During the time delay between these remodeling efforts, a lot of changes can occur. The newer generations are looking for something different than their grandparents had and not all consumers are choosing granite just to make an impression. Today’s homeowners put more value on individuality and are often looking at new ideas for countertops. The ease-of-use and aesthetics of all stone countertops, including granite and quartz, are also important factors when it comes to countertops that fit into today’s busy lifestyles.

So which one should you choose?

The one that you find the most aesthetically pleasing, fits into your budget and highlights the mood and ambiance you are trying to create in your kitchen. Because when it comes down to it, there really is no wrong choice. There’s just personal preference.

An upscale kitchen and an upgraded bathroom can practically sell a home. But a few other “must-have” amenities might surprise you.

Must-haves

Huge closets. In a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders, builders and remodelers said the single, most-requested amenity is a walk-in closet in the master bedroom. In a survey of 1,000 homeowners, 31% said they would happily sacrifice some other household feature for his-and-hers closets in the master bedroom.

Most new homes feature at least a couple of walk-in closets, but house hunters want them bigger and more elaborate. Copper Creek Homes includes a power outlet in all master bedrooms, to power cell phones, or Irons.

An efficient laundry room. Second on the house-hunters’ wish list is a state-of-the-art laundry room, according to the NAHB survey of 400 homebuilders. "A good walk-in closet or laundry room might not be sexy, but they do make a household run better—and what's the point of moving to a [newly built] home if it's not going to make your life easier?" asked Stephen Melman of the National Association of Home Builders’ surveys and housing research division.

Homebuyers are looking for laundry rooms with skylights, built-in ironing boards, room for folding clothes, storage and upgraded appliances.

Energy-efficient everything. That includes low-e windows, programmable thermostats and Energy Star appliances, which will save the homebuyer money on future energy bills. Copper Creek Homes also uses open web trusses allowing the duct system to be in an insulated space making the home more energy efficient.

A great room. Much more than a dining room, the absence of a great room is a deal-breaker for many would-be homebuyers. The bigger and brighter, the better, the NAHB study revealed, especially for couples with children who live at home.

Nine-foot ceilings. This family favorite is only for the first floor. Buyers are asking their builders for the elevated ceilings—the standard is eight feet high—to open up living rooms, dining rooms and other shared spaces. Copper Creek Homes in Vancouver WA includes as a standard Nine-foot ceilings.

Outside the box

Here are three design changes we as homebuilders consider as we market our product to nontraditional buyers with once-uncommon needs:

Mother-in-law suites. About one in six Americans lives in a multigenerational home, according to the public policy group Generations United. Builders are responding by designing homes to include small apartments or extra-large suites so middle-age homeowners can invite their older parents or adult children to live with them.

Tandem Garages. To be used for storage, shops. or general work space great for lots that are narrow and wont hold a traditional 3 car garage.

Safe rooms. In Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas and other tornado- and hurricane-torn states, storm shelters are becoming so common that many builders offer them as standard fare.

The rooms’ walls often are made from brick or concrete, have no windows and feature steel doors.

In Washington, IL, population 15,000, a November 2013 tornado damaged or destroyed more than 250 buildings and injured 120 people. The city estimatesthat at least 10% of the replacement homes will have safe rooms.

Worth the sacrifice

Homebuyers surveyed said that they would sacrifice a location near public transportation, or better schools or proximity to entertainment and shopping—and would gladly pay more—for these five home features:

His-and-hers closets in the master bedroom.
A spa-like master bathroom.
A large eat-in kitchen.
A kitchen island.
A bathtub.

"Consumers today aren't just looking for the biggest house on the block,” “They're looking for more efficient use of space and a greater area allocated to 'workhorse' spaces, like the kitchen."

In a separate survey by the National Association of Home Builders, most buyers said they would pay more for an environmentally friendly home, once surveyors explained how much less the home’s utility bills would cost. That’s a switch from typical surveys, which have shown that homeowners say they want “green” features in their new homes—until they’re asked how much more they would pay for them. Then, the amenities become less important.

Can live without

What’s hot and what’s not can change as quickly as the weather. Here are five expensive features that house hunters once believed they couldn’t live without—and now wouldn’t spend a dime extra to get them, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

1. The cathedral ceiling over a family room. Too costly to heat and cool, the high-ceilinged rooms lost favor with homebuyers looking for something a bit warmer and cozier.

2. The sunroom. Nice to have but not necessary, sunrooms still have their place in cold-weather climates because they let a lot of light into the house on dark days. But elsewhere, they’ve fallen out of favor.

3. The outdoor fireplace. In warm climates, where it’s comfortable to hang out on the patio for nine months out of every year, fireplaces once made crisp fall evenings outdoors even more appealing. Still, it’s an easy feature to cut when budgets are tight.

4. The outdoor kitchen. Among the most lavish upgrades to a home, the fully equipped second kitchen—located outside on an oversized patio—doubled as a convenience and a status symbol. But the indoor kitchen works just as well when money is tight.

5. Laminate kitchen countertops. This amenity is much more affordable than its natural-stone competitors—yet it’s as “out” as a feature can be. Today’s homeowners want natural, more upscale materials in their kitchens, the NAHB survey of builders revealed.

"A lot of it has to do with the bottom line," says NAHB’s Melman. "Consumers are asking: 'Is this something I can cross out and still enjoy my new home?'"

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