Granite vs quartz worktops: Which material is better?

Contrary to popular belief, quartz and granite don’t actually have that much in common, beside the fact that they both have stone elements, and their composition and texture are akin. And of course, granite or quartz are highly resistant to staining and scratching, and don’t require much maintenance when it comes to cleaning. However, there isn’t much beyond that, and differences between quartz and granite are much larger.

Quartz vs granite countertops – what makes them different?

Firstly, granite is entirely natural, mined in various quarries around the world, the stone is simply polished, manufactured and distributed for decorative and practical use. This is as far as it goes for granite.

Quartz, on the other hand is entirely manmade – it’s a mixture and combination of vast elements, such as resin, stone particles, colouring dyes and indeed natural quartz etc. But quartz countertops are essentially made from scratch, and the manufacturers can influence their colouring, patterns and overall design accordingly, which is why they are able to create such intricate and unique designs. So the natural element is there, yet the fabrication of the material makes it a artificial product.

With granite the case is much simpler, you get what you see and beyond cutting it into special shapes, there is no means to implement the internal characteristics of this organic material.

This is why shades of granite are only limited, and are prone to extinction, seen as their deposits will one day be drained. Some see this as core of it’s beauty, because your granite worktop was made by nature, and what was produced is a one-of-a-kind composition. Many consider granite and marble as work of art, that has been admired and used throughout millennia of human history. On the other hand, quartz countertops’ colours, patterns and shades are indisputably endless, and every year more and more types of quartz are produced.

Granite vs quartz -do granite and quartz countertops look alike?

Granite slabs do not have a uniform color or appearance, which would be considered a pro for some and a disadvantage for others. Each natural stone piece is genuinely one of a kind in terms of pattern, color, and characteristics due to how it was formed in the earth. There are countless varieties of granite, including blue, green, black, white, and more. Depending on your aesthetic preference, you can find subtle and bold looks with little to no movement (veining).

On the other hand, quartz countertops have a more uniform look. This makes it easier to match veining and colour if your space is large enough to require more than one slab of material. Quartz countertops’ technology has evolved significantly in recent years. Manufacturers offer hundreds of colours and designs, some resembling granite and marble or other natural stone, and some more unique.

Granite or quartz – pros and cons of granite and quartz countertops

Advantages of quartz countertops:

Multitudinous choice of colours – within the stone countertops category, quartzes are superior when it comes to selection and range, with variations being wide and immense. So there’s certainly something out there for everybody.
Modern, fashionable and contemporary design – quartz countertop is found everywhere because they are a popular product. They simply do the job, and at the same time offer a touch of modernity and sleekness within every household.
Low porosity and stain resistant – quartzes are impregnated and chemically treated with various procedures throughout their process, so when the worktop lands in your home you won’t have to worry about the product absorbing liquids or chemicals. Thanks to their modern engineering quartzes are therefore exceptionally resistant when it comes to that aspect.
Resistance to physical impact – the product is fantastic at not only repelling but also being resistant to all sorts of physical shocks e.g. if you drop something or whack the worktop by accident – there’s a high chance that the worktop will deflect the impact, rather than getting chipped or cracked.

Advantages of granite countertops:

Complete uniqueness – this means that even batches of the same natural stone with the same properties, mined from same quarries will contain distinctive patterns e.g. vein complexes. This means that a colour of your worktop may be recognised, but it’s composition will be truly distinctive and original.
Organic material – it’s completely natural, thus it fits great with modern and traditional kitchen designs. No matter whether your cabinets are wooden, or colourful laminates – organic products like granite always blend-in well and successfully fit various styles of furnishing.
UV & heat resistance – The UV and fire resistance of granite countertops is superior. Perhaps only marble has the same qualities. Because it is a natural stone countertop, therefore if you cook a lot, and are used to putting your hot pan on the worktop, or perhaps if you have plenty of sunshine entering your kitchen, you shouldn’t be worried about your granite countertops getting damaged or decoloured.
Workability – A granite slab can be transformed into all sorts of shapes and sizes. This is also the case for quartz worktop. This means that when it comes to natural stone, you can order all sorts of layouts and preferable shapes to be installed in your kitchen. Rounded corners, swerves, holes for hobs, sinks and sockets, fancy edges, you name it!

How much do quartz countertops cost?

Buying and installing quartz countertops costs differently and depends top many factors. There are high (designer styles or imitation white marble) and low (basic styles and colours) quartz and granite materials. Sometimes these surface options can overlap in price. If you are buying countertops on a small budget or looking to save money, granite and quartz are probably not the best options. Consider residual material, laminate, or solid surface.

How much do granite countertops cost?

Typically, granite countertops cost differently and we are happy to provide you with a quote. The cost of granite countertops will vary depending on the design (whether it is a readily available colour or is considered a more exotic variety), the size of the project and the edges / finishes of the worktop chosen. You can check prices per square foot of both materials on our Quartz & Granite worktops calculator.