Granite vs Quartz: Understanding Its Pros and Cons

Granite vs Quartz: Pros and Cons

Stone countertops are extremely popular for many great reasons. They’re durable, easy to clean, and look gorgeous for years after installation.

One of the biggest debates in stone countertops is “Which is best, granite or quartz?” They both look beautiful and function well as countertops, so it can be hard to know how to choose between granite and quartz.

Let’s take a look at the various advantages each type of stone countertop provides to get a better understanding of granite and quartz.

Granite Pros

granite natural stone types

Granite is an excellent choice for a natural stone countertop. Here are some of the top reasons this beautiful stone makes such a great surface.

Heat Resistance

Granite countertops are highly heat resistant and capable of withstanding high temperatures commonly encountered in kitchen environments.

This heat resistance not only protects the countertops from damage but also provides added safety and convenience, allowing users to place hot cookware directly on the surface without fear of scorching or warping the stone.

Durability

Granite countertops are exceptionally durable. They can withstand daily wear and tear, scratches, and impacts without losing their structural integrity or aesthetic appeal. This durability ensures long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance.

Natural Veining

Granite countertops have a beautiful natural appearance, making them perfect for many styles of home. Whether you have a modern, minimalist kitchen or a cozy, rustic farmhouse aesthetic, granite countertops add timeless elegance and versatility to any design scheme.

The natural look of granite countertops never goes out of fashion—natural earth tones will always look great.

Quartz Pros

quartz natural stone types

Quartz countertops are made of engineered stone, which means they have an even wider range of appearances than granite. Here are some of the reasons you might enjoy quartz countertops in your home.

Durability

Quartz countertops are renowned for their exceptional durability, making them a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

They exhibit remarkable strength and resilience against impacts and abrasions, surpassing many natural stone options (including granite) in durability. Quartz countertops are also highly scratch-resistant, and if they do scratch, the damage buffs out easily.

Ease of Maintenance

One of the reasons quartz countertops are so popular is that they can have the luxurious look of marble without the maintenance needs.

Because quartz is an engineered stone, it doesn’t need to be sealed or treated delicately. Its nonporous surface makes it highly resistant to staining, bacteria growth, and moisture damage, providing homeowners with peace of mind and easy maintenance for their countertops.

Additional Considerations

In the battle of granite and quartz, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Consider the following when choosing a countertop type.

Granite Requires Sealing

Granite countertops require heat sealing to enhance their resistance to stains and moisture by closing off the stone’s natural pores.

Without heat sealing, your granite countertop can absorb liquids, which may cause discoloration or damage over time.

Quartz Is Sensitive to Heat

Quartz countertops can be damaged by excessive heat.

Placing hot pans directly on the surface can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks or discoloration.

Conclusion

At Olympia Stone, we take pride in giving our customers access to the nicest stone countertops available.

Whether you’re choosing between granite and quartz or want a more exotic stone, we have the slabs you need in the Indianapolis area. Contact us today for a free countertop estimate!

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