If you ’re in the process of choosing countertop materials for your kitchen or bathroom , you already know two of the most democratic options are quartz and granite countertop .
On the surface ( punning intended ) , these two materials look extremely similar , but there are key difference when it comes toquartz vs. granitecountertops . While both countertop textile are beautiful and long - durable , they differ in term of their stock , composition , weighting , necessary care and other factors .
Natural Stone vs. Engineered Stone Countertops
One of the most profound distinctions between quartz andgranite countertopsis their manufacturing appendage . In the context of countertop , you may call granite a natural stone surface and quartz an engineered stone surface .
Natural Origins
Both quartz and granite countertops have their origins in genuine raw materials . Quartzis a crystalline mineral consisting in the main of silica . Meanwhile , graniteis an igneous stone frame of various mineral , such as feldspar , mica , and vitreous silica .
Both can be unlike coloring , like black , brown , reddened , blue or green , depending on what other elements are present .
Manufacturing Differences
However , manufacturers use these resources in different ways when making countertops . They craft granite surface by direct piece from big granite slabs and cutting them to the desired specifications .
In line , producers unite crush quartz crystals with rosin and other mineral to make what they call " mastermind quartz " or " organize stone " before turning it into a vitreous silica countertop .
This non - holey control surface has a consistent appearance and texture that resembles substantial Harlan Fisk Stone even though it ’s the manmade result of a carefully honed manufacturing process .
Appearance and Uniqueness
Once you roll in the hay what you ’re look for , it can be light to speciate between granite ’s unpredictable whirl and quartz ’s more uniform appearance .
Granite countertops volunteer a more raw and wide-ranging look , showcasing unique patterns and colors that number from the specific minerals present in each slab . If you appreciate the legitimacy and individuality of natural stone , granite countertops might be the correct pick for you .
Quartz countertops , being an engineered product , mimic the look of natural stone but can offer a more consistent appearance . Like granite ones , they feature different colors and patterns but miss the one - of - a - kind variations .
If you prefer the predictability and contemporary aesthetic of an orchestrate Lucy Stone , quartz might be the better textile to complement your internal style .
Ease of Installation
The weighting of the countertop cloth can also be a crucial consideration during installation , and vitreous silica and granite stack up a little differently , with quartz being the lighter , more manageable of the two .
Granite countertops are exceedingly sullen due to their satisfying stone typography . instal them requires extra care and may even ask extra structural livelihood . Moreover , enthrall and handling granite slab can be labor - intensive and may necessitate higher installation costs if the company has to use specialised equipment .
Quartz countertop , in comparison , are light-headed than granite . Fabricators craft engineered quartz slabs to be uniform in thickness , making them easier to handle and install .
This could potentially intend a price savings for you . Or , if you ’re the DIY home advance type , you might even feel convinced taking on quartz countertops yourself .
Differences in Durability and Resistance
You usually find stone countertop in high - dealings area like kitchens and bathrooms , so their underground to heat , modest prick , and other wear and tear is an important tone to consider . While lechatelierite countertops and granite countertops are both extremely durable , granite does better against heating system , while crystal does well against spills .
A granite countertop is solid and extremely enceinte , establish it extremely repellent to loot and heat . For illustration , you may localise hot pots and genus Pan straightaway on granite counters without vex about stimulate any heating system hurt or thermal shock . vitreous silica countertop , while still durable , are not as rut resistant . Placing a hot genus Pan directly on a quartz glass countertop could potentially conduct to cracks .
A downside to granite is that it ’s a porous stuff , which means it will suck up liquid and stains if you do n’t varnish it properly . lechatelierite countertops are more mark - repellent , thanks to their non - poriferous surface . This means that with quartz you could worry a little less about wasteweir from common household item like vino , oil , or acidic substances .
Maintenance and Everyday Care
crystal countertops are generally low - maintenance than granite ones .
Granite countertops expect sealing to prevent filth and maintain their " like new " appearance . You have to repeat this sealing process sporadically , which is more sustenance than some homeowners prefer .
crystal countertops , on the other hired man , do not require sealing , which might appeal to you if you prefer a more simplified sustainment .
Fortunately , cleaning both countertopsis relatively straightforward . A solution of meek soap and warm water supply will effectively remove scandal and grime , but you should annul using scratchy cleaners or acid substance since they ’ll damage the refined airfoil .
Keep in mind , the nonporous surface of quartz makes it especially mark - repellent and less prone to bacterial growth , take a crap it the beneficial germ - barren alternative for kitchen countertop if that ’s something that ’s important to you .
Quartz vs. Granite: Environmental Impact
In today ’s Earth , environmental consideration might play a significant part in yourdecision - makingprocess . When comparing quartz and granite countertop , it ’s deserving noting both materials have their pro and cons , although people usually think vitreous silica to be the more eco - favorable option .
Those who knock the wallop of using granite and other natural Lucy Stone materials stage to the destruction involved in mining it from Earth ’s crust . Additionally , the transportation of granite slabs can have a negative impact , particularly when it need long - length transport .
However , others argue granite is a long - lasting material that does n’t ask frequent replacing and this strength offsets some of its initial environmental costs . Quarries andminesthat have implemented responsible practices might mitigate any environmental harm , too .
In demarcation , the fabrication process for organise quartz countertops allows for the use of reuse textile , reducing wastefulness . advocator also argue quartz is longer - lasting than granite since it ’s nonporous . critic , however , sharpen out the resin that manufactory use to produce quartz countertop is not biodegradable .
As with most things , the overall environmental impingement of a countertop will depend on the imagination ’s extraction process and the troupe ’s combined fabrication pattern .
Health Concerns Surrounding Quartz
If you ’re worried about add to severe term for workers in the countertop manufacture manufacture , then granite is a best choice .
A major decimal point against lechatelierite is its connecter to negative wellness consequences . In December 2023,Australia herald a banon the fabrication and importation of engineered endocarp due to a rising number of silicosis cases .
Silicosis is a harmful stipulation that result when a individual take a breath in the dust of silicon oxide - containing gem while swear out an engineered stone production , such as a quartz countertop . While granite can also contain silica , engineered stone loosely incorporate much more , make working on them highly dangerous .
In the United States , as of July 2023 , at least 10 people had died and almost 80 workers had become ill inCalifornia as a result of silicosis , causing the state to count a ban like to Australia ’s . Other province — including Texas , Florida and Washington — have reported cases , too .
While the federal government does regulate airborne silica exposure levels for workers , it ’s possible many factory are not take on the recommended standards or are out of compliancy completely .
This article was create in conjunction with AI technology , then was fact - mark and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor .
