Each year, the USA imports more than 2 million metric tons of granite.
One of the primary uses for this granite is kitchen countertops. However, granite’s dominance in the premium countertop market has been challenged by quartz. Both materials provide a premium finish and excellent durability, so what exactly are the differences between quartz vs granite?
Read on to learn the key differences between these two countertop materials.
Quartz vs Granite: What are They?
Granite is an igneous rock. It is formed from molten lava. You find it deep in the earth’s crust and it forms the base for the continents’ sedimentary rock.
Quartz countertops are engineered stone. They contain a large amount of natural quartz but they also include other materials. They aren’t quarried. Stone byproducts are ground up and put under pressure with a resin binder to form slab countertops.
Appearance
The advantage of granite is that it is a natural stone. Every slab has a variation in the mineral pattern and color. Despite being all natural, there is a wide range of color options to chose from.
Quartz, as an engineered product, has more uniform patterning and color. There is a great deal of customization available. Some even give looks that do not look like granite at all.
Maintenance and Durability
While both are very durable materials, there is an advantage to using quartz in this area. Granite is porous and requires sealing upon installation. It then requires periodic resealing.
Due to the resins used to make the quartz slabs, it does not need sealing and the manufacturing process means that it is uniform throughout. The resin also provides a protective layer making them less prone to staining and makes cleaning easier. The nonporous surface also makes it less likely to harbor bacteria.
Heat Resistance
As a natural stone, granite is not a conductor of heat and is actually one of the most heat-resistant countertop materials on the market. You can take a hot pan out of the oven and place it on your granite counter without causing any damage!
While quartz is heat resistant, the resin binding is not. If heated too high, it can crack and become discolored. You should not place hot pans on a quartz countertop.
Cost
Both granite and quartz are considered premium, high-end countertop materials. As a natural stone, granite is more costly than quartz.
With quartz’s popularity growing, it has become easier to get hold of, and prices have come down. Unique colors and designer styles are commanding the higher prices.
Quartz Vs Granite
As you can see, both quartz and granite countertop choices in Suwanee make excellent kitchen countertops.
Both are durable and are mostly separated by their heat resistance and cost. Where heat resistance is a requirement, you cannot go wrong with granite. However, where cost becomes an issue, quartz can be the better option.
Now you know the difference between quartz vs granite, contact us for a quote. At AA Granite Fabricator Direct we have been the premier supplier of granite countertops for over 25 years and will supply you with the best countertops on the market.
