Granite and quartz countertops are two of the most popular surfaces you’ll find in any home. They’re both durable and gorgeous, they’ll increase the value of your home when done right, and they’re both timeless. So, why do homeowners care which one is worth their investment? Well, there are obvious reasons.
In over ten decades of beautifying New York homes using natural and engineered materials, we’ve seen a steady increase in the demand for granite and quartz. And with that comes a consistent question, “Which of these two countertop materials should I use for my space?”
It’s a difficult question because, as mentioned earlier, both materials are excellent, but you’ll be able to make a confident decision after reading through this breakdown.
Why Granite? Formation, Benefits, and Drawbacks
You’d probably have discovered that granite is a natural stone derived from mountains and deep underground rock formations in many parts of the world. Some popular places where granite is found are South Africa, Brazil, India, Italy, China, and the United States.
So when someone says, “This granite came from a quarry in Brazil,” they mean it was literally pulled from the ground as a huge stone block in a Brazilian mountain or hillside. If you were wondering why the slabs cost as much as they do, well, that’s one of the main reasons.
Let’s get to why it remains one of the most sought-after materials for countertops worldwide.
The Benefits of Granite Countertops
It’s not enough to just say granite is one of the best. At RMI Surfaces, we’ve fabricated, installed, and used this material for decades, and can tell you that our Rye, NY, customers love it for the following reasons:
1. Durability
Granite is granite. Yes, the very same stone used in the foundation of some of the biggest and oldest buildings in the world. So, if you’re wondering about durability, there’s your answer.
So, what makes it so durable? Granite is formed under extreme heat and pressure deep underground, where magma slowly cools off for millions of years. This slow cooling process allows large, tightly packed crystals to form, giving granite strength and density.
It’s also rich in quartz (considered one of the hardest natural minerals) and feldspar to give it that tough, chemically stable property.
Related: Are Granite Countertops Worth the Investment?
2. Natural beauty
Granite is one of the evidences of nature’s beauty. Granite kitchen countertops get their natural beauty from the interlocking of different natural minerals (quartz, feldspar, mica). These materials are distributed across the entire rock to form different styles of veins, swirls, and speckles.
This brings us to the next benefit.
3. Almost Limitless Colors and Styles
Because these natural minerals are distributed naturally across the entire rock, the styles, colors, and patterns will always be different. As the rock is cut into blocks, each block comes with a unique design and color. You’re buying a piece of nature that is yours alone.
You’ll never see two granite slabs with the exact same color, pattern, and style. Even slabs cut from the same block can look slightly different. It’s simply nature’s fingerprints.
4. Heat Resistance
Granite is literally born from heat and is composed of heat-tolerant materials like quartz and feldspar. It can withstand a reasonable amount of heat but you must still be cautious when dropping hot pots and pans on the surface.
At RMI Surfaces, we always advise our customers to use trivets and pads to cushion the effects of extreme heat on the surface because sudden changes in temperature can cause thermal shock inside the slab, causing it to weaken over time.
Helpful Read: How to Care for Your Granite Countertops
5. Long-Lasting
Every granite slab you see was not created this year or even the last 10 years. It has been around for millions of years, manufactured by the elements of nature. It is only now being cut, polished, and brought into your home. It will remain gorgeous and durable for years.
Do you have to do anything to make it last longer? Yes, don’t slam it with a sledge hammer, don’t cut lemons and other acidic properties directly on it every day, and maybe wipe up that red wine instead of letting it marinate for hours.
6. Definitely Increases Your Home Value
Granite countertops are a feature home buyers notice and remember. They give your kitchen or bathroom an instant upgrade in both look and perceived value. Granite signals quality and care.
Even if you’re not planning to sell right away, installing granite is a smart investment that adds timeless appeal to your home and makes a strong first impression when the time comes.
7. Suitable for Both Indoor and Outdoor Use
Granite is made of hard, stable minerals that can withstand the elements. However, they may need to be sealed to ensure longevity. Also, granite is a dense, crystalline rock, meaning it doesn’t absorb as much moisture or react to environmental changes the way softer stones like marble or synthetic materials might.
The Drawbacks of Granite Countertops
Granite offers so many benefits but also comes with a few drawbacks that don’t exactly make it a bad material but may require a little more attention than quartz.
1. It is a Porous Material
While granite is a dense and durable material, you’ll recall that it is formed from the interlocking of different minerals and crystals. These crystals usually leave microscopic gaps, as they don’t fit together perfectly. Those tiny holes are what makes it absorb liquid when left on it for long periods.
This porosity of granite means that you may have to seal it to prevent moisture and bacteria from forming inside it overtime. Think of it as a protective feature you’ll install once every five to fifteen (5 – 15) years, depending on the variant of stone and the quality of your sealant.
2. Lmiited Color Consistency
Still due to its natural formation, the colors will not be the same throughout the slab. If you’re planning to create a uniform look with the same patterns across your entire space, granite will not do that for you.
Learn More: How to Choose the Right Granite Countertops for Your Kitchen
3. Granite is Heavy and May Require Strong Support
Granite is a rock. It is bound to be heavy, which means your cabinets must be solid enough to bear the weight. Understand that the weight is a product of the same natural materials that make it so durable.
Why Quartz Countertops? Formation, Benefits, and Drawbacks
Quartz is an engineered stone, meaning that it is man-made. However, you may wonder how much of it is actually man-made?
While explaining granite formation, we described quartz as a natural mineral. Yes, that’s exactly what it is but it doesn’t come in blocks like granite. It comes as crystals scattered within rocks, often found in veins or embedded in other stones. Now, here’s where human-effort begins.
These crushed quartz crystals have to be interlocked using polymer resins to turn it into a slab. So, technically, you could say a quartz countertop is a naturally-occuring material turned into a slab through human effort.
The Benefits of Quartz Countertops
What gives quartz such a high reputation?
1. Nearly Non-Porous
Since quartz is adhered together using resin, it is almost impermeable because resins form a solid, tightly packed network that blocks the passage of water, air, and other substances. However, that shouldn’t be a reason to leave liquid spillage on the surface for hours.
2. Highly Durable
Remember that quartz (the natural mineral) is one of the properties that make granite highly durable. The same can be said for the quartz kitchen countertop.
3. Easy To Clean and Maintain
Since quartz is almost non-porous, it then means that you simply have to wipe stains off the surface with soap and water. You don’t necessarily have to apply a sealant because the polymer resin already acts as a built-in sealant.
Also Read: How to Maintain and Care for Your Quartz Countertops
4. Wide Range of Colors and Patterns
Quartz crystals come in different colors ranging from clear and white to shades of pink, purple, yellow, brown, gray, and even black, depending on the minerals and impurities present during formation. And since they’re man made, the patterns and veins can be manually created.
This also means that quartz countertops can be made to look like most natural stone surfaces, including granite and marble.
5. Can Have a Consistent Look
Unlike granite, if you want to create a specific pattern or design across your entire space, quartz countertops can do that for you. Because quartz is engineered, manufacturers can control the color, veining, and overall look of each slab.
More on Design: How to Incorporate Countertops into Your Home Design
6. Hard to scratch
Quartz crystals are hard and resin binders are durable. This ultimately leads to a surface that is difficult to scratch. Note that it can still scratch depending on the object and force exerted on it. It’s always wise to use chopping boards when cutting items on the surface.
Drawbacks of Quartz Countertops
What are the not-so-great features of quartz countertops?
1. Not as Heat-Resistant as Granite
Quartz countertops can’t tolerate heat as much as granite and other natural surfaces. Remember that it is made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resin binders. Extreme heat can break down or deform the resin binder and make it warp and discolor with time.
2. Less Unique than Natural Stone
Quartz can always be replicated. If you see a specific style, pattern, or design of quartz you like, your fabricator can help you find and create it exactly or almost exactly as seen.
3. Not Suitable for Outdoor Use
Again, because it is not resistant to heat, quartz countertops may not be the ideal material to use under the sun. While natural quartz may be able to withstand the heat from the sun, the resin component may not.
Want to Go Deeper? The Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops: A Guide for Homeowners
Granite Or Quartz, Which Should You Choose?
Having discussed the composition, pros, and cons of granite and quartz counters, it’s time to choose which one is suitable for your space.
Need Help Choosing? How to Choose the Right Countertop for Your Westchester County Home
As discussed, both quartz and granite are naturally occurring materials. However, the main difference between granite and quartz is that the minerals that form granite are interlocked due to millions of years of intense natural pressure and heat while quartz is done within hours using resin and high-end, man-made equipment.
To decide which of these you want, you need to weigh all the options, including the price differences. Through years of experience, we’ve realized that both countertops work perfectly well depending on what you want to create. You’ll love either of these gorgeous options, as they complement your space perfectly.
You can contact us at RMI Surfaces for a free consultation if you’re looking to enhance your home with either of these materials. We’ll discuss your home’s specifications, quartz and granite countertops cost per square foot, design inspiration, and more.