Quartz vs. Granite: What’s the Difference?

Choosing countertops may not be the first thing that pops into your head when making design decisions. Still, everyone building or renovating a home will eventually ask this question: What material is best for my countertops? The material you choose will impact some of the most prominent places in the home, whether that be your kitchen countertops or bathroom; not only does it impact the look, but it impacts the performance of the counter space. The crossroads that many find themselves between are quartz and granite countertops. Quartz holds about 45 to 51 percent of the market, making it the most popular kitchen countertop choice, while granite holds roughly 28 percent of the total market. So what material is really best for your home?

Granite is a very hard and coarse stone that is 100 percent natural. Since it cools slowly, large mineral crystals grow and give granite the classic speckled appearance that makes it natural and bold. Granite is extremely strong and durable, making it resistant to many things that are common in a working household, such as scratches and heat (which is especially useful in a busy kitchen). 

Quartz is not 100 percent natural, but rather manufactured with about 90 to 93 percent ground natural quartz, while the rest is composed of resins and pigments. Unlike natural stone, quartz is made in a controlled environment, which means that your countertops can replicate the look of materials like marble or granite.

So what are the key differences between the two materials? Ultimately, quartz will be the more uniform and controlled option in terms of appearance since it is manufactured, while granite will have a more natural and unpredictable design. For someone who has a very clear vision of how they prefer their countertops to appear, quartz may offer more benefits, but for someone seeking out a look that will be more unique, granite may be the way to go. 

Quartz is extremely durable, as it doesn’t scratch or chip easily, just like granite. It also resists stains better than granite, which can be a major benefit for a particularly messy kitchen or bathroom where you prefer the countertops to stay clean. On the flip side, granite may not handle stains as well, but it is superior in heat resistance. If you can’t break that habit of putting hot pots and pans straight onto your countertops, or you prefer to set your hot curling iron on the countertops without concern, granite may be your preferred option.

Maintenance-wise, quartz is easier by far, as it requires almost none. No sealing, special cleaners, or extra work is required– wipe it down and you’ll be good to go! Granite is a bit of a different beast; sealing is typically required every one to three years depending on the quality of sealer, and quick cleanup is important to avoid countertop staining. 

Ultimately, your material choice for your countertop has no right answer other than personal preference. Quartz is typically a great option for low maintenance with more options for personalization to keep up with your day-to-day life; granite is an authentic natural look that offers raw beauty in exchange for a bit of extra maintenance.  Both can elevate your home’s value, but the atmosphere they create steers many homebuyers’ decisions on what is best for them. 

When building with American Legend Homes, we will help you make any decisions you may be unsure about. The Design Gallery will pair you with a consultant who will walk you through all available options and samples to better understand how the look will truly come together. Let us help you build and decide the perfect countertops for your new home!