A question I hear often from our clients remodeling their kitchen is, “should we use quartz or granite?” It’s followed up by, “which is more expensive?” and, “which is more durable?”
In general, quartz can be more expensive. I’d say 15-30%. However, I’ve found certain companies that manufacture quartz are very reasonably priced. If your heart is set on quartz then we can find you some nice slabs. Also, fabricators tend to keep some colors in stock and those are always less expensive.
When talking about durability there are some differences to consider. Quartz is less heat resistant than granite. It makes sense since there is man made resin in quartz. It’s about 93% crushed quartz plus pigments and resins. If you set a hot pot right from the stove onto your quartz counter, the resin, (epoxy glue) will likely burn and cause some damage. Granite is able to handle the heat but be careful not to slam down the pot since it can chip and/or crack.
I’ve found that quartz has an incredible variety of color selections. Since it’s man made, you can find basically any color that one could dream up. There are also selections that mimic granite and marble. Choosing quartz for your kitchen tends to be easier when looking for a specific hue.
Quartz is slightly harder than granite and less porous. It’s easy to keep your counters relatively bacteria free. However, I’ve never had a problem with granite in this area either but I wipe down my granite regularly. I would recommend cleaning up red wine and staining spills off either counter. Some say quartz can’t stain but I’ve heard otherwise.
If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen or bath and aren’t sure which surface to use I wouldn’t think of either stone as “better”. I would talk to your designer about your color scheme and look at samples of each stone. Do your research and have some ideas before you start your project.
For the best advice, call us at Accent Kitchen & Bath Design Inc. and we’ll show you around, discuss ideas and what countertop(s) will look best in your space! Back to article list
Lisa Brusino
