Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: Pros & Cons

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: Pros & Cons

There is one design decision that sparks heated debates between couples when it comes to renovating the kitchen. One that creates tension, frustration, and a little bit of confusion if we’re being honest.

That’s right, we’re talking about Granite vs. Quartz countertops.

Don’t believe us? Tune into any HGTV prime time show and you’ll most certainly hear the Granite vs Quartz countertop discussion unfold. But, is Quartz better than Granite, or is it the other way around?

Stay tuned to find out the answer to the question homeowners everywhere have been debating for centuries.

 

Exploring the Difference Between Quartz and Granite Countertops

There’s no doubt that you’re most likely spending a good chunk of change on updating your kitchen or bathroom with new countertops, and you want to be sure you’re getting a product that will serve you and your family well!

To help squash the Granite vs Quartz countertop quandary, let’s take a look at the difference between Quartz and Granite countertops, as well as a few pros and cons for each.

 

Quartz Countertops Pros & Cons

While the difference between Quartz and Granite countertops may seem slim, there is actually quite a lot of technical, behind-the-scenes contrasts you may not notice just by looking at them. Let’s take a look specifically at Quartz first.

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on the planet, which means you’ll always have plenty of options when working with it. While it is partially man-made, the acrylic material bonded together with Quartzite creates lovely colors and a range of stunning patterns. Plus, this combination of sealed materials means that it is sealed forever. No maintenance needed!

Now, this quality, lavish patterns, and low-maintenance does come at a cost – one of the highest costs for countertop materials in fact. Is the price worth it? Here’s a further look at the Quartz countertop pros and cons:

 

  • Less likely to chip, crack or scratch
  • Doesn’t require annual sealing
  • Requires little to no maintenance
  • Stain-resistant
  • Durable and long-lasting

 

  • Most expensive countertop material
  • Visible seams
  • Susceptible to heat damage

 

Pattern: Color veins and seams

Maintenance: Low

Price: $70 – $150 per square foot

 

 

Granite Countertops Pros & Cons

What is exactly is Granite? Mined from quarries around the world, Granite is a natural stone that was introduced to interior design in the late 1980’s. It’s authentic and unique, two things that are admired in everyone’s world. Because it is a 100% natural stone, it means you also get a 100% unique slab.

At Kauffman Kitchens, when customers ask us if Quartz is better than Granite countertops, we put it this way: Choosing Granite is like choosing real solid hardwood floors over a laminate lookalike – nothing beats the real thing.

Most renovating homeowners who choose Granite do so for its price, its one-of-a-kind cut, and simply because they love Granite! When considering the differences between quartz and granite countertops, remember the following pro’s and con’s of Granite:

 

  • Naturally made
  • 100% unique slabs
  • Affordable
  • Large color and pattern variety
  • Resistant to scratching
  • Can be used outdoors

 

  • Requires annual sealing
  • Prone to cracking and water damage
  • May be difficult to repair

Pattern: Speckled

Maintenance: Medium

Price: $45 – $60 per square foot

 

Granite vs Quartz Countertop Installation

With the installation of Granite or Quartz countertops, despite which you choose to showcase in your renovation, if it is not installed properly, you can experience horrible side effects like cracking, staining, and bacteria buildup!

But by working with an experienced countertop installation team like Kauffman Kitchens, you are promised a properly-sealed, expertly handled countertop install for your kitchen or bath. You get to pick your exact slab of Granite or Quartz when you team up with us because we handle the entire process!

Going above and beyond, we also will coordinate with a plumber to give you the most stress-free renovation experience ever.

Black kitchen with white Quartz countertop
The Final Verdict: Is Quartz better than Granite?

Answering the question, “Is Quartz better than Granite?” is something that everyone has their own opinion on. When it comes down to it, there are definite differences between quartz and granite countertops that will help you decide which is right for your home. Ultimately its all about what works for your budget, style, and color preference.

When you work with Kauffman Kitchens, you not only get a skilled countertop installation crew, you get a team that helps you with your entire kitchen renovation. From plumbing and fixtures to backsplash designs to match your new upgrades, we are truly the one-stop-shop to call.

Start exploring your Granite and Quartz countertop options by visiting our spacious showroom, calling our office, or completing our short online contact form!

         
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Henry Y. ★★★★★ Had Kauffman Kitchens remodel our small condo kitchen back in January. Nick was great to work with and offered good suggestions. They stuck to the schedule with no surprises. No regrets here!Deborah H. ★★★★★ I used Kauffman Kitchens to update my kitchen counter and sink. What a great decision to go with their firm. Nick met with me to discuss the job and give me an estimate and the installers did a fabulous job. My little kitchen looks great. I heartily recommend them.Roberto C. ★★★★★ Our experience was great. Brad Shuman did an excellent job designing our kitchen and helping my family in the selection process.Brian Turner, our project manager was very easy to work with. Brian addressed every single concern we had very quickly. He was very responsive to our questions and concerns and he sent people back to correct little issues we found or things my wife and I wanted done differently. We love the fact that he put a schedule together of what work was going to be done on each particular day and he kept his commitment.Overall, we are very pleased with our new kitchen. I would highly recommend this company!Leisel A. ★★★★★ I was extremely happy with my interactions with Kauffman Kitchens. Brian and Nick were super responsive to answer my questions and didn't make me feel any less important even though my project was relatively small. I would highly recommend Kauffman Kitchens to anyone.Cathy H. ★★★★★ I had another great experience remodeling my powder room after having a complete kitchen remodel 2 years ago! Everyone listens to your ideas & are very accommodating to what you are looking for! Very professional & quality work! Highly recommend for all your cabinet & countertop projects!Heather W. ★★★★★ We needed to have our kitchen counter tops replaced due to aging. Kauffman Kitchens did an excellent job from every aspect of the project including the initial meeting all the way through to installation day. We are very impressed with the accuracy, efficiency and overall product that Kauffman Kitchens provided. We would highly recommend them for your next project!Sincerely,The WiebnersBeverly C. ★★★★★ Excellent job repairing my counter. Would definitely use Kauffman Kitchens again.Kenton Z. ★★★★★ Kauffman Kitchens did a great job on our new cabinets and countertops! The salesman was VERY NICE and wasn't overly pushy as often those salesmen are; he had some very good suggestions and helped my wife and I get the kitchen we wanted! And sometimes we didn't know what we wanted, and he was even helpful there, too. We're very pleased with the workmanship and look forward to many years in our new kitchen!Yeah, they even came out multiple times to fix up little stuff that wasn't quite right or not exactly the way that we wanted it. They've been really cool, seriously.Brian G. ★★★★★ We have used Kauffman Kitchens many times great service and the install team is great. The Quality of the product is outstandingDon B. ★★★★★ Kaufman Kitchens designed, supplied and installed all my cabinets in my house. They were on time, professional and did a terrific job.Josh H. ★★★★★ Kauffman Kitchens did a great job with our Kitchen remodel. We replaced everything, and redesigned our layout in the process. We are very pleased with how the process went and the end result. Nick was there throughout the entire process to assist and answer questions.Tiffanie and Michael C. ★★★★★ Sherman H. ★★★★★ I had a complete kitchen remodel and it was such a pleasant experience working with Kauffman Kitchens from start to finish! I’m impressed with Nancy in the office to Nick that did the plans and to include all cabinet installers! I would highly recommend them for any kitchen or bath remodel! An A+ job!Crystal J. ★★★★★ Kauffman's installed our basement kitchen and replaced our upstairs counter-tops recently. They were easy to work with and, even when our counter-tops were on back order, they stayed in great communication and expressed their frustration over the delay as well (it meant a lot to us that they understood how a delay feels during a remodel) Overall they were wonderful to work with.H.K. ★★★★★ Nice showroom showcasing many different cabinet and countertop options. There is even a window so you can look into the shop where the countertops are being made. Everyone is very helpful, friendly & knowledgeable. Cost is very competitive and the quality is excellent. I would definitely recommend them for all of your cabinetry and countertop needs. We used them when we upgraded our bathroom, both cabinets and countertops, a kitchen in the basement & new Corian countertops in the kitchen. Everything went smoothly & was on schedule.Gary & Kay T. ★★★★★ Kevin M. ★★★★★ NIck was great, very helpful and patient. Cost and quality were very competitive in our search, would highly recommend.js_loader