Granite Countertop Costs Cost

When remodeling you kitchen, which is the overall better buy and look? granite or quartz countertop?

i’ve heard that quartz is cheaper than granite but i’ve heard two different things about its durability. Some say that quartz is more durable and some say granite is. Which one is more durable and cost efficient?

As others have noted, there is no absolute winner between granite and quartz. There are some slight advantages to both, but for all intents and purposes they perform essentially the same except on one major category… repair.

Quartz is more flexible, but that is hardly a consideration unless you expect a lot of foundation movement in your house and if that is the case it will eventually crack the quartz too.

Quartz does not need to be sealed, but it still can and does stain despite claims that seem to imply otherwise. If you read any quartz manufacturers info they will state “stain-resistant” not stain “proof”. It is also more susceptible to chemical damage than granite is. And chemical damage to quartz is permanent, while granite can always be repaired (more on this below).

Also, many granites do not need to be sealed either since they are naturally very dense and very stain resistant. Very very few granites need sealing every year as is commonly claimed (usually by quartz manufacturers).

And neither granite nor quartz will scratch. It may be that quartz is measurably harder than granite, but granite is already so hard that it is nearly impossible to scratch under normal use and any difference will be completely unnoticeable to the homeowner and thus a mute point.

However, the one big difference to consider regarding performance is repair. It is rarely needed by either, but when damaged granite or any stone can almost always be repaired to like new. Any stain that does occur can be easily and cheaply removed (sealing just dramatically reduces the need) and the surface can always be refinished.

On the other hand, when quartz is damaged it is almost always permanent. Chips and pits can be filled just like granite and some resurfacing can be done, but chemical damage and stains on quartz are permanent since it affects the resin, which cannot be repaired.

Also, granite will take heat better. Quartz can take the heat very well, but again the resin is much more susceptible to heat damage than granite is.

Having said all this, the chance that you will permanently damage quartz is pretty slim and I would not make it a big consideration, but it is the most important/relevant difference in performance. The marketed “benefits” of quartz over granite that the quartz companies like to emphasize are so insignificant that the user will never notice a difference.

So in the end the most important factor is really the look you like. Some like the movement of granite and others like the uniformity of quartz. I will say this though…. when we’re installing countertops in million-dollar+ luxury homes… it is always granite.

And if you like the look of both, then I’d recommend granite because of the repair issues with quartz. Plus you have 2500+ colors/patterns to choose from with granite, so you can easily find a truly unique top.

In general, granite and quartz are similarly priced although you will find a much larger range of prices with granite since some varieties cost more or less than others.

You’ll find more comparison information of granite vs quartz at the source below.

Good luck with your project!

Home Improvement & Maintenance Tips : Cost of Remodeling a Bathroom

Many cleaning supply retailers may claim the best way to clean a granite countertop Granite Countertop Costs Cost employs the use of harsh chemicals. Not so! To clean any kind of stone product Granite Countertop Costs Cost, its smart to use a product with a neutral pH. Cleaners that contain acidic ingredients, including vinegar, can cause scratching and even deep etches.