Appearance

Quartz countertops are man-made of mostly ground natural quartz, also called engineered stone, mixed with seven to ten percent manufactured materials consisting of resins, polymers, and various pigments. Due to the pigments added to the ground quartz, the color and texture within a slab are consistent, giving quartz its uniform appearance from slab to slab within a production batch.

Granite countertops, on the other hand, are natural stone quarried from the earth in mines across the globe. Before it arrives at your local countertop showroom, it is cut to manageable-sized panels and polished to a mirror-like shine.

Granite is composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with a mixture of other minerals. The percentage of these ingredients combine to provide variations in color and pattern. Like a fingerprint, no two granite slabs will be the same. This natural variance makes it crucial to choose the exact piece you want installed rather than choosing from a sample, which may vary significantly from the final product that is installed. It is granite’s natural variation that often leads homeowners to choose it over quartz since quartz is mostly uniform in color and consistency. On the other hand, quartz’s consistency is something other owners appreciate. They see this as an opportunity to match their color scheme and design without fighting the natural busy pattern inconsistencies of granite.

Costs

Quartz countertops range in price from about $55 to $75 per square foot. Higher-quality varieties of quartz can cost $100 and up per square foot. For an average kitchen with 30 square feet of counters, quartz countertops will cost about $1,800. Labor will add approximately 22 percent of the material cost for about $360, while a sink cutout will cost around $100, and edging will run about $10 a linear foot, for a total of $3,760 installed.

Granite countertops range in price from about $40 to $75 per square foot. Granite is graded on a scale of 1 to 8, with 8 being the most exotic, rare, and expensive. These unique slabs of granite can cost much more per square foot - often up to $500 a foot. For an average kitchen with 30 square feet of counters, average-quality granite countertops will cost about $1,500. Labor will add approximately 22 percent of the material cost for about $330, with a sink cutout for $100 and edging at about $10 a linear foot for a total cost of $3,500 installed.

When possible, look for remnants for your countertops. These can save you a great deal of money for areas like small bathrooms. Just know that discount countertop outlets may feature flawed pieces of stone or quartz.

Maintenance

Since quartz is sealed as part of its manufacturing process, resealing is not necessary. Quartz countertops should be cleaned with mild soap and water after use. Certain chemicals react with quartz, so read all label instructions carefully when using a new product. Please note that quartz is more stain resistant than granite, but even when properly sealed, it is not stain-proof. A spill of grape juice or tomato sauce still requires a quick clean up. Granite should also be washed with mild soap and water regularly and cleaned thoroughly after spills to avoid staining. Because the surface is somewhat porous, most granite installers recommend resealing countertops yearly.

Repairs to small chips in granite can be accomplished by the homeowner using a matching epoxy available from home improvement stores. Any crack or flaw larger than a peanut should be repaired by a professional. With quartz, a professional should always be called to fix a crack or chip.

Environmental Impact

Quartz is by far the most environmentally friendly of the two choices. Granite must be quarried and transported to your home before installation, causing it to have a much larger carbon footprint. Quartz, however, is often manufactured nearby.

Resale Value

Both quartz and granite make a kitchen or bath look and feel more elegant and clean, but will they help sell a home? Experts say yes. Granite has a timeless look to it, and the varied colors and patterns in a countertop can stand any number of redecorations by future owners. On the other hand, quartz is the best thing since sliced bread in the real estate market right now. Its clean, sleek look is an instant selling point. In short, a homeowner can’t go wrong with either choice in terms of adding value to a home.