Granite vs Quartz

When you’re choosing a countertop, there are many different materials from which to choose. Do you go with tile, butcher block, stainless steel, natural stone, or something else? If you’ve settled on stone, though, you may still be in a quandary, stuck between granite and quartz. Here, we offer a rundown on the two stones, to help you make your decision.

• First, how are granite and quartz countertops actually made? Granite is a natural stone, quarried and cut into slabs that are then polished and fabricated to make countertops. Quartz countertops, on the other hand, are not made from quarried stone, but from a composite of natural quartz and other minerals.
• Do they look significantly different? Granite, because it’s a natural stone, has different mineral patterns and colors, and each countertop is unique. Quartz is more uniform in appearance because it’s an engineered stone. Some quartz countertops look like granite, but there are many different colors and patterns, some of which don’t look like granite at all.
• Which one is more expensive? Granite is typically slightly more expensive, but prices vary depending on the source of the countertops. Both granite and quartz are premium materials, and not low-budget options. If you are improving your kitchen in order to sell your home, either one of these materials will add more value than cheaper countertops like laminate or ceramic tile.
• Are they DIY friendly? Neither quartz nor granite countertops are good candidates for do-it-yourself projects unless the counter you’re working with is very small. Both materials are very heavy, and if you’re spending the money for pricey countertops, it only makes sense to have them installed to avoid the risk of damage.
• Which one is sturdier and easier to maintain? While both quartz and granite are very durable, quartz is a lower-maintenance material. Unlike granite, quartz doesn’t need to be sealed, and it’s unlikely to crack, as well as being resistant to stains and bacteria.
• Which is better for the environment? Granite and quartz are both made of natural materials, but granite is slightly more eco-friendly because it’s a completely natural material. On the other hand, it does require quarrying, while quartz is essentially made of byproducts.

No matter which stone you choose, a beautiful countertop begins the right company sourcing and installing it. A well-established natural and engineered stone fabricator and installer, United Granite has been serving Virginia, Maryland, DC, and New Jersey for 22 years. Our 4 fabrication shops, 4 slab yards, and 1 showroom, as well as our extensive stone inventory, allow United Granite to produce the highest quality countertops, with the most natural stone color selections combined with the shortest lead time in the industry. We’ve got locations in Chantilly, Alexandria, or Fredericksburg, Virginia; if you’re looking for professional service, quality workmanship, and the highest level of customer satisfaction possible, visit our website or email us for more information.