Quartz Vs. Granite: Which Countertop Material Is the Better Investment?

When you’re ready to invest in a new bathroom or kitchen countertops, one of the most important decisions is what type of material to use. Granite and quartz are popular options for homeowners, but which has the better return on investment?

Granite has a great reputation for adding value to homes. But is quartz a safer choice?

Versatility

Quartz countertops Pittsburgh PA offer more design flexibility than natural stone slabs. They typically feature a sleek presentation and can be produced with different pigment combinations for more style options. 

Another benefit of quartz is its durability. This material resists chipping and cracking and is heat- and scratch-resistant. That makes it an excellent choice for families. Dropping heavy objects on a quartz countertop won’t leave a mark, and it can take abuse from enthusiastic cooks.

Its nonporous surface also resists stains, making it easier to keep clean than granite or other natural materials. These advantages make quartz ideal for a busy family or anyone who enjoys entertaining. However, this material isn’t suitable for outdoor kitchens because it can discolor if exposed to extreme heat or rapid temperature changes.

Durability

Granite countertops are often seen on home buyers’ wish lists because they add to the property’s resale value. Despite the popularity of these beautiful surfaces, more and more homeowners are opting for quartz counters for several reasons.

Quartz is more durable than granite and can withstand much heavier use. Its strength is attributed to its 90% real, natural quartz composition. It is also nonporous and can resist stains from juice, oil, wine, tomato paste, coffee and other common kitchen ingredients.

Quartz can be colored with various pigments and crafted to resemble granite, marble or other more unusual shades for a truly unique home improvement project. Because of its durability and the need for precision cuts and invisible seaming, quartz requires professional installation. This may seem like a drawback, but the extra cost is well worth the long-term benefits of this counter material. Conversely, granite is prone to cracking in areas where it has been cut or is subjected to excessive heat.

Maintenance

Quartz countertops are nonporous, which means they can withstand spills and are easy to clean. They also resist etching from acidic liquids like lemon juice and tomatoes.

If you notice a stain on your quartz counter, use warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner to wipe it away. Be sure to read cleaning product labels, as some cleansers can dull the shine of quartz surfaces.

While quartz is more resilient than granite, it is still not indestructible. If a quartz surface is hit with an extremely hot object, such as a cast iron pan or a pizza stone, it may crack or chip.

You can get a custom estimate for granite countertop new installation labor costs from a local contractor by entering your zip code in the toolbox above. Prices will vary based on project details, such as the room you’re remodeling and the color and pattern of your countertop material. For example, rare types of granite might increase the cost.

Value

Quartz countertops can be twice as expensive as granite, depending on your options. However, they offer more benefits and are less costly to maintain than countertop materials.

Quartz can be dyed any color and crafted to resemble natural stone, such as granite or marble. It can also be more modern in appearance and offered in a range of shades that work well with many kitchen styles.

Granite is a natural rock that is formed from magma or molten rock. It can be sliced and polished to create beautiful countertops. It requires regular resealing to remain moisture-resistant.

Builder-grade quartz costs between $40 and $50 per square foot installed. It has a more plane surface with fewer design options and is often available in limited colors. This option may be suitable for a rental property or starter home. It is less durable than high-end quartz and can discolor from excessive heat exposure.