Quartz or Granite Countertops: Which is Better & Why?
Quartz and Granite have always been a top choice for many when thinking of remodeling their kitchen. With each stone having his own sets of PROS and CONS, it really is hard to choose. Furthermore, Quartz and Granite have some factors in common making it an even tougher decision.
For those of you who don’t know, only recently has Quartz had a surge in popularity and that’s all thanks to the many benefits it provides your countertop with. In this article, we will compare the two, and at the end of it, you will have to decide which is the best material for you.
Maintenance in Quartz and Granite
One of the most important aspects to consider when upgrading your countertop is maintenance. Maintenance is such an important attribute for a countertop, especially if you don’t want to waste any of your precious time and energy.
When it comes to the maintenance department in Quartz and Granite there is a well-known advantage Quartz has over Granite. Quartz is an engineered stone, is a composite material made of crushed stone bound together by an adhesive, (most commonly polymer resin, with some newer versions using cement mix). The way the stone is made makes it Non-Porous, in other words, it makes Quartz higher resistant to stains, and fewer bacteria affected (Talk about hygiene).
On the other hand, Granite is a natural stone, because of that it’s relatively porous. Granite requires sealing upon installation, then period sealing on an ongoing basis, something that Quartz doesn’t need.
One thing they do have in common is their durability. Both are outstanding materials and are scratch and heat resistant.
-In this aspect, Quartz has an edge over Granite.
What costs more
Granite has always been expensive when compared to other stones, but what about Quartz? Let’s break down the cost of both of them in order to have a better understanding.
Granite Cost:
Granite countertops usually cost an average of $40-$90 Per Square Foot and can very well cost much more. The price pretty much depends on the style you decide to choose, as well on the type of edging treatments needed.
The additional costs of Granite:
● Imported Granite: This type of Granite can cost 30% more than the regular pricing. If you’re on a budget we recommend going to a stone fabricator because they will have the best price.
● Granite colors: Darker shades cost more. These types of colors usually cost $10 Per Square Foot than the lighter colors.
● Edging: Each different styling has a different price. These prices can run in the neighborhood of $7-12 per linear feet.
● Polishing: Polishing can cost about $1-$2 Per Square Feet.
● Sink Cutouts: If you’re planning on adding a sink the price can jump up to $75-$125.
Quartz Cost:
Quartz countertop average price is around $70-$80 Per Square Foot without the installation.
For Quartz there are 3 types of slabs:
1)Low-Quality Quartz: $50 to $65 Per Square Foot.
2) Mid-quality quartz: $65 to $75 Per Square Foot.
3) High-quality quartz: $75 to $90 Per Square Foot. – The average cost to install a Quartz countertop is $175-$300 Per Square Foot.
The additional costs in Quartz:
● Sink Cut-Outs: Depending on the size of your sink it can cost you $150-$300.
● Fixtures: For example, electrical fixtures or soap dispensers, these additionals can cost another $75-$125.
● Edging: This area’s prices vary, because it depends on the style and pattern you choose. Eased, beveled, double-beveled, full-nose, or half-nose are some of the edging available for you. The price for this luxury runs around the $20-$30.
-Some Popular Brands to get the best slabs: Cambria, Silestone, Caesarstone.
As you can see, both Quartz and Granite are premium materials you can use for your kitchen. In our opinion, both are amazing but they can cost you quite the penny. With Quartz and Granite, you can really find yourself getting lost with all the great designs they have, and the myriad of options, that is why it’s essential to have a budget when dealing with types of materials.
Best Countertop Kitchen Material?
Granite and Quartz are both top-notch material you can use for your dream kitchen remodel. Each of them has their own set of PROS and CONS as you saw for yourself, and both of them are quite a cost (depending on your additional costs).
If you ask us, we see a countertop remodel as a smart investment. Using Granite or Quartz as your kitchen material adds to your home House Value. This fact can help you sell at some point your house at a higher price, an excellent choice for the long-term investor. Besides having the ability in invest in your house, you will also get a new and refined look giving you a refreshing new feeling and outlook of your own home.