Granite vs. Quartz

The kitchen has long been thought of as the heart of a home. Whether you are entertaining a large group of people or hosting an intimate gathering of family and friends, people naturally congregate in the kitchen. Of course you want your kitchen to be as beautiful as possible, containing only the best materials. One design element that often sparks conversation among homeowners is which material is best for countertops. Two popular materials in the luxury market are granite and quartz. Is one better than the other?

The performance of both countertops is similar; both are very long-lasting with proper care. Cost is comparable as well, varying on the availability and choice of material. Both granite and quartz are very popular in luxury properties. While both have unique advantages, there is not a clear consensus in this discussion. What is best for your home depends on your personal taste.

When we think of granite, we often mean slab granite, stone cut out of the ground and shaped to fit a space. Granite comes in many different colors and patterns due to the way it’s formed (cooling and solidifying of molten materials). There are patterns, veining, and coloration unique to every slab, which means the final product looks different than the samples. Some people think that’s part of granite’s beauty and charm, while others dislike the inconsistency.

Quartz is also a type of stone, but ground up and mixed with polymer resin and color pigmentation. High quality quartz countertops contain about 90% stone. This process produces a solid countertop consistent in pattern and color. A quartz countertop installed in your home will look almost identical to the sample you viewed in the showroom.