Comparisons
Sep 22, 2022

6 Things You Must Know About Quartz vs Granite Countertops

The wide variety of countertop materials when designing your kitchen can make selecting the one that best suits your lifestyle difficult. An ideal countertop should have a distinct style, be long-lasting, and require little maintenance. When it comes to kitchen countertops, types of stone are one of the most popular options. Two popular materials that meet these requirements are quartz vs granite countertops.

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Over the last few decades, quartz vs granite countertops have gained popularity because it is maintenance-free, while granite has long been popular due to its natural appearance. There is a lot of difference between granite and quartz to learn before making the right decision for your kitchen countertops, and we are here to help!

1. Granite Countertops

What is Granite Countertop & Its Appeal?

Granite is an igneous rock shaped by molten rock's cooling process to create a unique natural appeal that no synthetic material can match. Granite countertops are cut from directly quarried stone blocks to add a wow factor to the kitchen space.

Granite countertops are suitable for almost any home style for a timeless look, from informal farmhouses to classic mansions. They always have a unique appeal and superior natural features as a product of the earth.

granite countertops
Granite countertops have unique patterns and colours and superior natural features
  • Unique Patterns & Colours: Granite countertops are available in surprising appearances. It is a natural material, granite does not present as many colour opportunities. Each granite slab is slightly different in mineral pattern and colour, meaning that your countertop will be one-of-a-kind.  
  • Natural Resistance: Granite countertops, unlike quartz ones, are natural stones with natural hardness and durability. They can withstand most scratches and abrasions, as well as temperature changes and heavy loads. Because granite is porous, most fabricators recommend using a penetrating sealer to prevent staining.
  • Organic Material: Because of a natural stone, granite is not chemically treated and does not contain synthetic waste. In addition, granite is extremely easy to care for - wipe it down with soap and water to keep it looking new.

Granite Countertop Pros and Cons

granite countertop pros and cons

2. Quartz Countertops  

What is Quartz Countertop & Its Appeal?

The first difference between quartz vs. granite is their texture. If granite is 100 percent natural, Quartz countertop is a stone product made up of more than 90% quartz minerals, one of the hardest minerals on the planet, combined with resin and adhesives. Coarsely ground quartz produces larger speck designs, whereas finely ground quartz produces a smoother speckled finish to create various selections. These materials are combined to form slabs and cut into quartz countertops.

Engineered quartz has both characteristics of a natural stone and is optimized by modern technical processes. A quartz countertop adds character to your kitchen and outperforms other traditional materials in terms of performance.

quartz countertops
Quartz countertops stand out with consistent patterns and colours and incredible hardness
  • Consistent Patterns & colours: Your quartz colour selections are nearly endless, from natural whites, blacks, and browns to golds and blues. During fabrication, lesser amounts of marble, glass or metallic flecks are added to create beautiful, varied, and consistent patterns. Quartz countertops have different finishes, including polished, extra matt or rough.  
  • Maintenance-free: Because quartz has a non-porous texture that does not allow bacteria to grow, it resists stains, water damage, and household chemicals. It can avoid staining while preparing food and make kitchen cleanup simple. As a result, quartz countertops are an excellent choice for a busy kitchen because they never need to be sealed or maintained other than daily cleaning.  
  • Hardness: Quartz is one of the hardest minerals in the world, ranking third only to diamonds and rubies. Even when quartz countertops are mixed with other materials, they retain a significant amount of their hardness, making them less prone to scratches and cracks. Quartz countertops, with proper care, can withstand the test of time in terms of durability and style!

Quartz Countertop Pros and Cons

quartz countertop pros and cons

3. How Durable Are Quartz vs. Granite Countertops?

Although it sounds like hyperbole, quartz and granite countertops are indestructible. With proper care, they can live almost indefinitely. Quartz can provide you with maintenance advantages that nature cannot, while granite requires higher maintenance, while granite requires higher maintenance.

Quartz countertops do not need to be sealed thanks to their non-porous texture, whereas granite countertops do. The manufacturer usually does this before installation. However, you may need to do some polishing or a new sealing treatment over time. Granite is sensitive to acids such as lemon and vinegar, whereas quartz can be damaged if it is constantly exposed to hot temperatures directly.

granite sealing
Granite countertop requires some polishing or a new sealing treatment over time

4. How Much Do Quartz and Granite Countertops Cost?

Planning a kitchen renovation is a major, expensive undertaking, and both granite and quartz are high-end materials for kitchen countertops due to their quality. Granite countertops have become less costly as quartz has become more popular and widely available, so the price difference is minimal at this time. However, quartz countertops require less maintenance than granite countertops, making them more valuable in the long run.

quartz countertop pros and cons
In most cases, quartz will cost you a little less

5. Which Countertops Have the Best Resale Value?

Both quartz and granite countertop types are superior materials that will impress prospective buyers. They can add value to your home and up the resale price when selling the house. When compared to ceramic tile or laminate countertops, both granite and quartz may significantly improve the real estate value of your home.

quartz vs. granite countertops
Both quartz and granite countertops can add value to your home

6. Which Is Right for You?

Quartz vs. Granite countertops both have advantages that make them great choices for your kitchen. Granite has a distinct and natural appearance, but the colour range of quartz countertops provides more combination options. Consider a granite countertop if you like a unique appearance and do not mind occasional maintenance duties. If you want your kitchen countertops to be perfectly uniform, a quartz countertop is a way to go!

granite countertop
Choosing a granite countertop if you like a unique natural appearance
quartz countertops
Considering a quartz countertop if you want a perfectly uniform look

At Zen Living, we have an infinite number of granite and quartz countertop options to help you create your dream kitchen, bathroom cabinets, or any other space in your home. Unlike most suppliers, we measure, cut, and finish all our quartz and granite countertops in our state-of-the-art factory in Calgary's Foothills Industrial Park. As a result, our high-quality countertops are now more affordable than ever.  

"We needed a company that could install granite countertops for our recently renovated kitchen, but there were not that many options in our area. We found Zen Living after some research, and their service is excellent. Quick installation and the whole process was completed on time."

- Daniel Farrow - our client says.

quartz vs. granite countertops
Zen Living manufactures Quartz and Granite countertops at our state-of-the-art factory

Zen Living has successfully helped thousands of families create beautiful and functional spaces within budget for over 14 years of supplying superior cabinets and countertops in Calgary. We take pride in being a dependable one-stop shop for all your design and renovation needs, ensuring an easy and quick process from start to finish!

Looking for upgrading kitchen cabinets in Calgary? Whatever your budget, whatever your style, our kitchen cabinet design professionals are here to help bring your vision to life. With over 50+ years of combined experience in cabinetry and design, our team at Zen Living has the skills and knowledge you need to turn your dreams into reality. Whether you're looking for a complete renovation or a simple refresh, we are here to help.
To get started, simply fill out our form for a free consultation, or you can give us a call at (403) 720-1928 for free design consultation. Our team at Zen Living Kitchen & Bath is eager to work with you and hear all about your project ideas. We are dedicated to turning your vision into a reality.

Over the last few decades, quartz vs granite countertops have gained popularity because it is maintenance-free, while granite has long been popular due to its natural appearance. There is a lot of difference between granite and quartz to learn before making the right decision for your kitchen countertops, and we are here to help!

1. Granite Countertops

What is Granite Countertop & Its Appeal?

Granite is an igneous rock shaped by molten rock's cooling process to create a unique natural appeal that no synthetic material can match. Granite countertops are cut from directly quarried stone blocks to add a wow factor to the kitchen space.

Granite countertops are suitable for almost any home style for a timeless look, from informal farmhouses to classic mansions. They always have a unique appeal and superior natural features as a product of the earth.

granite countertops
Granite countertops have unique patterns and colours and superior natural features
  • Unique Patterns & Colours: Granite countertops are available in surprising appearances. It is a natural material, granite does not present as many colour opportunities. Each granite slab is slightly different in mineral pattern and colour, meaning that your countertop will be one-of-a-kind.  
  • Natural Resistance: Granite countertops, unlike quartz ones, are natural stones with natural hardness and durability. They can withstand most scratches and abrasions, as well as temperature changes and heavy loads. Because granite is porous, most fabricators recommend using a penetrating sealer to prevent staining.
  • Organic Material: Because of a natural stone, granite is not chemically treated and does not contain synthetic waste. In addition, granite is extremely easy to care for - wipe it down with soap and water to keep it looking new.

Granite Countertop Pros and Cons

granite countertop pros and cons

2. Quartz Countertops  

What is Quartz Countertop & Its Appeal?

The first difference between quartz vs. granite is their texture. If granite is 100 percent natural, Quartz countertop is a stone product made up of more than 90% quartz minerals, one of the hardest minerals on the planet, combined with resin and adhesives. Coarsely ground quartz produces larger speck designs, whereas finely ground quartz produces a smoother speckled finish to create various selections. These materials are combined to form slabs and cut into quartz countertops.

Engineered quartz has both characteristics of a natural stone and is optimized by modern technical processes. A quartz countertop adds character to your kitchen and outperforms other traditional materials in terms of performance.

quartz countertops
Quartz countertops stand out with consistent patterns and colours and incredible hardness
  • Consistent Patterns & colours: Your quartz colour selections are nearly endless, from natural whites, blacks, and browns to golds and blues. During fabrication, lesser amounts of marble, glass or metallic flecks are added to create beautiful, varied, and consistent patterns. Quartz countertops have different finishes, including polished, extra matt or rough.  
  • Maintenance-free: Because quartz has a non-porous texture that does not allow bacteria to grow, it resists stains, water damage, and household chemicals. It can avoid staining while preparing food and make kitchen cleanup simple. As a result, quartz countertops are an excellent choice for a busy kitchen because they never need to be sealed or maintained other than daily cleaning.  
  • Hardness: Quartz is one of the hardest minerals in the world, ranking third only to diamonds and rubies. Even when quartz countertops are mixed with other materials, they retain a significant amount of their hardness, making them less prone to scratches and cracks. Quartz countertops, with proper care, can withstand the test of time in terms of durability and style!

Quartz Countertop Pros and Cons

quartz countertop pros and cons

3. How Durable Are Quartz vs. Granite Countertops?

Although it sounds like hyperbole, quartz and granite countertops are indestructible. With proper care, they can live almost indefinitely. Quartz can provide you with maintenance advantages that nature cannot, while granite requires higher maintenance, while granite requires higher maintenance.

Quartz countertops do not need to be sealed thanks to their non-porous texture, whereas granite countertops do. The manufacturer usually does this before installation. However, you may need to do some polishing or a new sealing treatment over time. Granite is sensitive to acids such as lemon and vinegar, whereas quartz can be damaged if it is constantly exposed to hot temperatures directly.

granite sealing
Granite countertop requires some polishing or a new sealing treatment over time

4. How Much Do Quartz and Granite Countertops Cost?

Planning a kitchen renovation is a major, expensive undertaking, and both granite and quartz are high-end materials for kitchen countertops due to their quality. Granite countertops have become less costly as quartz has become more popular and widely available, so the price difference is minimal at this time. However, quartz countertops require less maintenance than granite countertops, making them more valuable in the long run.

quartz countertop pros and cons
In most cases, quartz will cost you a little less

5. Which Countertops Have the Best Resale Value?

Both quartz and granite countertop types are superior materials that will impress prospective buyers. They can add value to your home and up the resale price when selling the house. When compared to ceramic tile or laminate countertops, both granite and quartz may significantly improve the real estate value of your home.

quartz vs. granite countertops
Both quartz and granite countertops can add value to your home

6. Which Is Right for You?

Quartz vs. Granite countertops both have advantages that make them great choices for your kitchen. Granite has a distinct and natural appearance, but the colour range of quartz countertops provides more combination options. Consider a granite countertop if you like a unique appearance and do not mind occasional maintenance duties. If you want your kitchen countertops to be perfectly uniform, a quartz countertop is a way to go!

granite countertop
Choosing a granite countertop if you like a unique natural appearance
quartz countertops
Considering a quartz countertop if you want a perfectly uniform look

At Zen Living, we have an infinite number of granite and quartz countertop options to help you create your dream kitchen, bathroom cabinets, or any other space in your home. Unlike most suppliers, we measure, cut, and finish all our quartz and granite countertops in our state-of-the-art factory in Calgary's Foothills Industrial Park. As a result, our high-quality countertops are now more affordable than ever.  

"We needed a company that could install granite countertops for our recently renovated kitchen, but there were not that many options in our area. We found Zen Living after some research, and their service is excellent. Quick installation and the whole process was completed on time."

- Daniel Farrow - our client says.

quartz vs. granite countertops
Zen Living manufactures Quartz and Granite countertops at our state-of-the-art factory

Zen Living has successfully helped thousands of families create beautiful and functional spaces within budget for over 14 years of supplying superior cabinets and countertops in Calgary. We take pride in being a dependable one-stop shop for all your design and renovation needs, ensuring an easy and quick process from start to finish!

Looking for upgrading kitchen cabinets in Calgary? Whatever your budget, whatever your style, our kitchen cabinet design professionals are here to help bring your vision to life. With over 50+ years of combined experience in cabinetry and design, our team at Zen Living has the skills and knowledge you need to turn your dreams into reality. Whether you're looking for a complete renovation or a simple refresh, we are here to help.
To get started, simply fill out our form for a free consultation, or you can give us a call at (403) 720-1928 for free design consultation. Our team at Zen Living Kitchen & Bath is eager to work with you and hear all about your project ideas. We are dedicated to turning your vision into a reality.
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