Comparison of granite and quartz countertops

Here's a comparison of granite and quartz countertops, highlighting key features with ratings for each:

Feature Granite Quartz
Durability 9/10: Very durable, resistant to scratches and heat. Needs proper sealing. 8/10: Highly durable but slightly less heat-resistant than granite. Non-porous and scratch-resistant.
Maintenance 7/10: Requires periodic sealing to prevent staining. Can be labor-intensive. 9/10: Low maintenance, no sealing required due to non-porous nature. Easy to clean.
Appearance 9/10: Unique, natural veining. No two slabs are identical. Offers a high-end, elegant look. 8/10: Available in many colors and patterns, though less unique than granite. Consistent appearance.
Heat Resistance 10/10: Granite is very heat-resistant and can withstand hot pots and pans. 7/10: Quartz is heat-resistant but can be damaged by extremely high temperatures.
Stain Resistance 9/10: Granite is porous and requires sealing to resist stains.( +1 Good Sealer and a daily cleaner sealer and never have to think about this.) 9/10: Non-porous, making it naturally resistant to stains without the need for sealing.
Scratch Resistance 9/10: Very scratch-resistant, but can chip if heavy items are dropped. 9/10: Quartz is engineered with resins that make it highly scratch-resistant.( )
Environmental Impact 7/10: Mining and transporting granite can have environmental impacts. 6/10: More environmentally friendly ( ???% Lies ), especially if made from recycled materials.( -2 Facts Matter: The quartz material is mined and transported to a factory where is it mixed with plastics and we know what that does to the environment... Assumption: US quartz is probably sourced in the US .. shipped to china for processing and then shipped back to the US as countertop slabs.. Just like our gas. The recycled material is too small a portion of the market to make this claim)
Cost 7/10: Generally more expensive, especially for high-quality slabs. 8/10: Can be slightly more affordable than premium granite, though high-end options exist.
Resale Value 9/10: Granite is considered a premium material that can boost home resale value. 8/10: While high-quality, quartz typically doesn’t add the same value as granite.
Variety of Designs 8/10: Natural stone offers a wide range of colors, but limited to the stone’s availability. 9/10: Engineered stone allows for a wide variety of colors, patterns, and customization.

Overall Summary and Rating:

  • Granite: Overall Rating: 9/10
  • Granite is a classic, premium choice with a natural, unique look that adds significant value to a home. It's highly durable, heat-resistant, and offers a high-end aesthetic, though it requires regular maintenance (sealing) and can be expensive.
    In my experience I have had granite for 7 years and we use a daily cleaner sealer and have never "resealed" our countertops and they look just like they did the day they were installed.
  • Quartz: Overall Rating: 8.5/10
  • Quartz offers a consistent, low-maintenance surface with a wide variety of colors and patterns. While not quite as heat-resistant as granite, it is more stain-resistant and requires no sealing, making it a practical choice for many homeowners. Its engineered nature makes it a bit less unique compared to natural granite. Do not expose to high UV light areas as the material can discolor and/or change shape.

Conclusion:

Both granite and quartz are excellent choices for countertops, and the decision largely depends on your priorities. If you value a unique, high-end, natural stone appearance and are willing to invest time in maintenance, granite is a great choice. If you're looking for a more maintenance-free, consistent, and stain-resistant option, quartz is a solid contender. Both materials offer longevity and beauty, making them suitable for modern kitchens and bathrooms.

Here's a comparison of granite and quartz countertops, highlighting key features with ratings for each:

Step #2 : Make some basic selections to receive and Instant Countertop Estimate

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Material Selection

The cost of countertop materials are based on supply and demand. Example: Some material is difficult to find, more expensive to mine from the earth and farther away to source. These factors may increase the cost. Some material is man-made but the costs of manufacturing this material and designed it to a style that is in demand may drive up the cost of certain designs.

Granite Countertop Calculator

Countertop Pricing Factors:

Stone Grade / Slab Size / Edge Design / Installation Complexity / Source Location / Price Range

Quartz Countertop Calculator & Estimator

Countertop Pricing Factors:

Quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed quartz and resin, offering a consistent appearance.

Brand / Design Complexity / Customization / Thickness / Environmental Add-ons / Price Range:

Marble Countertop Calculator & Estimator

Countertop Pricing Factors:

Marble is a luxurious natural stone renowned for its classic elegance and veining.

Type of Marble / Rarity / Finish / Sealing Needs / Thickness and Size / Price Range:

Quartzite Countertop Calculator & Estimator

Countertop Pricing Factors:

Quartzite is a natural stone that combines the look of marble with the durability of granite.

Rarity and Origin / Finish Options / Cutting and Shaping / Sealing: / Color / Price Range:

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FireUps ( About Us )

FireUps Founder Paul Gallagher Paul Gallagher, founder of FireUps, developed this Countertop Calculator to assist countertop businesses in engaging potential customers with accurate and interactive estimates. These tools are part of a broader strategy designed to enhance online services between consumers and local countertop fabricators and streamline the process. FireUps’s countertop marketing solutions focus on providing customers with estimates, connecting customers with quality local fabricators and creating efficient workflows for countertop fabricators​. Countertop Business Solutions since 2008

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