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What's the Difference Between Granite and Quartz?

March 4, 2018

Granite and quartz are two of the most popular choices for countertops, but what’s the difference between the two materials—and how do you best care for each? We'll help you answer both questions so that you can decide which is the best fit for your new home. First, let’s take a look at the differences between granite and quartz.

Granite vs. Quartz

Granite is a piece of rock that gets mined out of mountains in Italy, Brazil and other parts of the world. Once the granite is removed from the mountain, it’s shipped in slabs to be used in residential and commercial construction. Because granite is a natural product, you’ll never have two of the same granite countertops, even if the granite is taken from the same slab. That unpredictability is precisely what many people love about granite. Naturally varying tones and patterns give you the versatility to match your granite countertops to a variety of tones in your home, including flooring, cabinets and hardware. Quartz, on the other hand, is made of finely ground pieces of quartz that are mixed with approximately 5 percent resin. It’s a man-made product that has a consistent color and pattern, which is one of the primary advantages of quartz. If you’re looking for a uniform color and pattern—a beige or gray, for example—quartz is likely the best option. And in terms of cost, quartz is generally a bit more expensive than granite. As an Inspired Homes option, quartz is considered an upgrade, whereas granite is a standard inclusion.

How to Care for Granite and Quartz

Once your new countertops are ready, how do you care for them? The good news is that granite and quartz are both designed to be low-maintenance. Because granite is stone, it’s porous and can absorb stains and water. That's why we recommend sealing your granite countertops every 2 to 4 years. Quartz doesn’t require sealing. And in terms of day-to-day cleaning, avoid acidic cleaners for both granite and quartz and, instead, use a simple cleaning solution of mild soap and water. If you accidentally stain your granite countertop with something like red wine, don’t panic! Take our advice and mix a paste from baking soda and water, then apply the paste directly to the stain. The baking soda will draw the stain out of the countertop, then simply wipe away with soap and water. Another common predicament is a chip in your countertop. Granite chips are relatively easy to repair, thanks to the varying color pattern—the repaired piece typically blends right in. Quartz, on the other hand, can pose a tougher challenge, so you’ll likely want to enlist the help of a professional. If you have additional questions about granite and quartz countertops and what we offer in our homes, feel free to reach out to Whitney, our New Home Advisor, at woreillyinspired-homes.com.