Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: Which Countertops Are Best for North Shore Kitchens

Kitchen remodeling comes with a question about Quartz vs Granite Countertops and which is best. If you are looking for features like heat resistance, longevity, affordability, and durability, granite is the right choice. But if you want a countertop with consistent design patterns, color variations, and a non-porous surface, quartz is the best option.

Granite is a natural stone, while quartz is engineered by mixing crushed quartz with resin. The modern kitchens we have remodeled use different stones, including quartz, granite, and marble, depending on the owners’ choice. Quartz Countertops are mostly preferred in contemporary kitchens, while granite gives an aesthetic look for natural kitchen layouts.

What is the Main Difference Between Quartz and Granite Countertops?

Quartz and granite Countertops are different in styles, shades, textures, cost, and durability. We have created a detailed table for you to know the exact difference between the two:

Comparison Between Quartz and Granite Countertops:

Below is the detailed comparison between both countertops:

Properties:

The quartz Countertop is scratch-resistant with a uniform look, while granite countertops have inconsistent natural patterns and a rough surface that requires sealing.

Installation:

Quartz and granite both require heavy lifting and professional services to install them. But the main issue mostly occurs with granite stone because the whole slab needs to be put in at once, which has a high risk of cracking. Whereas quartz countertops are easier to handle because of resin binding.

Both require diamond-blade wet saws for cutting, and granite requires sealing immediately after installation.

Cost of Granite vs Quartz Countertops:

The cost of granite and quartz countertops is almost similar. Granite is less expensive as compared to Quartz. The cost of installed granite (North Shore, Illinois) is around $40 – $110 per sq. ft., whereas the standard slabs cost around $40 – $60 per sq. ft. The cost of an installed quartz slab (North Shore, Illinois) is almost $50 – $150 per sq. ft., and the standard slab is $50–$70 per sq. ft**.**

Note: These costs can change depending on the slab style and quality you are choosing.

Surface (Non-Porous vs Porous) and Color Fading:

The granite slabs are porous and require sealing after 1 to 3 years. While the quartz slab surfaces are smooth and non-porous. The issue with quartz is that it fades over time, but granite has a lasting shine.

Hardness Scale:

Both granite and quartz are hard and scratch-resistant. Quartz ranks 7 on the Mohs Hardness scale because of the addition of minerals and rocks, while granite ranks between 6 and 7.

NSF-51 Food-safe certified:

Quartz countertop is considered NSF-51 food-safe due to its non-porous and non-absorbent surface. When we mention granite, it is not good enough because its porous surface can gather mold and dirt that may contaminate the food.

Colors and Styles:

If you want a design-build kitchen or bathroom, or you want to keep the color contrast and style the same throughout the house, try quartz. Quartz are man made and most design teams and manufacturers make sure to match patterns and style of the slabs. But granite is naturally occurring big rocks that have different patterns and limited color options.

Warranty:

As quartz is manufactured in machines and supplied by companies, most come with a warranty of almost 10 years. This warranty covers color fading, factory flaws, and material problems.

Maintenance:

Quartz and granite both have their own maintenance issues to take care of, like:

• Stains: Stains on a quartz surface can be easily wiped off but may remain permanently due to the porous surface.
• Heat Tolerance: You have to be careful with quartz countertops when placing heated items because it has less heat tolerance. If the heat is above 300°F, the quartz countertop may scorch, discolor, or be damaged.
• Installation: We recommend using granite for outdoor use due to the heat sensitivity of quartz, and it can fade out as well. Granite can withstand harsh climates and looks sturdy even after ages. Not only that, but the warranty may be void for quartz countertops used outside.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Quartz Vs Granite Countertops:

Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: Which Countertops are Best for North Shore kitchens?

Choosing a countertop is completely the owners’ choice, but people in North Shore should be aware of environmental and harsh weather conditions in the region. Granite countertops are best if temperature and weather resistance are the priority. For a normal indoor North Shore kitchen, however, quartz may still be the better low-maintenance choice. Before choosing the slab, you should contact your local remodeler with experience so they can help you choose the best option.

What is alternate for quartz and granite countertops?

The alternate for granite and quartz countertops in most modern kitchens is marble. But only if your home (especially if located in North Shore communities) is climate-controlled. Our recent projects also featured marble countertop work that was meant to match the aesthetics and polished look of the house. Quartzite is another naturally occuring stone that we used in some our projects like what we did in Northbrook bathroom remodeling.