Caesarstone Arabetto Unique Counter

Quartz Vs. Granite Countertops

At Cabinets Direct USA, we offer a wide range of cabinets and countertops from the nation’s leading manufacturers. When deciding on the best countertops for your kitchen or bathroom in New Jersey, the two most common materials are quartz and granite. Many homeowners prefer the look and durability of stone over laminate, tile, and wood. Continually a top choice for countertops, granite is a natural stone mined from quarries, cut into slabs, and polished before installation. On the other hand, quartz is an engineered stone because the surface is manufactured using crushed quartz crystals that are combined with pigment and resin for binding. Learn more about the differences between quartz and granite countertops to help you choose the right option for your home.

Appearance

Appearance isn’t everything, but it does matter when it comes to your home’s resale value and how much you can enjoy the space. The visual differences between quartz and granite are simply a matter of personal preference. Some homeowners prefer the natural and unique look of granite countertops, since every granite slab is slightly different in mineral pattern and color. Because quartz is an engineered product, these countertops are more uniform in appearance and are available in patterns that offer the look of high-end marble at a lower price.

Cost

Cost is a significant factor when choosing a countertop material. Both granite and quartz premium materials — if you’re on a budget, you may want to consider a different option. The average cost to purchase granite and have it installed ranges from $2,000 to $4,500. Depending on the quality of quartz and style of edging you want, the average cost to install quartz countertops can be anywhere from $3,000 to $7,500. In either case, you can do some of the preliminary work to save money, but the actual fabrication and installation should be handled by a professional.

Installation

Since both granite and quartz are largely constructed of real stone, they are extremely heavy, challenging to work with, and not suitable for DIY installation. Even a relatively small 36-inch countertop weighs close to 100 pounds. Additionally, cutting holes for a sink is no easy task. Unlike quartz, which is nonporous, granite countertops involve multiple sections of stone that need to be pieced together and properly sealed upon installation. This ensures that liquids and oils cannot seep through the stone, and it can also prevent etching caused by cleaners or acidic foods.

Maintenance and Repair

Because granite is a porous material, it needs to be resealed every year. With a proper seal, granite countertops are very resistant to stains and mildew. Minor scratches or marks in granite can be fixed with color-matching epoxy or resin. Quartz countertops are nonporous, so the surface is able to repel coffee, oil, and other liquids without sealing. Damaged quartz is trickier to repair and should be done by a professional, which may drive up the overall cost.

Environmental Friendliness

Environmental impact should be taken into consideration when deciding between quartz and granite countertops. Contrary to popular belief, granite is NOT more sustainable just because it comes from natural stone. Mining and quarrying granite takes quite a lot of energy and increases the carbon footprint. Since quartz can be engineered virtually anywhere, it can be more environmentally-friendly than granite if you use regional manufacturers and local fabricators.

Durability

When it comes to countertops, stone is popular for a reason. Kitchen and bathroom countertops put up with a lot, so they need to be durable and hard-wearing enough to withstand dropped pots, scratched from knives, and more. Although both materials are highly durable, quartz is the tougher of the two. It’s nearly indestructible, and because it isn’t porous like granite, it’s easy to keep your countertops relatively clean and free of bacteria.

Countertop Brands We Carry

Cabinets Direct carries quartz and granite countertops from the industry’s leading brands. Check out our full range of options below to get started on your next home renovation project.

Ready to Get Started?

Our professional kitchen designers are proud to help NJ homeowners simplify their kitchen design process with a complimentary consultation. It is highly recommended that you gather as much information about what you are looking for before the appointment, including style preferences and basic measurements. If you don’t know how to measure your kitchen, we have provided a resource for your reference. We are also proud to offer 12-month interest-free, no down payment financing with Synchrony Financial. After your home is professionally measured by a team member, final designs and drawings for your kitchen will be created. Fill out the form below to get started on your dream kitchen!