Granite vs. Quartz Countertops?

I'm asked at least on a weekly basis what type of countertop I recommend - Granite or Quartz?  My answer may surprise you; however before I give it, I thought it might be a good idea to give you the opinion of an expert.  I asked Steve Lee at Canaan Stone Works for his thoughts on which countertop is better - Granite or Quartz? 

"Granite vs Quartz Countertops

Are Your Customers Asking You Which One Is Better?

With the ever growing popularity of Quartz countertops, many customers are asking about the differences between Quartz and Granite, and of course the ever so popular question...."Which one is better?"  Truth be told, that question can only be answered by the customer.  However, I think it's important the customer understands the differences so they are able to make the decision that is best FOR THEM!

Quartz Facts:

Quartz is a man-made product that consists of 93% quartz and 7% pigments and resins. 

The process combines crushed quartz, resin, and pigments in molds where it is heated and vibrated. The result is Quartz slabs that are solid and impervious to stains, moisture, and bacteria. 

Due to Quartz having a resin that binds the quartz together and therefore the stone is not porous, meaning it never needs to be sealed.  Below are the attributes of Quartz:

 1) Non-porous - never needs sealed

2) Scratch Resistant

3) Heat Resistant up to about 300 degrees

Because Quartz tops are strong & dense in nature, it allows for greater overhangs than granite without fear of cracking or breaking.

Granite Facts:

Granite is molten rock that was formed millions of years ago and is now quarried from mountains in Brazil, India, and Italy, to name a few.  

 Not only will you find many beautiful colors and patterns with Granite, but because of its durability and longevity, Granite is well suited for high traffic areas.  

Granite is considered one the most durable products for countertops because it is scratch resistant, heat resistant, and fairly stain resistant.  It is one of the hardest materials on earth, with only 3 other natural materials being harder, and one of them being diamonds.   This is the reason Granite is fabricated with all diamond tooling. There is a scale that determines the hardness of materials (Mohs scale of Hardness) and the scale is 1-10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest.  On that scale, Granite is a 7 and the best knives on the market have been rated no higher than 5."

We use both types in our remodels and frankly it depends on the Design or Designer and selection.  In my mind both are equal in function; however Granite tends to be more artistic.  I prefer to see it more in my remodels. 

Terry Skilling, CR