Let’s start with GRANITE. True granite can last a lifetime.

Authentic natural stone, such as granite, falls under the green building movement. Initially, the stone is sawed into slabs or made into tiles with coloring supplied by mother nature. Granite coloring has a lot of natural movement and variety.  Different minerals in the ground compress under pressure and form the stone in numerous colors and hues. It is this natural variety and uniqueness that makes granite so desirable.  It is also easily cleaned, low maintenance, highly heat and scratch resistant, and is unaffected by harsh chemicals.

Within a kitchen, the average pricing will range from $50-$175 per square foot.

Things to know:

  • – Granite will need to be sealed upon installation & going forward on a regular basis to keep the countertop looking brand new. Some fabricators offer a 15 year sealer with a warranty for those that prefer less maintenance and more piece of mind.
  • – Some granite comes dyed, which often appears in black granite samples; be sure to ask about this when purchasing.

On to Quartz – a leading trend in today’s market.

The final product is engineered from crushed quartz and mixed with pigment for coloration, making the countertops about 93% quartz contents. This allows for more consistent coloring due to produced pigments and can be found in an array of colors. Like granite, it is easily cleaned, low maintenance, highly heat and scratch resistant, and is unaffected by most harsh chemicals. Unlike granite, the manufactured quartz countertop is non-porous, therefore, air or liquid cannot pass through and quartz does not need to be periodically sealed. 

Within a kitchen, the average pricing will range from $80-$140 per square foot.

Things to know:

  • – Permanent marker is one of the few outliers that can stain quartz countertops.

Pros and Cons

  • – Granite can withstand up to 1,200* temperatures, whereas quartz is only rated for 150*.  DO NOT put a hot pan on quartz.
  • – Granite needs to be periodically sealed but there are options for long lasting sealers.  Quartz does not need to be sealed.
  • – Granite has more natural movement and variety, quartz is a consistent pattern and color.
  • – Granite and Quartz both contain uranium and thorium which can decay to radon gas, because of the polymer in quartz, the radon gas may not be as readily released. However, per the EPA “It is extremely unlikely that radiation from granite countertops would increase annual radiation doses above normal, natural background levels.”

Because granite is a naturally harvested product and does not require a polymer, it is more environmentally friendly as it produces fewer carbon emissions during production.  

While both products have their pros and cons, I honestly feel that they are very comparable materials and ultimately the choice between the two often comes down to cosmetics and what overall look you are going for in your home.  Whichever product you decide to go with, rest assured that both are beautiful and well received in the real estate market.