The Real Difference Between Granite and Quartz Counters

If you aren’t exactly sure what the difference is between granite and quartz counters, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone.  Granite and quartz look somewhat similar as both tend to have pale hues.  Do your due diligence before buying and you’ll find there are substantive differences between the two counter materials.   

Austin homeowners need to know: is granite better than quartz?  Is granite worth the money?  We have all the answers.  This is your inside look at the Granite Vs. Quartz debate.

Why More Homeowners are Choosing Granite Over Quartz

Take one look top end granite countertops and you’ll experience love at first sight.  Granite has inherent visual appeal.  This completely natural stone forms through the movement of tectonic plates beneath the land we live and work on.  Physical labor extracts all-natural granite from below the planet’s surface, setting the stage for it to be sectioned into individual slabs for use in Austin kitchens like yours. 

Whether you are remodeling, renovating or building an entirely new kitchen, you’ll find granite looks better than other options.  Granite’s appeal is largely attributable to its visual dexterity.  Take a look at the different granite options in Round Rock and it won’t take long to find the perfect fit for your unique kitchen. 

Granite has a natural, earth-like appearance created by its natural patterns including unique mineral crystallization.  Look closely and you’ll see small dividing lines that make the material’s colors highly distinct. 

Granite’s elevated lines are also revered by homeowners and interior design specialists as these subtle details create a rough, all-natural texture.  Compare this idiosyncratic aesthetic to that of quartz and you’ll quickly understand why granite has become the counter material top of choice as we transition through the second half of 2024. 

The Unique Surface of Granite Counters

Granite counters are one part form and another part function, both of which are equally important.  Search the web for “Granite counters in Austin” or “Is granite worth the money?” and you’ll find most pages highlight how this material is characterized by its porous surface.  Porous granite is absorbs liquid spills. 

Homeowners also have the option of staining their granite countertops.  Some choose to have their counters finished using a sealer that prevents water and oil from moving downward.  Opt for sealing at the point in time when granite counters are added to your home, be it during a remodel or renovation, and you’ll be even more impressed with their functionality.  However, we would be remiss not to mention that you’ll get the most out of your granite counters with additional resealing in the ensuing years.

If you were to poll Austin homeowners with granite countertops, you would find many have dyed counters.  Though not every counter made of granite is guaranteed to be dyed, there is a good chance some of the options at the top of your list have color alteration.  If you are partial to black granite or granite with another dark hue, be aware that those colors are likely to contain dye.

Though dyed counters are not inherently faulty or low-quality, they have the potential to create a problem down the line.  In the spirit of honesty, our Austin granite counter team is willing to admit dyed granite kitchen counters are likely to fade.  In particular, dyed moisture-laden sections of the are especially likely to fade in color when juxtaposed with sections that are not dyed.

The Granite Vs. Quartz Debate Continues: Is Quartz Even Worth Considering?

Now that we’ve highlighted the many merits of granite counters in Austin, let’s shift the focus to quartz.  Though quartz isn’t as visually pleasing as granite, it is still worthy of consideration. 

Temporarily overlook the fact that quartz lacks the diverse natural aesthetic variations of granite, focusing on its distinct flecking marks.  Quartz flecking is fairly consistent, creating a unifying visual theme that some consider superior to the aesthetic of granite.

Quartz counters are revered for their minimalism.  Opt for this relatively plain surface and you’ll enjoy a balanced aesthetic that is easy on the eyes.  However, when you put a slab of quartz side-by-side with a slab of granite, there’s a good chance your eyes will naturally gravitate toward the granite. 

As is often said, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.   The adage also holds true in the context of buying new kitchen counters.

The Composition of Quartz Counters Might Surprise You

Quartz counters are a combination of quartz and resin.  Break down the material composition of these counters and you’ll find they are 90% quartz and a mere 10% resin.  To be completely accurate, the resin component of quartz counters is actually a resin binder.  The binder’s aesthetic is enhanced with the use of color additives. 

The use of resin in quartz for binding ensures there aren’t any visible fissures.  However, such fissures aren’t necessarily a bad thing.  As evidenced by Austin homeowners who adore their granite counters’ natural fissures, such nuances are admirable. 

Moreover, quartz counters with resin binding do not contain the crystalline component as present within granite.  The end result is a highly smooth texture that appeals to the touch.

Take your time when looking through the different patterns and colors available to homeowners considering quartz counters and you are sure to find a texture-color combination that suits your fancy.  When sleuthing for the perfect new quartz counter, zero in on those that are ground particularly fine.  Fine-ground quartz counters display a striking appearance characterized by glossiness and polish.

Granite Vs. Quartz: Which is More Resistant to Damage?

Most Austin homeowners prefer a balance of form and function, with many prioritizing visual appeal over resistance to external threats.  If countertop damage is not at the top of your priorities list, opt for granite.  Granite is slightly more susceptible to moisture saturation and staining than quartz unless you take the extra step of sealing. 

Granite is highly resistant to heat damage, potential scratching and indentation caused by the impact of heavy objects.  Compare granite’s heat resistance to that of quartz and you’ll find granite emerges as the winner. 

The bottom line is granite counters are much more capable of withstanding high temperatures than other kitchen counter materials including quartz.  You can even place a blazing hot pan or pot onto your new granite counters without causing damage.  The same cannot be said of quartz that is much more likely to be scorched upon contact.

Quartz is especially resistant to water and staining as it is non-porous.  There is no need to add a sealant to a newly-installed quartz countertop as they will be stain-proof from day one.  However, the catch is that damage to quartz countertops almost always necessitates the expertise of a costly quartz counter repair professional.

Is Granite Worth the Money?  Yes!

In the end, it can be said without the slightest doubt that granite is better than quartz and worth every penny.  If you own a home in the greater Austin area, reach out to us today for more information about the Granite Vs. Quartz debate. 

You can contact our Austin granite specialists located at 15700 N. Interstate Hwy 35 by phone at (800) 710-2185 (Call Center), (512)