Which Is Cheaper in 2022: Quartz or Granite Countertops?
Do you wonder which one is cheaper: quartz or granite countertops? If so, then this guide is for you! We have covered everything you might want to learn about countertops made of these two stones.
Before providing the answer to our question, we want to emphasize the pros and cons of each countertop. Although price is a great determinant on its own, you need to prefer the right material for the right usage purpose.
Without a doubt, one of the biggest challenges that most people who are planning to buy countertops is the quality of the materials used in these countertops. The fact that you can find dozens of materials for countertops on the market makes things much more challenging. You may need to do detailed research to find the perfect material and product for your living space or business.
If you did your research and reduced your options to two materials like quartz and granite, then this guide is for you. We have covered some facts that you need to be aware of before buying any of them.
Although the difference between quartz and granite countertops is not very distinct, they are different materials. One of them is a processed stone (quartz) while the other one is a natural stone (granite). Thus, we are going to compare these two countertops for you before telling you which one is cheaper or more expensive.
In this way, we believe you can make healthier decisions which you will not regret in the near future.
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What Does Quartz Countertops Offer?
Quartz countertops are made of natural quartz, which is one of the hardest minerals in the world. Thus, it is highly durable compared to other countertop materials. Since a special resin is used in the preparation, you can enjoy a non-porous structure, which can be ideal for areas that often get wet.
Its nonporous structure is also ideal for preventing bacteria and makes it resistant to stains that may occur while you are working on your countertop.
Since quartz countertops are manmade materials, you can enjoy a wide range of color options. Besides classic colors such as white, black, and even brown, you can also find quartz countertops in blue, red, pink, and even golden colors.
As a result, quartz countertops offer more freedom in decoration. You can easily add the personality you are looking for in your overall interior design with the help of these countertops.
What Are the Advantages of Preferring Quartz Countertops?
Although quartz countertops may be processed stone, they are still 97% natural. In addition to this, quartz is a more flexible material when compared to granite.
One of the other advantages of quartz countertops is they do not have a porous structure. This makes them quite easier to maintain. You can simply wipe your countertop to ensure its cleanliness.
Quartz countertops are widely available in the market, and you can easily find interesting and stylish models anywhere.
What Are the Disadvantages of Preferring Quartz Countertops?
No material is perfect, and quartz also has some disadvantages. One of these is that quartz may lose its color over time. It is not that common, however, there is still a chance to experience a color change in time.
In addition to this, you should not expose your quartz countertop to strong UV rays. Unfortunately, quartz is vulnerable to UV. Although its Rodon content, which is a radioactive gas, is not harmful to human health at these levels, it is still a fact that it includes this substance.
What Does Granite Countertops Offer?
Granite is a natural stone that is mined in large blocks. These blocks are processed and cut into slabs to create amazing countertops for various purposes. Just like quartz, granite is highly durable.
The biggest disadvantage of granite countertops is the limitation on color alternatives. Moreover, it requires much more maintenance compared to quartz and you have to seal it often to keep using it.
What Are the Advantages of Preferring Granite Countertops?
As we noted at the beginning of our guide, granite is a natural stone. This means that it is 100% natural. Moreover, it has mixed colors that are often available in similar hue ranges. Another great advantage of granite is it is highly durable.
This makes granite much more durable than quartz. Needless to say, granite is an environmentally friendly natural stone that can be easily repaired in case of any breakage.
What Are the Disadvantages of Preferring Granite Countertops?
It is quite challenging to find the disadvantages of granite. However, if we need to provide some information as a disadvantage, we can say that it is impossible to find a single color countertop.
Due to its heavyweight and fragile structure, though this depends on the thickness of the slab, you may not be able to take your countertop with you while moving into another house.
One of the other disadvantages of granite countertops is their high maintenance costs. Their maintenance is often costly and requires much labor compared to quartz countertops. You have to seal your countertop at regular intervals to keep using it for many years.
Which Is Cheaper: Quartz or Granite Countertops?
As you can see, both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is all up to you to decide which one is better. Keep in mind that there are no rights or wrongs when preferring a material for your decoration. This is up to your taste and preferences.
If we need to mention which one is a cheaper alternative, the winner will be quartz. Granite is a natural stone available in nature in a limited amount. On the other hand, quartz is a mineral, which is abundantly available in nature.
Moreover, granite requires much more labor and processing power to mine, cut into slabs, polish, and seal. However, all you need to do is mix resin and quartz minerals to create amazing quartz countertops. Although their prices are different, you can still find affordable granite countertops, especially during holiday sales and special promotions.
