Granite and quartz are popular choices for kitchen and bath countertops. Both materials are very durable and enhance interior designs and functionality, but which one costs less? Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project. In this article, we’ll look at the differences between natural granite stone and engineered quartz stone and the factors that affect pricing so you can determine which material is best for your design project.
What Are Quartz and Granite and How Do They Differ?
Quartz is an engineered stone product used to enhance interior surfaces. Granite is natural stone that’s quarried from the Earth and used to create countertops and other surfaces. Both materials are incredibly durable and can withstand daily wear and tear in busy environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. Quartz is a nonporous material that resists stains, moisture, mold, and bacteria from penetrating the surface. Granite requires regular and routine sealing to create a sanitary surface. Let’s look at these materials more closely, including the costs associated with each of them, to see which one adds the most value.
· What is quartz?
Quartz, sometimes called engineered stone, is a manufactured material that uses crushed quartz minerals, resins, and pigments to create a product that offers all the beauty of natural stone with added performance benefits and fewer maintenance requirements. Quartz is one of the earth’s strongest and most abundant materials, and its inherent properties make quartz countertops extremely durable.
The quartz manufacturing process allows companies, including LX Hausys, to create innovative designs and colors that can’t be found in granite. The manufacturing process creates a nonporous surface that offers natural hygienic properties, creating a clean surface ideal for kitchen food prep and busy bathroom routines. Unlike granite, quartz does not require sealing, minimizing maintenance costs and demands.
· What is granite?
Granite is a naturally occurring stone mined from quarries and cut, polished, and fabricated into slabs. For years, granite was the go-to choice for residential countertops, but advances in quartz production have made quartz the most popular and top-rated countertop material. Granite offers a natural look with each slab having unique colors and patterns. As a natural stone, granite is durable and beautiful, making it an excellent material for various applications, including countertops, vanities, sculptures, and more. Granite resists scratches, chipping, and chemical stains. However, granite countertops are naturally porous and require regular, annual sealing to protect the surface from mold, germs, and moisture accumulation beneath the surface.
Which is more expensive, quartz or granite?
Both quartz and granite maintain their value for many years to come, and the materials cost approximately the same, with quartz being slightly less expensive. However, luxurious quartz products can be as expensive as granite slabs. Evaluating which material is best for your budget depends on your project specifications.
· How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?
Prices vary depending on the quality of the quartz, size, and other factors, but the average price of quartz per square foot is usually between $40 to $85 per square foot, with premium quartz costing anywhere from $75 to $150 per square foot.
· How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost?
Granite prices vary greatly depending on the rarity and quality of the stone. You can find granite starting at $35 per square foot, but highly coveted granite colors, including the rare Van Gogh blue and gold granite, can run up to $400 per square foot. The average price per square foot for granite is $35 to $120.
· Quartz vs. Granite Cost Comparisons
There aren’t standard “grades” for granite and quartz countertops, but both materials offer budget, standard, and premium options for various project needs. These grades may also be referred to as builder grade, mid-grade, and high quality.
Cost Factors of Quartz and Granite
Quality, color, thickness, shipping, slab size, fabrication, edging techniques, installation, and other factors affect the cost of your project. How and where your material is sourced also influences price. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
· Color
Quartz is the way to go if you’re looking for colors and patterns that aren’t readily available in granite. Rare granites, including many pink and blue hues, can significantly add to costs. However, with quartz, you can source numerous colors and patterns for any size budget. Quartz can mimic even the rarest natural stone, offering far more colors and patterns than granite. It can also resemble other materials such as concrete for urban and industrial designs.
· Size
The larger and thicker the slab of granite or quartz, the more it will cost. Smaller slabs may be more affordable but will require joining the pieces together with numerous visible seams, which can affect the overall appearance of the countertop.
The standard countertop thickness is between 2-3 centimeters. Thinner slabs are used in many prefabricated countertops, and while this option is more affordable, it’s also fragile and may require additional support materials. Granite countertops with a 2-centimeter thickness may also require plywood supports. Most fabricators and designers prefer a 3-centimeter thickness for granite and 2 to 3-centimeter thickness for quartz.
· Source & Shipping
Both granite and quartz are available domestically, reducing shipping costs. However, many of the most coveted granite options come from Italy and Brazil, increasing shipping and procurement costs. China also produces granite and quartz countertops, which are typically more affordable but may sacrifice quality. VIATERA Quartz by LX Hausys is manufactured in the United States at its Georgia facility. The company also offers many distribution centers to help with availability and shipping.
· Installation
Whether you choose quartz or granite, you’ll need professional installation for these heavy materials. Trained and experienced fabricators are necessary to get the proper fit, finish, and edges. Fabricators will also blend seams for a more cohesive look. The larger the slab, the fewer the seams but, the more it weighs. Installation costs will vary depending on each project, the size of the slabs, the desired finish, the edging technique, timing, and other factors.
· Durability & Maintenance
When factoring in the costs of your countertop project, you’ll want to consider its entire lifecycle and the likelihood of damage. Granite and quartz are highly durable, but granite can crack or chip if not handled properly. On the other hand, quartz is harder to chip and crack but not as heat resistant, so it may show some discoloration if exposed to high temperatures for long periods. Granite will also need to be sealed regularly to reduce its porosity and prevent stains, mold, and bacteria from penetrating the surface. Most manufacturers recommend yearly sealing, which requires additional effort and expense. While sealing can be a do-it-yourself project, most manufacturers recommend using a professional fabricator to ensure proper application and the correct sealant. With proper care, both granite and quartz should last for as long as you need and hold up to everyday wear and tear.
· Real Estate Value
Both granite and quartz can increase your home’s resale value. Buyers want high-end materials that are easy to care for and withstand daily demands. Kitchens and baths are expensive to remodel, so having durable, high-quality materials that don’t need replacing can be a huge advantage.
Explore VIATERA Quartz Countertops & Costs by LX Hausys
If you’re interested in quartz countertops, check out VIATERA by LX Hausys; this high-quality quartz comes in many colors, styles, and finishes for a variety of budgets. Contact our team for specifics on pricing and assistance finding the ideal quartz countertop for your home.