When you’re narrowing down your options for your commercial kitchens and bathrooms, it often comes down to granite vs. quartz countertops. What’s most interesting is that many people feel passionate about one or the other without actually knowing how to distinguish between the two.
Let’s look at everything there is to know about quartz and granite countertops and see how they compare. Hopefully, this helps you decide which option is best for you.
What Is Granite?
Granite is 100% natural stone extracted from mines in large batches and then cut into manageable slabs. The slabs are then polished to a shiny finish and ready to be sized down to fit wherever it’s needed. Granite comes as is, so there’s no customizing or changing the color or the veins that run through it.
What is Quartz?
Like granite, quartz is also a natural element mined from the earth. It doesn’t come in large slabs, though. Instead, quartz needs to be ground into fine dust and then fabricated into a countertop by mixing the quartz with resin, pigments, and polymers. Most quartz countertops consist of 70 to 90% quartz, and the other materials make up the remaining amount. So while granite boasts that it is a natural stone, quartz is known as an engineered stone.
Appearance
While granite cannot be customized or changed, quartz can be. Quartz counters will always appear more uniform and have more color and pattern options than granite. Plenty of people prefer granite’s more natural look and others like the options and uniformity that quartz provides. As far as appearance is concerned, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Cost Comparisons
There’s no doubt that quartz and granite are both top-of-the-line, high-end materials. If you’re looking for a low-quality budget option, these aren’t suitable materials for you. But they’re well worth the cost in terms of durability, ease of maintenance, and visual appeal.
The cost of quartz and granite depends on size, shape, quality, and the installer. Overall, the materials and installation costs for the two materials are very comparable. According to HomeAdvisor, you can expect to pay an average of $125/square foot for quartz and $130/square foot for granite. The installation cost of quartz might be slightly higher because it’s a much heavier material than other natural stones, including granite.
Durability
Both quartz and granite are highly durable countertop materials, but quartz has the edge here. As a natural stone, granite is very porous and requires sealing at installation and periodically afterward to keep fluids from penetrating and becoming a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Granite can also be prone to cracking if the slab contains certain flaws or if its integrity is compromised in any way.
On the other hand, quartz never requires sealing due to hard resin during the fabrication process. The surface is entirely nonporous, so it’s resistant to staining and repels germs and bacteria. Quartz won’t crack and is virtually indestructible.
The one benefit that granite has over quartz is heat resistance. The natural granite stone holds up well to heat, although you should still use a hot pad for pots and pans. And while natural quartz can also withstand plenty of heat, the resin used to form quartz counters cannot. Excessive heat can cause irreparable damage to quartz, so a hot pad is always a necessity.
Maintenance
You should clean quartz and granite countertops daily and after each use with warm, soapy water or a mild household cleaner. A soft microfiber cloth is best for cleaning countertops and leaving them shiny and streak-free. Apart from regular cleaning, quartz is relatively maintenance-free.
Granite, on the other hand, will probably require resealing. It’s best to check with the manufacturer for their recommendations, but many recommend resealing granite once per year.
Environmental Concerns
The bulk of the materials in both quartz and granite are natural, but there may be some environmental concerns. Granite does take a significant amount of energy to quarry, and some slabs are transported a long way. Quartz is slightly more environmentally friendly because it’s easier to use local manufacturers and stone found within your local region. This cuts down significantly on the transportation of products.
In the past, there was some concern over granite countertops emitting radon. But recent statements from the Environmental Protection Agency say that there is no evidence that either granite or quartz raises radon levels above anything that would be considered normal.
Increasing Real Estate Value
Whether you’re planning to sell your commercial project or you’re hoping to make your facility more marketable to tenants, both granite and quartz can help you there. Both materials are considered high-end products, and having either on your building’s resume will give it a boost. In addition to marketability, having high-quality materials in your building will improve the appearance and keep the space looking better for longer. The value they’ll provide can be a great way to offset the initial cost.
The Bottom Line
Quartz and granite countertops might be very similar, but they have distinct differences. Granite wins when it comes to being all-natural and heat-resistant. But otherwise, the medal for best countertop material goes to quartz. It’s incredibly durable and easy to maintain. It’s beautiful and can be customized to fit your space. It’s the perfect countertop material for an apartment complex, hotel, multifamily building, or other commercial space.
Superior Commercial Solutions Offers the Best in Quartz Countertops
Choosing the right countertops for your commercial kitchen is crucial, and Superior Commercial Solutions is here to make that decision easier. We offer the best in commercial kitchen countertops, from design to installation.
We specialize in quartz countertops to provide the durability and flexibility that commercial buildings like restaurants, hotels, apartment complexes, and senior living facilities require. We are located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and offer commercial countertops, cabinets, sink fixtures, and decor across the United States. Schedule your consultation today!