Quartz pros
- It has less environmental impact. There’s still impact, though. Quartz production has an impact on the environment since quartz is made from natural resources. The Kitchn says quartz is the second most abundant material in the earth’s crust, but that it’s usually mined under toxic conditions in underdeveloped countries. They do add that many quartz manufacturers are certified as low-emitting by GreenGuard, which is a plus.
- It’s twice as strong as granite. Today’s rocket science: quartz is made of more quartz than granite is. That means it’s more durable. Cambria, for example, is made of 93 percent pure quartz. According to Cambria, granite contains just 40-60% quartz. This kind of durability also lets you get more creative with your countertop’s edge shapes.
- There’s less maintenance involved. Quartz isn’t porous like granite is. Granite countertops need to be sealed at least once a year to prevent staining from moisture. While sealing isn’t too difficult, it’s a task you have to stay on top of. Quartz doesn’t have to be sealed, so that’s one thing you can scratch off of your long to-do list. It may be a tradeoff worth considering.
- It has more style options than granite. Granite has plenty of different styles, but they all have a lot of variation. Quartz comes in patterns that mimic natural stone and patterns with little to no movement.
Quartz cons
- It’s more expensive. It isn’t often that you find quartz for less than $65 per square foot (if you do, whip out your credit card). In most instances, you’ll spend $75-$120 per square foot depending on the size of your kitchen, the brand, and the style. For the budget-conscious, granite can be the more affordable option.
- You can’t install it outside. You can’t let quartz countertops sit in the sun. According to Cosentino, the surface color gets damaged when it’s exposed to rapid changes in temperature, or under long-term exposure to the sun. Quartz wouldn’t be a good idea for any kind of outdoor surface.
- It has less natural beauty than granite. Imitation never beats the real deal. There are beautiful patterns found in quartz that mimics those found in granite; however, the natural beauty of granite just can’t be replicated.
Source: Granite vs. Quartz Countertops – Tukasa Creations, Inc.