Quartz vs Granite for Bathroom Vanity Countertop - Pros & Cons

Granite and Quartz are old rivals that are still competing for the place of the best countertop material. Both quartz and granite are very popular for bathroom vanity countertops, as well as for floors. These materials have some characteristics in common, but they also have a few differences that might lead you to one side or the other. Continue reading the comparison between quartz and granite and decide for yourself which one is better for you.

1. Quartz is manufactured, granite is natural

The production process of these two materials is very different. Quartz slabs are manufactured and are made as a combination of quartz stone, resins and pigments. Granite doesn’t have any added materials. This fact contributes to many other characteristics of both products.

2. Quartz is non-porous

Resins, one of the main components of quartz slabs, are making a waterproof surface which liquids can’t break. Quartz is highly resistant to staining due to this.
Granite, on the other hand, is porous and can get stained. It needs to be sealed frequently to prevent the staining from happening.

3. Granite resists heat better

Granite will handle high temperatures without breaking or melting. It is one of the best materials for heat resistance you can get. You can put a hot hair dryer on it and it will not break.
Quartz is not as resistant to heat as granite. Heat can lessen the bond between its components, so it is always advised to put hot objects on mats.

4. Both are very durable

Both stones are very hard and resilient and will not break under any circumstances. They will not get scratched easily and will last you for a long time. When it comes to the durability and longevity of the product, they perform very similarly.

5. Quartz requires less maintenance

You can clean both materials with just soap, water and a soft cloth or use dedicated professional cleaning products for quartz stone. Just make some soapsuds and wipe your worktops with a cloth, then rinse off. The difference is that quartz doesn’t need sealing, while granite does. You should seal granite once or twice a year.

6. Granite is more unique

Since granite is a natural stone, it is more unique. There are no two same granite slabs.
Quartz, as manufactured stone, has more uniform and symmetrical patterns. It depends on your taste which one you like better.

7. Quartz is more affordable

On average, quartz countertops are more affordable, but you are getting the same characteristics, if not better.

Granite is still considered one of the best materials for bathroom vanity countertops, but quartz can be a great alternative to it. Quartz can even look like marble while providing the same (if not better) characteristics at a lower price. Still, the beauty of natural stones is undeniable, but if that isn’t as important to you, quartz will be a great choice.

For more information about the comparison of quartz and granite, please feel free to contact us.