Quartz White Countertops vs. White Granite—Which Should You Choose?

The popularity of white countertops in today’s kitchens can be attributed to their ability to create a bright, clean, and sophisticated appearance. Homeowners often find themselves torn between two beautiful types of white countertop materials: quartz (engineered stone) & granite (natural stone). 

These two materials are both very beautiful & will help you add value to your home; however, they are somewhat different types of materials that will impact your choice based on your personal style, budget, & lifestyle. 

Once you understand how these two types of countertop materials compare regarding appearance, durability, maintenance, heat resistance, & pricing, it will help you decide the best fit for your kitchen or bathroom project.

Design & Aesthetics

While both White Quartz and White Granite offer remarkably different visual qualities, the visual qualities of these materials are uniquely different. White quartz countertops have a smooth and consistent visual quality due to the engineered nature of this material. 

White quartz is made by mixing the natural quartz crystals together with resins and pigments to provide an even visual appearance with a uniform pattern across the surface. Because they create an even pattern of color and texture, white quartz is an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a modern and clean countertop option that has a minimal amount of natural variation. There are several well-known white quartz designs that are quite popular; many of them feature a marble-like vein, soft gray and white patterning, as well as solid white finishes, which have a contemporary and simplistic appeal.

On the other hand, white granite countertops are completely natural stone materials that have been taken straight from the ground. Each natural granite slab will have a unique set of mineral veins, flecks, and color tones that come together in such a way that they make each slab unique and special. 

Because the slabs are so diverse in nature, homeowners who love the organic look of natural materials will choose white granite. White granite can add a sense of individuality and character to kitchens, and those who choose white granite will also have an appreciation for how raw nature can provide such elegance.

Durability and Daily Use

Both quartz and granite have long been recognized as having some of the most durable, everyday-use surfaces available in home improvement projects. While there are similarities between the two materials with regard to their durability, quartz and granite will react differently when subjected to daily wear and tear due to the differences in composition. 

On one hand, quartz is extremely strong and highly resistant to scratches due to the engineered nature of quartz. The engineered composition of quartz makes it completely non-porous; this is what gives quartz its exceptional durability in the kitchen. As long as a quartz surface is cared for properly, quartz will remain durable and look as good as new over time. 

White granite, on the other hand, is also a very strong and durable material, but its strength comes from its natural hardness. White granite is typically very durable in high-traffic areas of the kitchen; with proper care, white granite can last for many decades or longer. However, since granite is a natural stone, it will absorb liquids if not properly sealed. Granite will last for years and look great if it is sealed and cleaned regularly.

In terms of cleaning and maintaining, quartz and granite are extremely different. Quartz countertops require almost no maintenance. They are non-porous and, therefore, do not need sealing and do resist most stains easily. Cleaning your quartz countertop is as easy as washing it with warm soapy water, making it an ideal option for individuals who prefer a low-maintenance home.

White granite, on the other hand, does require more maintenance than quartz, because it does have to be resealed on occasion to keep the stone protected from staining. Resealing is not difficult to do, and most homeowners only need to do it once or twice a year to keep their white granite in great condition. White granite can be maintained by washing it regularly with gentle cleaning products. For many homeowners, when considered with the natural beauty of white granite, the maintenance required for white granite is worth it and easy to accomplish.

Heat Resistance and Cooking Preferences

While granite and quartz are both viable options for kitchen surfaces, they react differently to heat. Granite is a natural stone created under high heat and, as such, has a high ability to withstand extreme heat. Hot pots and pans can be set down directly on granite for limited time periods with no harmful effects due to temperature.

Quartz has good heat resistance; however, quartz can be ruined if extensive use of resins during the manufacturing process, which provides heightened levels of heat resistance, were to occur. 

Generally speaking, placing hot cookware directly upon a piece of quartz will cause discoloration or possibly crack the quartz, making it best to use trivets or some form of hot pad underneath hot cookware when using quartz surfaces. Homeowners who use their kitchens primarily for heavy cooking may benefit from the temperature resistance associated with white granite. For homeowners who also do heavier meal preparation or baking in their kitchen, quartz surfaces are ideal.

Differentiating between Consistency and Natural Variation.

The main decision factor when choosing between granite and quartz is most likely whether the individual prefers a consistent look or a unique look. 

Because quartz is manufactured, it can be designed to be consistent in its look, thus creating a smooth, uniform look that is ideal for modern kitchens focusing on symmetry with clean lines. A quartz countertop would be the best choice for a homeowner who wants all of the countertops in their kitchen to look the same.

White granite offers the homeowner natural variations in veins and patterns that are not repeated exactly the same as any other piece of white granite. This feature of white granite is appealing to many homeowners because it provides a classic, timeless, and natural feel in their homes. If you enjoy feeling natural textures and organic movement in the stone itself, granite may be more suited for you than quartz.

Cost and Potential Investment Value

When it comes to countertop choices, cost is another factor that should be considered. Since quartz is a man-made product, it generally costs more than other types of countertops because of its superior construction and appearance. Purchasing quartz counters is a long-term investment that will add value to your home and increase the likelihood of attracting a buyer in the future. 

The price ranges for granite depend on how rare the stone is. For example, a few of the popular white granite quarrying options are priced the same as quartz. However, for very rare granite types, the prices may be higher than quartz. Granite is also a good long-term investment because of its natural appearance and durability and adds resale value to your home due to buyer preference.

Which Should You Choose?

Your personal situation and individual preferences may influence your choice of countertop material. White quartz may be an appropriate choice for those homeowners who require a low-maintenance countertop that is uniformly designed, non-porous, and easy to clean. White quartz gives the room a modern and fresh feel and therefore is certainly appropriate for families with hectic lifestyles.

For those homeowners who prefer their countertops to exhibit the natural beauty of individual patterns that are unique to each slab of stone and provide high amounts of heat resistance and stability, white granite is another selection to consider. It provides a nice, warm, and authentic appeal; it fits into many of the classic or rustic kitchen design characteristics. In addition, it also fits into the modern kitchen design.

Both products are beautiful and exceptionally durable, and either choice is certainly going to enhance the appeal of the kitchen area. Therefore, when determining what type of product is right for you, you should consider the look you want to achieve and how you will utilize your kitchen.

To Wrap Up

If you are involved in the process of upgrading your countertops, and you wish to see for yourself the actual physical appearance of white quartz and white granite, please feel free to stop in to view our premium countertop selection at Kowalski Granite & Quartz. Our showroom in West Michigan has an unmatched selection of granite, quartz, and solid stone countertops available for purchase. Currently, our West Michigan showroom is stocked with more than 200 full slabs and more than 80 different looks, including types of granite, types of quartz, types of quartzite, and types of eco-friendly recycled materials. If you have the time today, please come visit our showroom!