Ready to take your kitchen or bathroom remodel to a whole new level of chic? Look no further than quartz. While granite has long been the gold standard, quartz is quickly gaining ground thanks to its durability, handsome looks, and low-maintenance charm.

From maintenance tips and design options to environmental considerations and cost comparisons, we’ll cover everything you need to know about integrating quartz countertops into your home.

What Are Quartz Countertops Made Of?

There’s a common misconception that quartz countertops are made from solid quartz. So what is a quartz countertop? It’s one made from a mix of crushed granite, marble, natural stone, and recycled materials like ceramic, glass, and mirror. Manufacturers then add a polymeric or cement material to the mix to bind everything together.

It’s worth noting that most of the materials used to manufacture quartz are waste byproducts from other manufacturing processes, like mining and construction. This makes quartz countertops not only sturdy and sleek but also eco-friendly.

How Durable Are Quartz Countertops?

In terms of durability, quartz is actually stronger than granite. It is also less prone to chipping and cracking. And because quartz is nonporous, it does not require sealing and will not stain like marble and granite.

Another perk? Quartz is highly scratch-resistant. In the unlikely event that you do scratch your countertops, you can buff them out or even fix deep scratches with epoxy filler.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops

Maintaining quartz is relatively simple. We recommend using an equal parts mixture of mild dish soap and water and cleaning with a nonabrasive sponge or cloth. Use a plastic putty knife to break up stubborn food or grease for tougher cleaning. You can also use a mild degreaser as long as it is quartz-safe.

The Final Breakdown: Is Quartz Superior to Granite?

We wish there was a simple “yes” or “no” answer to this question. What we can say is this:

• Quartz is generally more scratch- and chip-resistant than granite.
• Quartz is more likely to be damaged by high temperatures than granite. That said, we do not recommend putting hot pots directly on any countertop. High temperatures can damage sealants and discolor both quartz and granite.
• Some prefer the 100% natural look of granite stone. Others like that quartz has a wild side—quartz manufacturers are beginning to play with crocodile-skin textures and unconventional colors like apple martini.
• Quartz and granite are comparable in terms of cost. However, popular granite colors or patterns frequently drive prices up due to availability.
• If you are concerned about resale value, both granite and quartz generally add value to homes. However, buyer preference for one material over the other may vary.
• While both materials impact the environment, quartz uses 90% recycled materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. From our perspective, that makes quartz a “greener” choice.
• Because quartz is an engineered material, it can be manufactured in a variety of colors and patterns. Manufacturers can also produce slabs that are 100% consistent in coloring and patterns. Granite is a natural material, so each piece is unique; this can make matching more challenging, especially if you have a large surface area to cover.

We’ll Take Your Project From Concept to Completion

Whether building from scratch or remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or mudroom, Wyoming Building Supply has the expertise and materials you need to bring your vision to life. With our extensive selection of top-quality products and 50 years of installation experience, we're uniquely positioned to take your project from concept to completion. Contact us today!