Selecting the perfect countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom involves understanding the fundamental differences between granite and quartz. Both granite and quartz are popular choices for countertops, offering distinct advantages. Granite is a natural stone known for its unique patterns and durability, while quartz is an engineered stone that is non-porous, making it resistant to stains and requiring less maintenance. The best choice depends on individual needs and preferences, considering factors like cost, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements.
At Favrstone, we specialize in fabricating premium countertops from both materials, creating custom solutions for residential kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial applications. Our experienced team works with homeowners and contractors throughout Southwest Missouri to deliver stunning stone surfaces that enhance any space. As a trusted local fabricator, we’ve built our reputation on quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service that keeps clients coming back for every stone project.
Investment Considerations
The cost of granite and quartz countertops is comparable and falls within similar ranges, making both accessible luxury options. Granite typically ranges from $40 to $100 per square foot installed, while quartz generally costs between $50 and $150 per square foot. Premium selections in either material can exceed these ranges, particularly exotic granite varieties or designer quartz collections.
The final cost often depends more on your chosen color, pattern complexity, and edge detailing than the material type itself. Favrstone has an extensive inventory of stone samples and provides detailed estimates to help you budget for your project.
Strength and Longevity
Both quartz and granite deliver exceptional durability, though each responds differently to various stresses. Granite ranks among the hardest natural stones available, providing outstanding resistance to scratches and heat damage. You can safely place hot cookware directly on granite surfaces without immediate concern for damage.
Quartz offers superior scratch resistance due to its resin composition, but requires more caution with heat exposure. Temperatures exceeding 300°F can cause discoloration or surface damage to quartz, making trivets and heat pads essential accessories.
For practical applications, granite excels in heat tolerance and impact resistance, while quartz provides superior scratch protection and consistent performance under daily use. We help match material selection to usage patterns — commercial kitchens often benefit from quartz’s resilience under constant activity, while home cooks who frequently use hot cookware may prefer granite’s heat tolerance.
Care and Upkeep
Granite’s porous nature requires thoughtful maintenance to preserve its beauty. Fresh installations need immediate sealing, followed by resealing every one to two years to prevent staining. Daily care involves gentle soap and water cleaning while avoiding harsh chemicals, and prompt spill cleanup to prevent discoloration. . Darker granite colors naturally camouflage water spots and minor stains better than lighter varieties.
Quartz eliminates virtually all maintenance concerns through its non-porous construction. The polymer resin creates an impervious surface that resists stains and bacterial growth without any sealing requirements. Simple cleaning with mild soap and soft cloth maintains quartz’s appearance indefinitely. Unlike granite, quartz won’t absorb liquids or harbor bacteria, making it particularly suitable for food preparation areas.
The maintenance difference becomes significant over time — granite requires ongoing attention and periodic professional resealing, while quartz maintains its performance with basic cleaning alone.
Environmental Considerations
Each material presents different environmental implications worth considering. Granite represents an entirely natural resource that will eventually return to the earth without chemical contamination. However, quarrying operations require significant energy and can impact local ecosystems. The exceptional longevity of granite installations helps offset environmental costs through decades of service life.
Quartz manufacturing utilizes recycled stone materials, often incorporating leftover quartz pieces and stone dust that would otherwise become waste. This process reduces the need for additional quarrying while creating new surfaces from existing materials. However, the polymer resins used in quartz are not biodegradable, creating long-term disposal considerations.
Both options offer environmental benefits and concerns. If environmental impact influences your decision, we can help you explore sustainably sourced granite options or high-recycled-content quartz.
Property Value Enhancement
Installing either granite or quartz countertops represents a valuable home improvement that appeals to potential buyers. Both materials are recognized as premium upgrades that enhance property marketability and value.
Granite maintains a slight advantage in buyer recognition due to its established reputation and natural stone appeal. Quartz continues gaining acceptance among buyers who value modern convenience and low-maintenance living. Either choice provides a solid return on investment. We’ve installed countless kitchens and bathrooms that significantly enhance home values and buyer appeal, regardless of material selection.
Material Advantages and Comparisons
Granite’s Strengths
Granite delivers unmatched natural beauty through unique patterns that ensure no two installations are identical. Its exceptional hardness provides superior heat and scratch resistance, allowing direct contact with hot cookware and sharp utensils. The material’s natural variation creates stunning visual depth that many consider the gold standard for luxury countertops.
Quartz’s Strengths
Quartz eliminates porosity concerns through its engineered construction, creating surfaces that resist stains and bacteria without any sealing requirements. The manufacturing process allows unlimited color and pattern options, including designs that closely mimic natural stone or bold contemporary styles. Its consistent composition provides reliable performance and easier seam integration in complex layouts.
Selecting the Right Material
Commercial Applications
High-traffic commercial environments typically benefit from quartz’s durability and hygiene advantages. Restaurants, hotels, and office kitchens appreciate the stain-resistant, non-porous surface that simplifies cleaning protocols and eliminates sealing schedules. We frequently recommend quartz for commercial clients who prioritize performance and maintenance efficiency.
Residential Kitchens
Homeowners often enjoy greater flexibility in material selection based on lifestyle and preferences. Families who cook frequently with hot cookware or prefer authentic natural stone often choose granite for its heat tolerance and unique beauty. Those seeking minimal maintenance or concerned about staining may prefer quartz’s practical advantages.
Favrstone’s Expertise and Service
At Favrstone, we bring decades of stone fabrication experience to every project, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques and state-of-the-art equipment. Our skilled team works closely with contractors and homeowners to select optimal materials, colors, edge profiles, and finishes for each unique application. What sets us apart is our commitment to understanding your vision and translating it into reality with precision and care.
When clients desire natural stone warmth, we might recommend our custom-fabricated granite while providing detailed guidance on proper sealing schedules and care techniques. For those prioritizing consistent modern styling and less maintenance, we guide them through our extensive quartz options and showcase our portfolio of successful installations across Southwest Missouri.
Our comprehensive services include both fabrication and installation, ensuring seamless project completion from start to finish. Our fully equipped Ozark, Missouri facility handles precision cutting and polishing for any slab size, utilizing advanced technology to achieve perfect fits and flawless finishes. Our professional installation team manages complete countertop replacement with meticulous attention to detail, handling everything from careful removal of existing surfaces to the final polish of your new countertops.
At Favrstone, we stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties because we’re confident in both our craftsmanship and the quality materials we source. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as Southwest Missouri’s premier stone fabricator, with countless satisfied customers who trust us for all their countertop needs. We take pride in building lasting relationships with our clients, often becoming their go-to resource for multiple projects over the years.
Whether you’re planning a commercial renovation or residential remodel, Favrstone is ready to partner with you on your project. We provide complimentary quotes for both granite and quartz installations, taking the time to understand your specific needs, timeline, and budget. Contact us or visit our quote request page to begin exploring options with Southwest Missouri’s most trusted stone fabricator. We’ll address your questions about costs, care requirements, and styling possibilities while recommending the ideal surface solution tailored specifically to your project’s demands.