A chic, updated kitchen can be a major boon to people looking to sell their house, and stone countertops can quickly boost a kitchen’s quality. Quartz and granite each have distinct advantages and liabilities as countertop stuff, but selecting between different options can be complicated.
What Is the Difference?
Granite and quartz are both types of stone, meaning they’re extremely durable, and both come in a variety of colors. Quartz comes in strong colors, while granite pieces comprise marbling. Each piece has a special pattern. Quartz can also be harder than granite, meaning it damages less easily.
Initial Costs
Both quartz and granite require a substantial initial investment. Though prices vary widely based on quality and availability, granite runs around $60 per square foot, and quartz costs between $67 and $93 per square foot. These costs comprise the raw stuff and the installation.
Maintenance and Durability
Quartz and granite have distinct upkeep requirements. Since granite is a natural stone, it has to be sealed upon installation. It will then have to be resealed every two years. Granite also stains easily and all spills must be wiped up right away. Granite countertops have to be washed regularly, or bacteria might develop and contaminate food. Quartz doesn’t require an initial seal coat. Since quartz has had its flaws engineered out, it still stains less easily. In addition, it cracks and breaks less than granite.
Value in the Marketplace
Generally, granite has a higher resale value than quartz. Granite can increase the value of your house by up to 25 percent of the countertop’s retail value, according to Robert Measer, of Hunt Real Estate. Lenders may tend to see granite as a sign that a residence is of good quality and value investing in, however adding new countertops doesn’t guarantee a higher resale value.
