Two Great Choices, One Real Difference
Quartz and granite are the two most popular countertop materials. Both handle daily kitchen use well. The choice between quartz vs. granite usually comes down to how much upkeep you want.
Granite is natural stone cut from the earth. Quartz is engineered from crushed stone and resin. They look similar at a glance but behave differently over time.
At DeCicco Property Group, countertops are a key step in every kitchen remodeling project we run in South Jersey. Here is what local homeowners need to know before they pick.
How Quartz and Granite Hold Up to Daily Use
Consumer Reports has tested both materials for cutting, heat, and scratches. Quartz and granite both earned top marks and rank as the most durable countertops on the market. [1]
For everyday cooking, both will serve you for decades. Neither is fully chip proof, so a heavy pot dropped on an edge can still cause damage.
Quartz pulls slightly ahead on stains. In the same tests, quartz resisted tough stains like beet juice and food coloring better than granite did.
If you have kids, pets, and a busy kitchen, that stain edge can matter. For a South Jersey family that uses the kitchen hard, quartz is the easy-care option.
The Upkeep Difference That Decides Most Kitchens
Granite needs to be sealed when it is installed and resealed every year or so. Sealing keeps water and stains out of the natural stone. [1]
Quartz never needs sealing. The resin makes it non-porous, so spills wipe right off. For homeowners who want a set-it-and-forget-it counter, quartz wins.
Granite does offer one thing quartz cannot. Each slab is one of a kind, with natural patterns no factory can copy. If you love a true stone look, granite is worth the extra care.
Heat is the one place granite has a slight edge. Both resist heat well, but quartz resin can scorch under a very hot pan. We always recommend trivets either way.
Which Countertop Is Best for Your South Jersey Kitchen?
Choose Quartz If
Choose Granite If
You love a natural, one-of-a-kind look and do not mind resealing once a year. It suits homeowners who want true stone character.
Your countertop also depends on your layout. A large island or U-shape needs material that handles heavy daily use across a big surface. See our guide on the best kitchen layout for a South Jersey home to plan the space first.
Remember that swapping counters often means new sink plumbing. That work may need a permit. Our guide on kitchen remodel permits in NJ walks you through what your town requires.
Quartz and Granite Countertop Questions
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See Quartz and Granite Side by Side
The best way to choose is to see real samples in your own kitchen light. We bring options to you and price each one for your space.
DeCicco Property Group has remodeled kitchens across South Jersey for 10 years. Call us today to start yours.
Sources
1. Consumer Reports, Quartz vs. Granite Kitchen Countertop: Which Material Is Better?: https://www.consumerreports.org/kitchen-countertops/quartz-vs-granite-kitchen-countertop-which-material-is-better/
