Quartz vs. Granite Sinks: What’s The Difference?

If you’ve been deciding between a quartz and a granite sink, you may have a difficult time deciding which material is the better option. With so many options at your fingertips and a variety of factors at play, this is a decision you’ll want to consider carefully.

While sinks used to come in a limited number of styles and materials, you can now construct a sink from nearly any material you choose! Both quartz sinks and granite sinks have become extremely popular over the years, each offering a beautiful, functional, and timeless addition to your space.

If you’ve been deciding between a quartz and a granite sink, you may have a difficult time deciding which material is the better option. With so many options at your fingertips and a variety of factors at play, this is a decision you’ll want to consider carefully.

Choosing a Sink: Quartz vs. Granite

Both quartz and granite are appealing for a variety of reasons. Quartz is typically made from 95 percent natural material mixed with 5 percent polymer resins. It comes in nearly any finish you can imagine and is known to be highly durable.

On the other hand, granite is 100 percent natural. It is taken from quarries worldwide, cut down to the appropriate size, and professionally polished to the finish of your choice.

To help you make your decision between quartz vs. granite sinks, consider the following characteristics.

#1: Origin

Where each stone comes from reveals a lot about its natural properties and how it will hold up as a sink material. Because quartz is synthetically made, it doesn’t have any natural impurities to cause worry. The resins in it allow it to stand up to the test of time, as it is incredibly durable.

Quartz also comes in a vast range of colors and finishes because it is synthetic, making it easy for nearly any family to find a suitable aesthetic choice.

If you’re hoping for a more natural, earthy finish, consider granite. It is completely natural, and each cut offers a one-of-a-kind look and feel. Be mindful that because granite isn’t tampered with, it also comes with more impurities than quartz. This means you’ll want to invest in the proper granite sink upkeep to ensure it lasts for years to come.

#2: Appearance

One of the most significant driving factors for families trying to decide between quartz and granite sinks is how they look. There isn’t a right or wrong answer in which style better suits the aesthetics of your home. As this is an extremely personal decision, the most important consideration is whether you like your sink material.

Man-made quartz requires the addition of a binding agent that will help keep it together. This gives quartz an edge when it comes to aesthetics, as it is easier to find a pattern and color variation that suits your style. Regardless of the color or vision that you have in mind for your quartz sink, the chances are high that you can find a good option.

Granite, on the other hand, offers novelty that quartz does not. Each piece of granite is unique, which means your sink will be custom to your home. If it’s important that your home is made from as many natural elements as possible, granite may be the better sink material for you.

#3: Porosity

Porosity refers to how porous each sink material is. This is a critical factor for sinks because porous materials may absorb more water, ultimately impacting your sink’s lifespan.

Granite is more porous than quartz. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it will last longer than a quartz sink. Granite’s porosity means it has a higher absorption rate, allowing spilled drinks or food pieces to seep into the material and cause it to stain and wear down faster. This means there’s a higher chance for bacteria and mold to develop as well.

To combat this, make sure to seal your granite sink every couple of years if this is the route you go.

But what about quartz? This is typically non-porous, meaning it can stand up to stains better than granite can. However, quartz isn’t as efficient as repelling heat because its composition is so compact, making it a potentially bad option in hot climates.

#4: Durability

You want to invest in a sink material that will last, so is granite or quartz more durable? Quartz has an edge in this category because it is manmade and extremely difficult to destroy. Be careful setting hot pans on top of your quartz sink, however, as excessive heat can cause damage.

Granite is also a durable sink option, but its porous nature makes it susceptible to stains and other damage. Always be careful when setting heavy pans or objects into your granite sink to avoid chipping.

#5: Maintenance

Upkeep is another important factor when comparing granite and quartz kitchen sinks. Granite’s porous nature makes it more susceptible to stains and damage, meaning you’ll need to invest more time and money into regular maintenance.

Ideally, you’ll want to seal your granite sink every 1-2 years or as needed. This will help protect the material and keep damaging materials out of its pores. Be careful with oily or acidic liquids in your granite sink as well.

Quartz’s durable exterior makes it easy to maintain, and it doesn’t require any sealing. Simply combine warm water and a mild household cleaner to wipe away and imperfections.

#6: Versatility

You’ll want to choose a sink material that will lend itself well to other decorative accents of your home. Many homeowners also make their decision based off of the other materials that currently exist in their home to help create a natural flow.

For quartz sinks, popular options from the Pro Stone Countertops include beautiful creams such as Akoya, Alaska White , or Arctic White . Varieties such as Armitage and Carrara Mist are also popular.

We also have many popular granite slabs often used for sinks, including Bianco Romano , Antico Cream , and White Ravine .

#7: Affordability

Price is undoubtedly a factor when comparing quartz and granite sinks. However, there is no hard-and-fast rule to help you determine one stone over the other. There are many factors in play, such as the specific type of quartz or granite that you choose, how big your sink is, and the cost of labor.

Quartz costs anywhere from $80-$140 per square foot, while granite starts around $80 per square foot and can go as high as $175 per square foot depending on the variety.

Making Your Choice

Deciding between a granite and quartz sink is something that can only be done by you! Each material brings unique offerings and aspects to your space, and the factors that we’ve laid out can help guide you toward the right decision for you.

If you want further assistance in your decision or if you want to begin looking at stones, look no further than our offerings at Pro Stone Countertops. With a combined 100 years of experience and access to the most recent technology, our experts can guide you in the right direction.

Contact us today to tell us about your upcoming project!