Is Quartz Harder Than Granite
Is Quartz Harder Than Granite?
Hardness is one of the most common quartz versus granite questions. Here is how the two compare, and what it actually means for your kitchen.
The short answer
Both are hard surfaces
Quartz and granite are both very hard.
The practical differences matter more than a simple hardness ranking.
93%
Quartz content
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Hard, durable surfaces
Quartz and granite are both very hard, durable worktop surfaces, and for kitchen purposes both are more than hard enough. Quartz is engineered from around 93% natural quartz, a hard mineral, while granite is a hard natural stone. Rather than focusing on a simple hardness ranking, the practical differences matter more: quartz is non-porous and never needs sealing, while granite is porous and does. For everyday kitchen durability, both perform very well. To compare them fully, read quartz versus granite worktops and whether quartz is scratch resistant.
At a glance
bothvery hard
The honest answer
Both are hard, durable kitchen surfaces.
nonporous
Quartz advantage
Quartz never needs sealing, granite does.
practicaldifferences
What matters
Care and consistency over a hardness score.
Quartz and granite hardness compared
Both are hard, durable surfaces
The honest starting point is that quartz and granite are both very hard, durable worktop materials. Quartz is engineered from around 93% natural quartz, a hard mineral, and granite is a hard natural stone. For the demands of a kitchen, both are more than hard enough. Our FAQ on quartz versus granite worktops compares them fully.
Why a simple ranking misses the point
It is tempting to want a single answer on which is harder, but in practice that ranking tells you very little about how the worktop performs in your kitchen. Both resist everyday wear well. The differences that actually affect daily life lie elsewhere.
The difference that matters: porosity
The practical difference between quartz and granite is porosity. Quartz is non-porous, so it never needs sealing and resists staining. Granite is porous to a degree, so it is sealed and re-sealed over time. Our FAQs on whether quartz is porous and whether quartz needs sealing explain.
Consistency versus natural variation
Another real difference is consistency: quartz is engineered, so colour and pattern are consistent slab to slab, while granite is natural, so each slab is unique. Which you prefer is a matter of taste. Our FAQ on whether quartz is a natural stone covers this.
Choosing between them
For kitchen durability, both quartz and granite perform very well, so the choice usually comes down to maintenance, consistency and look rather than hardness. Precious Marble specialises in quartz and supplies it from its Bedford base. See the Quartz Worktops Bedford page to start.
Key points
Both are very hard
Quartz and granite are both durable kitchen surfaces.
A hardness ranking misses the point
It tells you little about real performance.
Porosity is the real difference
Quartz is non-porous, granite needs sealing.
Choose on care and look
Maintenance and consistency matter more than hardness.
To compare, read quartz versus granite worktops, whether quartz is scratch resistant and whether quartz needs sealing. The full Quartz FAQs has more.
Compare quartz and granite for yourself
Precious Marble specialises in quartz and can talk you through how it compares with granite. Tell us about your kitchen for a free quote. 0% interest-free finance is available.
More from the Quartz FAQs
Common questions
Is quartz harder than granite?
Does it matter whether quartz or granite is harder?
What is the real difference between quartz and granite?
Which is more durable, quartz or granite?
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