The answer to this question is not as simple as it seems. The main reason is that quartz and engineered stone countertops are two different products regarding their properties, characteristics, installation, and maintenance.

If you are finding it hard to pick between the two, this article will come in handy as it will help you make a choice based on different factors. Some factors differentiate the two materials that will help you choose.

Appearance

When it comes to appearance, quartz is glossier and naturally translucent, while engineered stone has a matte finish and can be made to look like any stone. Both quartz and engineered stone come in many colors, but quartz also comes in a wide variety of hues that mimic natural stones such as marble or granite.

Cost

Quartz is more expensive than engineered stone because it’s harder to produce and requires more labor than engineered stone. Quartz also has more color and texture variation than engineered stone because each piece is unique, while the engineered stone is made in batches of uniform pieces.

Quartz has more thickness variation than engineered stone because it’s hand-cut rather than mass-produced at a factory.

Composition

Quartz is a natural stone that uses sand, crushed and sifted to a specific size, as the aggregate. It can be produced in various colors and finishes, which makes it popular in countertops.

Engineered stone has man-made components, such as quartz or glass. It’s made with a resin binder and color pigment layered with stone-like particles. However, quartz and engineered stone are solid surfaces that don’t need to be sealed, but you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions before applying any products to them.

Durability

While both countertops are durable enough for everyday use, quartz is generally more scratch resistant than engineered stone.

However, if you want a countertop that will show less wear over time, you’ll probably find that engineered stone is the better option since it can be made to look like granite or marble, which tends to resist scratches better than other stones such as slate or travertine.

Installation

In terms of installation cost, quartz tends to be slightly less expensive than most forms of engineered stone because it does not require additional finishing touches like honing or polishing after installation, which adds significantly to the cost of installing other types of countertops, including some forms of engineered stone.

Heat Resistance

Quartz is exceptionally heat-resistant and can withstand high temperatures without cracking or chipping. It also has excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and other chemicals.

Engineered stone is less resistant to heat than quartz, but it’s still a good choice for bathrooms where hot water comes into contact with the surface daily.

Slip Resistance

Slip resistance is crucial in most bathrooms because people often use them to clean up spills or wash their hands. However, quartz is much more slip-resistant than engineered stone because it has a harder surface that doesn’t absorb moisture as easily as engineered stone.

Maintenance

Quartz requires minimal maintenance and can be cleaned with mild soap and water or an acidic cleaning solution. The engineered stone should not be cleaned with harsh chemicals or abrasives because they could damage the surface.

Suppose your engineered stone has scratches or stains that won’t come off with normal cleaning. In that case, you may consider resurfacing it with diamond-polishing pads or another abrasive compound.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, the material you pick between the two comes from personal preference and your budget. If you want to go with something less expensive than quartz countertops Potomac, then engineered stone may be right up your alley.

If you want something more natural-looking with fewer imperfections, then quartz may be the way to go.