You've finally decided to remodel your kitchen, and now it's time to pick the perfect countertop. Standing in the middle of a showroom, you find yourself staring at sleek slabs of quartz on one side and rich, natural granite on the other.
The salesperson tells you both are "top choices" but leaves you to figure out the rest. One boasts durability, the other timeless beauty - and let's not even start on the price tags. You start to wonder: Which is really worth it?
Don't worry - we're here to help. Let's go through what to know about quartz vs. granite for countertops.
Compare Kitchen Countertop Materials: Durability
Quartz countertops, being engineered stone, are known for their exceptional durability and resilience. Made from a mix of crushed natural quartz and polymer resins, quartz surfaces aren't porous, making them highly resistant to:
Stains
Scratches
Bacterial growth
So, it ensures nothing seeps into the material, eliminating the need for sealing.
However, quartz has one notable drawback: it can't stand up to heat as easily as granite. Placing hot pots or pans directly on a quartz surface can damage the resin, causing discoloration or warping.
Granite countertops are incredibly durable. As a natural stone, granite is heat-resistant, making it ideal for kitchens where hot cookware is frequently used.
Maintenance
One of the top quartz countertop benefits is how low-maintenance they are. Cleaning quartz is simple. Regular wiping with a soft cloth, mild soap, and water is all it takes to keep the surface spotless.
Its structure also prevents:
Liquids
Oils
Food particles
from penetrating the surface, making it highly resistant to stains and bacterial growth.
This makes quartz an excellent choice for busy households or homeowners looking for a hassle-free countertop option. However, it's important to avoid harsh cleaners, abrasive pads, or excessive heat, as these can damage the resin in quartz surfaces.
On the other hand, granite countertops require more attention to maintain their beauty and functionality. Granite is a natural, porous stone, which means it needs to be sealed regularly. Without proper sealing, liquids like wine, juice, or oil can seep into the stone and cause permanent staining.
Cleaning granite requires a gentle approach, using pH-neutral cleaners or mild soap and water to avoid damaging the sealant. Abrasive scrubbing pads should be avoided to prevent scratches or dulling the surface.
Despite the added maintenance, granite's durability and natural elegance make it a good investment for anyone willing to put in the extra effort.
Ask your countertop company what they might recommend for your home.
Cost
Quartz countertops usually cost more up front. The cost of quartz typically ranges from $50 to $150 per square foot, including installation. Pricing can vary depending on
Brand
Color
Design complexity
Unique patterns or premium options are on the higher end of the spectrum.
Granite countertops, on the other hand, generally have a wider price range, starting at $40 to $100 per square foot, including installation. The cost of granite largely depends on the stone's rarity, quality, and origin.
Common granite options are more affordable, while exotic slabs with unique veining and colors can drive the price much higher.
Resale Value
When you're trying to compare kitchen countertop materials, it's important to keep resolve value in mind.
Quartz countertops are highly attractive to buyers looking for a sleek and contemporary kitchen or bathroom. It's particularly appealing to younger homeowners or those who prioritize convenience.
Because quartz is an engineered material, it can also align with eco-friendly buyers when made with recycled content, further boosting its desirability.
Granite countertops continue to hold strong appeal for buyers who value natural materials and timeless beauty. The unique veining and patterns of granite add character and luxury to a home, especially in more traditional or rustic design settings. For buyers who appreciate the craftsmanship and individuality of natural stone, granite can be a key selling point.
Countertop Material Guide: Appearance
Both quartz and granite offer stunning visual appeal. Since quartz is man-made, it can be customized to match nearly any design style. Homeowners can choose from a vast range of options.
If you want a countertop with a color or pattern that matches your specific design vision, quartz is the ideal choice. Its ability to copy luxurious materials, such as white marble, without the same level of maintenance gives it a distinct advantage.
In contrast, granite countertops boast a natural and unique beauty that comes from being quarried directly from the earth. No two granite slabs are alike, meaning every countertop has its own one-of-a-kind patterns, veining, and color variations.
This natural uniqueness adds a sense of luxury, warmth, and character to kitchens and bathrooms. Granite is particularly well-suited for traditional, rustic, or farmhouse designs, where organic textures and earthy tones are highly valued.
Homeowners who appreciate the natural imperfections and artistry of stone often find granite to be more visually striking than its engineered counterpart.
Installation Process
Quartz countertops, being an engineered material, are manufactured in precise slabs that are more uniform. This consistency makes quartz easier to fabricate and install compared to granite. They are less prone to cracking or chipping during the cutting and transport process.
Quartz is also more flexible than granite, which allows for fewer seams and easier customization for unique layouts, such as curved edges or integrated sinks. While professional installers handle the heavy lifting, quartz installation tends to be slightly faster and more straightforward due to its predictable composition.
Granite countertops have natural inconsistencies, meaning granite requires careful handling and precision during fabrication and installation to prevent cracks or other damage.
Granite's heaviness and rigidity make it less forgiving than quartz. Its edges can chip if not cut properly. Granite installation may take longer and require more specialized techniques to accommodate its natural characteristics and ensure a proper fit.
Quartz vs. Granite: Choose Your Countertop Today
There's a lot that goes into deciding between quartz vs. granite for your kitchen. With this countertop material guide, it should be easier to figure out what's right for your needs.
Are you ready to get started? Stonewood Granite's employees have over 35 years of experience creating the perfect countertops for homeowners like you, so we can make sure you get exactly what you need.
Request a callback from us to get started.
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