Concrete and quartz are two of the most popular countertop materials, each offering distinct advantages for kitchen countertops. At Granite Selection we were working for years creating marvelous kitchen countertops from different materials and had tens of topics to discuss with our clients. One of them was: “What is better — quartz or concrete?”
Our team decided to collect all the knowledge we have and reveal all the most important topics: durability, maintenance, sustainability and, of course, the price. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which countertop is the right fit for your kitchen design and lifestyle.
Both quartz and concrete are popular choices for countertops, but they differ significantly in composition, durability, and appearance. Understanding these differences can help you decide which material aligns better with your kitchen or bathroom needs and aesthetic goals.
Developed by the Italian company, Breton S.p.A in the early 1960s, quartz countertops are a form of engineered stone made from ground-up raw quartz crystals (90%) bound together with polymer resins (8-10%). Its appearance depends on how coarse or fine the ground quartz is. Homeowners choose quartz countertops for their undemanding surface, stain resistance, and wide variety of colors and patterns that can mimic natural stone.
Concrete countertops are made from a general-purpose mortar mix: one part cement to three parts sand. Ingredients such as accelerators, superplasticizers, pigments, and decorative aggregates affect both the performance and look of concrete countertops. Material is known for heat-resistance, unique design and homeowners choose it for ability to patch damaged surfaces.
Here is a quick breakdown of the basic features for each surface option:
| Feature | Quartz | Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Quartz crystals, resin | Cement, sand, water |
| Durability | Nonporous, scratch-resistant | Porous, may crack, needs sealing |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance | High-maintenance, regular sealing |
| Aesthetic | Wide color range, natural stone look | Customizable colors, industrial look |
| Cost | Higher upfront, low upkeep | Lower upfront, higher upkeep |
This comparison table provides you with the main information on the topics that we will cover more thoroughly further below. In short, quartz is ideal for those seeking durability and a wide variety of design options with minimal upkeep, while concrete appeals to those wanting a more industrial, customizable colors and patterns. By evaluating these key characteristics, you can determine which material best suits your lifestyle and design vision.
Both quartz and concrete countertops offer various design styles and beautiful surfaces that will perfectly complement kitchen cabinets. However, homeowners should understand that each material comes with unique requirements to keep the surface area of the kitchen countertop as new. Here’s a closer look at how these materials hold up over time and what care they need to stay in top condition.
Even if a chip occurs, repairs are simple. Learn more in our guide on quartz countertop chip fix.
Both quartz and concrete countertops bring unique style and durability to your kitchen, enhancing the overall aesthetic and perfectly complementing your cabinets. At Granite Selection we help each of our clients choose the right stone that will correlate with the features the homeowner needs for the kitchen countertop surface and their project. Choosing between them ultimately depends on how much maintenance you’re willing to invest and whether you prefer the effortless elegance of quartz or the distinctive, hands-on appeal of concrete.
Already made your choice but can’t choose the design? Let our experts guide you through color and style options to find the perfect match for your kitchen!
When choosing a countertop, it’s essential to consider how well it will perform in various conditions, from the high humidity of bathrooms to the heat and daily wear of a busy kitchen. Both quartz and concrete have distinct characteristics that affect their durability and suitability across different environments. Here’s a breakdown of how each material responds to common environmental factors.
Both quartz and concrete countertops are durable, but each material excels in different environments. Quartz is ideal for areas where minimal maintenance is preferred, such as kitchens and bathrooms, due to its nonporous and scratch-resistant nature. Concrete, while more sensitive to moisture and staining, thrives in spaces where its rustic patina and customizable look add character, though it requires regular care to stay pristine. By assessing these performance aspects, you can choose the material that best fits your lifestyle and space.
Another important thing to consider — countertop materials sustainability. Quartz and concrete countertops each have sustainability advantages, but they also come with environmental trade-offs.
Quartz is durable and low-maintenance but requires energy-intensive production and petroleum-based resins. Concrete, while more natural and customizable, depends on carbon-heavy cement production, though it can incorporate recycled materials and be repaired over time. Choosing between them often comes down to priorities — whether you value minimizing synthetic content, reducing carbon footprint, or durability.
Both quartz and concrete have attributes that can support an eco-friendly home when chosen thoughtfully and maintained well. If some of you are in search of eco-friendly options and haven’t decided yet which countertop material will suit your lifestyle, we have prepared a blog covering eco-friendly countertop options.
When it comes to color options, concrete offers limitless possibilities — shades of white, gray, brown, red, blue, yellow, green, orange, and black can be created. Concrete’s texture can be rough or smooth; however, unlike quartz, most concrete countertops tend to lack depth.
Quartz, on the other hand, has a deep, three-dimensional appearance, much like natural stone, and provides a more neutral color palette. From solid neutrals and bold hues to natural stone styles, quartz comes in virtually any color and can mimic the appearance of natural stone like granite and marble. No matter whether you choose concrete or quartz countertops, both offer a substantial variety of design choices. If you like concrete appearance, color palette and matte finish but prefer quartz features like non-porous, minimal maintenance and high resistance to scratches, our experts have assembled a selection of quartz with the concrete look.
Are concrete countertops cheaper than quartz? It depends. A concrete countertop can cost much less than high-end range quartz if you do it yourself. However, this is a long process that requires specialized equipment and time to cast and cure. For this reason, many homeowners for their projects hire professionals.
Let’s take a look at the comparison table:
| Feature | Concrete Countertops | Quartz Countertops |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost (per Sq. Ft.) | $65-$135 (installed) | $50-$150 (installed) |
| Installation Costs | $40-$100 (professional) | Included in average cost due to factory-finished slabs |
| Lifetime Costs | Higher (due to frequent sealing) | Lower (due to resilience) |
| Total Cost Range (30 Sq. Ft.) | $2,200-$4,000 | $2,500-$4,500 |
As you can see, in terms of price, concrete is slightly cheaper but is higher maintenance than quartz. Although it is possible to DIY concrete countertop (in attempt to avoid higher labor costs) it requires good skills, specific mix and forms to make everything right, so in the end quartz countertop price might become a cheaper solution than DIY concrete option. However, because it is only as rigid as natural stone once cured, it does lend itself to interesting opportunities.
Choosing between concrete and quartz countertops ultimately depends on your design preferences, maintenance tolerance, and budget. Quartz offers a practical solution with a broad array of colors, while concrete provides a unique, customizable look with a natural, industrial feel. Both materials bring their own strengths to the table, making either a stylish and functional addition to your kitchen.
Whether you made a choice to get an engineered quartz countertop with its natural beauty or mimic concrete surface by choosing quartz that looks like quartz, at Granite Selection we are ready to make your project come to life! Contact us and let our professional team turn your dreams into reality!
Do you have questions about granite or quartz countertops in Chicago?
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