Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: Pros and Cons Compared
Quartz and granite are both durable, premium countertop materials, but they suit different homes. Choose quartz if you want a non-porous surface that never needs sealing and consistent color across slabs. Choose granite if you want one-of-a-kind natural patterns, better heat resistance, and a stone that works outdoors.
At Granite Selection, we stock both materials at our Elk Grove Village showroom and fabricate and install them across Chicagoland. Below, we compare quartz and granite on looks, upkeep, durability, and cost, then match each one to common lifestyles.
Understanding Quartz and Granite Countertops
Before diving into the different pros and cons of granite and quartz countertops, here are a few things you should know about those countertop materials.
What Is Quartz?
Quartz is a hard mineral that is abundant in the Earth’s crust. Most quartz countertops are made of engineered quartz: about 93% crushed natural quartz bound with 7% resins and pigments. Quartzite is a different material, a natural stone sold in full slabs. Our guide to quartz vs. quartzite countertops explains the difference.
What Is Granite?
Granite is a highly resistant purely natural stone formed by cooling magma. It contains different minerals, including quartz and feldspar, giving its surface a unique aspect. It is mined in large slabs for countertop materials.
Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: An Overview
Choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen can be a tough decision. Quartz and granite are both popular choices, each with their unique advantages and disadvantages.
We’ve provided a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Quartz | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Engineered stone (93% quartz, 7% resin) | 100% natural stone |
| Appearance | Consistent, wide range of colors | Unique, natural patterns |
| Maintenance | Non-porous, low-maintenance, no sealing required | Porous, requires regular sealing |
| Durability | Resistant to scratches and stains, less heat-resistant | Highly durable, heat-resistant, prone to chipping and cracking |
| Cost and Resale Value | $50 to $150 per square foot installed, can increase resale value | $40 to $100 per square foot installed, high resale value |
Appearance and Color Options
Engineered quartz offers incredible versatility since it can be dyed any color. These quartz colors range from marble-inspired designs to bold, contemporary shades perfect for unique home improvement projects. The engineered product provides consistent appearance across slabs, making seam placement less noticeable during installation. However, some homeowners find that quartz looks less natural than its stone counterpart.
Since granite is a natural stone, each piece tells its own geological story. Granite countertops feature a wide variety of patterns based on the Earth’s whims and volcanic events that happened millions of years ago. This uniqueness means you’ll need to carefully select matching slabs, and visible seams may require design compromises.
THE MOST NATURAL LOOKING: Granite
Care and Maintenance
Quartz countertops are as close to a maintenance-free surface as you can find. It is a non-porous surface and resists minor scratches thanks to the sturdy resin. It can be wiped clean with all-purpose cleaners or mild soap for a germ-free home and does not need to be sealed regularly. However, dark liquids may cause stains if they are not wiped clean rapidly. While quartz offers heat resistance, exposure to high temperatures can cause permanent damage, so hot pads remain essential.
Although a granite slab is a resistant surface, it requires some maintenance. This natural material is porous and must be sealed regularly to protect its beautiful appearance and durability. The surface must be polished without using harsh chemicals to avoid going through the sealing. If well maintained, your countertops using natural materials can last a lifetime. To reduce this upkeep, every granite special at Granite Selection includes a 15-year sealer application.
THE EASIEST TO MAINTAIN: Quartz
Discover Our Countertop Collection
We offer a wide selection of both quartz and granite countertops to suit every kitchen vision. Whether you prefer timeless natural stone or modern engineered beauty, we’ve got options that match your style.
Durability and Longevity
An engineered stone like quartz is less prone to chipping and cracking than natural materials. So-called engineered stone countertops can withstand everyday use and can be repaired with a special resin.
Granite countertops handle heat better than quartz and resist scratches from everyday use. However, since it is a porous surface, there may be staining unless spillages are cleaned with a specific cleaner. Granite slabs that are sealed regularly and well-maintained can last up to a hundred years, but since it is a natural stone, it may chip or crack.
THE MOST DURABLE: A close call. Granite wins on heat, while quartz better resists stains, chips, and cracks.
Cost and Resale Value
Adding quartz countertops as a home improvement project can increase the resale value of your house, but it comes with a high cost. Quartz countertops typically start around $50 per square foot installed, but most quartz cost around $110 per square foot and up to $150 for higher quality quartz. At Granite Selection, quartz specials start at $39 per square foot, and popular colors like Calacatta Abezzo cost $65 per square foot with installation.
Granite remains cost-effective, typically ranging from $40 to $100 per square foot installed. Its established reputation as the gold standard for luxury countertops ensures consistent resale value. Granite’s time-tested appeal and proven track record make it a safe investment that often pays for itself when selling your home. Our granite specials also start at $39 per square foot, and our guide on how quartz and granite prices compare covers the cost factors in detail.
THE BEST PRICE AND RESALE VALUE: Granite, by a small margin. Entry-level slabs of both materials start at $39 per square foot at Granite Selection, but premium quartz can cost more than premium granite.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
To better understand your options, let’s examine the specific advantages and disadvantages of these two materials, starting with quartz’s compelling benefits and considerations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly durable and long-lasting, making it a good investment. Resists chipping and cracking better than natural stone. | Less heat-resistant than granite. Direct, prolonged heat and sudden temperature changes can cause discoloration and cracking. |
| Low-maintenance. Doesn’t require annual sealing. Non-porous surface prevents spills from penetrating. Easy to clean with a sponge and warm water. | Not suitable for outdoor use. Can discolor when exposed to prolonged sunlight. |
| Consistent color and pattern across slabs, making seam placement less noticeable and installation planning easier. | Can have a more uniform appearance, sometimes leading to a “cookie-cutter” feel. |
The engineered nature of quartz creates predictable performance characteristics that many homeowners find reassuring. While it may lack granite’s natural drama, quartz delivers reliable beauty that suits contemporary lifestyles perfectly.
Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops
Granite countertops have long been a popular choice for kitchens, and for good reason. They offer a unique blend of beauty, durability, and natural appeal that make them a timeless and practical investment. Each slab is a unique work of art, featuring one-of-a-kind patterns and colors that elevate any kitchen’s aesthetic.
Let’s explore the key advantages and disadvantages of choosing granite for your kitchen countertops:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100% natural stone, mined specifically for countertops. Appeals to homeowners who value authenticity and quality. Unique patterns and colors create a timeless beauty. | Porous material, meaning it can absorb liquids. Requires regular sealing to prevent granite staining. |
| High heat resistance. Handles hot pots and pans better than quartz, though trivets help protect the sealer. | Visible seams when multiple slabs are joined together. Matching veins and patterns can be challenging. |
| Resists everyday spills when sealed properly. | Sealants can wear down over time, potentially leading to staining. Our granite specials include a 15-year sealer application to reduce this upkeep. |
Granite’s natural origin creates variations that some view as character while others see as inconsistency. The material rewards those who appreciate nature’s artistry and don’t mind investing in proper care.
Which Countertop Material Suits Your Lifestyle Best?
Different situations call for different solutions. Consider these common scenarios to determine which of these two materials aligns with your specific needs and circumstances.
- Busy family kitchens: Quartz’s stain resistance and easy cleanup make it ideal for households with children and frequent cooking. The non-porous surface does not absorb spills during food preparation.
- Serious home cooks: Granite’s superior heat resistance appeals to chefs who frequently use hot cookware. The natural stone handles heated pots better than quartz, though we still recommend trivets to protect the sealer.
- Outdoor kitchen: For uncovered or sun-exposed areas, choose granite. Quartz may discolor from prolonged UV exposure.
- Bathroom applications: To avoid damage from spillage around the sink, quartz countertops, which are not porous, may be better suited for this site. Our guide to granite or quartz for your bathroom compares both options in more detail.
- Low-maintenance lifestyles: Quartz eliminates the ongoing sealing requirements that granite demands, making it perfect for homeowners who prefer set-it-and-forget-it solutions.
- Smaller projects on a budget: A vanity or a small island often needs less stone than a full slab. We keep more than 2,000 quartz and granite remnants in stock, and they usually cost less per square foot.
Choosing between quartz in showers or granite around cooktops may come down to one thing: how much time you want to spend maintaining it. Choose your material based on your actual living patterns rather than aspirational ideals. Your future self will thank you for the honest assessment.
Compare Quartz and Granite at Granite Selection
Both granite and quartz countertops are high-value materials, and the right choice depends on how you use your kitchen or bathroom every day. The easiest way to decide is to see full slabs of each material side by side.
Granite Selection keeps more than 14,000 slabs in stock at our Elk Grove Village showroom and offers free in-home measurements, in-house fabrication, and professional installation across Chicagoland. Contact us, call (888) 906 3317, or get a quick quote for your project.
