Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: Make the Right Investment
Choosing the right countertop is more than a style choice — it’s a long-term investment in how you live and use your space. Whether you’re renovating a bathroom or kitchen, the quartz vs. granite debate remains one of the most important decisions. Each material offers lasting beauty, but their differences matter more than you might think.
Both materials represent premium choices for discerning homeowners. While quartz versus granite debates continue among renovation enthusiasts, each option brings distinct advantages that cater to different lifestyles and personal preferences. To help you choose between quartz counters vs. granite countertops, we provided a list of pros and cons for both stones.
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 natural stone formed by crystalized silicon. It is the second most abundant material on Earth behind feldspar, making it an eco-conscious choice when remodeling. Natural quartz is known as quartzite, but most quartz countertops are made of engineered quartz consisting of 93% crushed quartz crystals bound with 7% polymer resins.
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, less resale value | $40 to $100 per square foot installed, high resale value |
| Installation | Easier due to uniformity | Needs expert handling due to brittleness |
| Eco Impact | High energy use, some recycled content | Natural but high transport footprint |
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
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.
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.
THE EASIEST TO MAINTAIN: Quartz
Durability and Longevity
An engineered stone like quartz is more flexible and less subject to breaking than natural materials. So-called engineered stone countertops can withstand everyday use and can be repaired with a special resin. Most quartz manufacturers offer warranties up to 10 years, reflecting confidence in the material’s longevity.
Granite countertops have some heat resistance and are scratch-resistant enough to avoid chipping 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: Granite
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. Affordable options like Calacotta Abezzo start at $69 with installation, making premium surfaces accessible to more families.
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.
THE BEST PRICE AND RESALE VALUE: Granite is cheaper upfront, but quartz offers easier upkeep with no sealing required
Installation Considerations
Quartz installation typically proves more straightforward due to its consistent density and engineered properties. The material’s flexibility reduces cracking risks during transport and installation. However, quartz’s weight still requires professional installation and proper support structures.
Granite installation demands extra care due to natural variations in the stone’s density and potential weak points. Professional installers must assess each slab individually and may need specialized techniques for unique patterns. The natural stone’s brittleness makes it more susceptible to damage during handling.
THE EASIEST TO INSTALL: Quartz
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Quartz manufacturing requires significant energy for processing crushed quartz crystals and binding them with resins. However, some manufacturers incorporate recycled materials, and the durability means fewer replacements over time. The consistent quality also reduces waste from rejected slabs.
Granite quarrying creates environmental disruption, but the material’s natural origin means no synthetic processing. Transportation from quarries worldwide adds to its carbon footprint. However, granite’s century-long lifespan and eventual recyclability offset some environmental concerns.
THE MORE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE: Granite (natural choice)
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.
| Quartz Countertops | |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly durable and long-lasting, making it a good investment. Stronger than natural stones like granite and marble. Flexible, making installation easier. | Less heat-resistant than granite. Temperatures exceeding 300°F 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.
Get Inspired by Real Quartz Transformations
See how quartz countertops elevate kitchens to new levels of style and function. Explore our project gallery and discover the possibilities for your own home.
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:
| Granite 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, chipping, and cracking. |
| High heat resistance. Can withstand hot pots and pans without discoloration or cracking. | Visible seams when multiple slabs are joined together. Matching veins and patterns can be challenging. |
| Resistant to high acids and bases when sealed properly. | Sealants can wear down over time, potentially leading to staining. Requires professional sealing appointments, adding to maintenance costs. |
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 eliminates bacteria concerns during food preparation.
- Serious home cooks: Granite’s superior heat resistance appeals to chefs who frequently use hot cookware. The natural stone can handle direct contact with heated pots without sustaining heat damage.
- 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. Even Reddit users recommend avoiding granite in high-moisture environments where sealing challenges increase.
- 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.
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.
Still Deciding? Let’s Make the Best Choice.
Both granite and quartz countertops are high-value materials, but each has pros and cons. Your choice ultimately depends on balancing your personal preferences, lifestyle demands, and long-term goals. Consider how you actually use your kitchen daily rather than how you imagine using it.
At Granite Selection, we’ve guided thousands of Chicago-area homeowners through this choice. Our team installs both materials with expert care, knowing it’s about more than specs — it’s about improving daily life. If you have further questions about whether a quartz countertop or granite countertop is best for you, contact us for a free countertop consultation.
