Quartz vs. granite countertops
Quartz vs. granite countertops
$50 – $200 quartz countertops cost per square foot installed
$80 – $150 granite countertops cost per square foot installed
Quartz vs. granite countertops
Both quartz and granite offer beauty, durability, and style but differ in composition, appearance, cost, and maintenance requirements. Quartz countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot installed for durable engineered stone. Granite counters cost $80 to $150 per square foot installed for natural stone that requires more maintenance.
The following table details the features, pros, and cons of quartz and granite so you can choose the best material for your project.
| Factor | Quartz | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $50 – $200 per square foot | $80 – $150 per square foot |
| Appearance | Manufactured with consistent patterns | Natural stone with unique patterns |
| Durability | Extremely durable and more resistant to scratches | Highly durable and more resistant to cracks |
| Maintenance | Non-porous; no sealing required | Requires sealing to prevent stains |
| Heat resistance | Highly heat resistant | Moderately resistant to heat |
| Color options | Wide range of colors and patterns | Limited to natural stone colors |
| Environmental impact | Engineered with minimal environmental impact | Extracted from quarries; some impact |
| Uniformity | Consistent color or pattern throughout | Natural variations in color and pattern |
| Resale value | Adds value to a home | Adds value to a home |
Difference between quartz and granite
Overall, prices for quartz and granite range between $50 and $200 per square foot installed. There is some overlap in pricing, but quartz can be more expensive up front, especially for the first-choice quality levels. However, granite requires more lifetime maintenance, increasing its long-term cost.
Quartz countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot installed for the engineered stone. Prices depend on the brand, slab thickness, color, and edge profile or finishes. The slab quality and percentage of minerals versus resin also affect the cost.
Granite countertops cost $80 to $150 per square foot installed for the natural stone, depending on the quality. Higher-grade slabs offer more variation in slab color, fewer visible defects, and are better able to withstand daily wear and tear.
| Material | Average cost per square foot installed | Average total cost installed (30 – 40 square feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz | $50 – $200 | $1,500 – $8,000 |
| Granite | $80 – $150 | $2,400 – $6,000 |
Composition
Quartz countertops, or engineered stone, are made from crushed quartz mixed with pigments and resin. The end product contains over 90% ground quartz with polymer resins added for binding and color. This mixture makes quartz non-porous, stain resistant, easy to clean and maintain, and allows more color and pattern options.
Granite countertops are natural stone slabs cut directly from granite bedrock and mined from quarries. Granite is 100% natural with unique mineral patterns and colors in each slab, from subtle veining and earth tones to bold patterns with vibrant hues. Granite is high maintenance and must be sealed to prevent staining.
Appearance
Quartz has an engineered, uniform appearance, which some people appreciate for a smooth, consistent look. Patterns can mimic natural stone.
Granite has an organic, natural look with distinctive veins, flecks, and movement. No two granite slabs are the same.
Durability & maintenance
Both materials are strong and stand up well to heavy usage, but there are some differences:
Quartz counters are more durable, resisting scratches, stains, and heat better than granite. They also require virtually no maintenance, just cleaning with soap and water.
Granite counters are a solid slab which is less likely to chip or crack. Granite is somewhat porous and needs to be sealed upon installation and resealed about once a year. The natural stone is also more prone to staining if you don’t clean up spills promptly.
Environmental impact
Quartz countertops are made from engineered stone, which typically includes crushed quartz mixed with resins and pigments. Mining quartz may have environmental impacts, but using recycled quartz can mitigate this. Also, the manufacturing of quartz countertops involves energy-intensive processes, such as crushing, mixing, and curing.
Granite is a natural stone quarried from the earth, and the extraction process can have environmental impacts, including habitat disruption and resource depletion. The processing of granite involves cutting, polishing, and shaping the stone, but this is generally less energy-intensive than the production of quartz.
Both materials create an environmental impact when transported around the country. Choosing locally sourced materials can decrease their carbon footprint.
Popular brands
There are several well-known quartz and granite manufacturers to meet your budget, style, and performance needs.
Top quartz counter brands include:
Cambria Quartz costs $60 to $125 per square foot.
Caesarstone Quartz costs $50 to $100 per square foot.
Corian Quartz costs $50 to $150 per square foot.
Silestone Quartz costs $60 to $140 per square foot.
Hanstone Quartz costs $50 to $130 per square foot.
LG Viatera Quartz costs $65 to $75 per square foot.
Top granite counter brands include:
AGM
Daltile
DaVinci
Levantina
MF Granite
MSI Surfaces
Sensa (Cosentino)
Quartz and granite countertop FAQs
What is the difference between granite and quartz?
Granite and quartz are both popular choices for countertops, but they have different compositions. Granite is a natural stone with slabs cut directly from a quarry, while quartz is an engineered stone made from a combination of crushed natural quartz crystals and resins.
How do I tell quartz from granite countertops?
Granite is a natural stone with unique patterns and variations, while manufactured quartz countertops have a more uniform color and pattern. If the countertop has natural imperfections or a textured surface, it is more likely a granite. If the countertop is more consistent and feels smooth, it is more likely quartz.
Why should I choose quartz vs. granite countertops?
Choosing between quartz and granite countertops can be tough, as both offer advantages and disadvantages depending on your priorities. Quartz is highly scratch and stain resistant. Granite has a high-end look and feel with each slab having unique natural variations in color and pattern.
Is granite or quartz easier to care for and maintain?
Quartz is easier to care for and maintain since the manufactured product resists stains and bacteria growth without the need for sealing.
Getting estimates from countertop installers
Prior to hiring a quartz countertop installer or granite countertop installer near you, you should:
Seek out a quartz or granite fabricator or installer with expertise in working with your preferred material.
Compare at least three estimates that include the same material and quality level.
Evaluate customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google to assess the installer's reputation and workmanship.
Select a licensed, insured, and bonded company with at least five years in the industry.
Review their portfolio of past quartz or granite countertop installations.
Request references from the installer, including contact information for past clients.
Obtain a comprehensive written contract and warranty before starting the project.
Avoid making full payments up front; instead, establish a payment schedule tied to project milestones.
Questions to ask a countertop installer
Don’t forget to ask prospective countertop installers these important questions:
What is your experience with installing countertops?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured to install countertops?
Can you provide a detailed estimate outlining what is included in the quoted price?
Do you handle both the fabrication and installation of the countertops?
Where can I view your available slabs?
What material do you recommend for my kitchen?
Will I be able to choose the specific portion of the slab used for my granite counter?
Are my existing cabinets able to support the weight of the granite?
How long will the installation take?
How much deposit is required?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.