Quartz vs. Granite: What Should You Choose for Your Countertops?
Comparing Two of the Most Popular Countertop Materials for Kitchens and Bathrooms
When it comes to choosing the perfect countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, two materials dominate the conversation: Quartz and Granite. Both are beautiful, durable, and luxurious — but which one is right for your home?
At Duro Floor & Cabinet Inc, we help hundreds of homeowners and contractors choose the best materials for their projects. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
1. Appearance & Aesthetic
Quartz:
- Engineered from crushed stone and resin, quartz offers a uniform, consistent look.
- It comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles — from marble-like veining to solid modern tones.
- Ideal for contemporary, minimalist, or transitional spaces.
Granite:
- A natural stone, each slab of granite is unique, with its own veining, speckles, and movement.
- Offers a more organic, one-of-a-kind appearance — great for traditional or rustic styles.
✅ Choose Quartz if you want consistent, predictable patterns. Choose Granite if you love natural variation.
2. Durability & Maintenance
Quartz:
- Non-porous, so it resists stains, bacteria, and moisture without sealing.
- Easy to clean with just soap and water.
- Resistant to scratches and chips under normal use.
Granite:
- Very durable, but porous — it requires sealing once a year to maintain stain resistance.
- Can handle high heat better than quartz but may develop small cracks if stressed.
✅ Quartz is lower-maintenance. Granite is more heat-resistant.
3. Price & Value
Quartz:
- Typically ranges from $55 to $100 per square foot, installed.
- Prices depend on brand, design, and complexity of installation.
Granite:
- Generally costs $45 to $85 per square foot, but exotic slabs can be much higher.
- Each slab is priced individually, and installation complexity may vary.
✅ Granite can be more budget-friendly at the entry level. Quartz offers more design flexibility in mid-range and premium categories.
4. Environmental Impact
Quartz:
- Engineered stone with some eco-friendly options available (e.g., recycled quartz).
- Manufactured using energy-intensive processes.
Granite:
- Natural material, but quarrying and long-distance transport can increase its carbon footprint.
- Not renewable, but extremely long-lasting.
✅ Both can be sustainable depending on sourcing. Ask for local or certified options when available.
5. Resale Appeal
Both quartz and granite have strong resale value and are considered premium materials in real estate listings. Quartz is growing in popularity due to its clean look and ease of maintenance, while granite still appeals to those who prefer natural stone.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Quartz | Granite |
| Look | Modern, uniform | Natural, unique |
| Durability | Scratch & stain resistant | Heat & scratch resistant |
| Maintenance | No sealing, easy care | Needs sealing |
| Price | Mid to high | Low to high |
| Eco-Friendliness | Engineered options | Natural but heavy impact |
| Best For | Busy kitchens, clean designs | Statement kitchens, earthy loo |
✅ Our Recommendation
- Choose Quartz if you want a low-maintenance, modern look with consistent color.
- Choose Granite if you love natural beauty, don’t mind yearly sealing, and want something truly unique.
📍 Visit Our Showroom in San Jose, CA
Touch and compare quartz and granite in person.
📞 Or Request a Free Design Consultation — we’ll help you find the perfect countertop for your space.