2025-04-29

5 minutes

Mary Jones

Design Trends

Technology and Materials

Which Kitchen Countertop Costs More: Quartz or Granite?

Introduction

Six months ago, my friend Alice bought a house. As often happens with new builds, the kitchen countertop she received from the developer was a thin slab of plain gray quartz. It looked fine at first glance, but in reality, it quickly began to scratch, and a chip even appeared in one corner. Alice dreamed of replacing it with something truly high-quality and beautiful. That’s when she faced a question many of us encounter: should she choose quartz or granite?

We were sipping tea and scrolling through kitchen photos when she sighed and said:
— “I’m stuck. Everyone says different things, and online articles just make it more confusing…”

I smiled — because I know exactly how that feels. At first glance, choosing between quartz and granite countertops seems simple. But dig deeper and it becomes a real quest: durability, maintenance, porosity, colors, heat resistance, cost, installation, repairs... Where’s the truth, where’s the marketing, and where’s the real-life experience?

That’s how the idea for this article was born. I’ve gathered everything I’ve learned and personally verified:

the differences in the properties of quartz and granite,
their strengths and weaknesses,
their impact on kitchen design,
and important maintenance details that are rarely mentioned.

If you want to get a clear understanding from scratch and make a truly informed decision — I completely understand you, because I’ve been through it myself.
I wrote this article the way I wish someone had explained it to me when I first started researching — bringing together real answers to the most common beginner questions.

Make yourself comfortable — let’s dive in!

What You Need to Know If This Is Your First Time Comparing These Materials

When people talk about stone kitchen countertops, the same words are often used to describe very different materials. This creates confusion and makes accurate cost comparison difficult.

Quartz is an engineered material. It consists of crushed quartz combined with binding resins and pigments. The surface is uniform, smooth, and non-porous. Color and pattern are determined during manufacturing.

Granite is a natural stone. Each slab is unique in pattern and texture. The material is porous and requires periodic sealing, which affects long-term maintenance costs.

Quartz vs. Granite: What They Have in Common — and What Sets Them Apart

Imagine standing in a showroom, looking at two gorgeous samples — a sleek, bright white quartz and a textured dark granite with natural veining. It’s hard to choose. They both look sturdy and beautiful.

But the differences between them run much deeper than you might think.

First, let’s start with what they have in common. What unites them?

Both materials:

are incredibly strong — they can handle heavy pots and daily cooking,
are scratch-resistant (as long as you don't cut directly on the surface without a board),
are durable — with proper care, they will last for decades,
are associated with premium interiors and boost a home’s resale value.

But that’s where the similarities end — and the important differences begin.

Quartz is not a single piece of natural stone — it’s a man-made material composed of natural quartz chips (up to 93%), binding resins, and pigments.

This is exactly why quartz is so smooth, uniform, and consistent.

Quartz countertop. Source: “Lion Stone Works - Marble And Granite” (lionstoneworks.com)

It doesn’t absorb moisture, resists stains from wine, coffee, or oil, is scratch-resistant, and can be cleaned with nothing more than mild soap and water.

Plus, quartz is available in hundreds of colors — from minimalist light tones to bold, vibrant designs. It fits easily into Scandinavian, minimalist, high-tech, and any modern interior styles.

Granite, on the other hand, is a natural stone, meaning every countertop slab is completely unique — with its own veining, shimmer, and texture.

It’s tough and heat-resistant, but due to its porosity, it requires periodic sealing.

Granite countertop. Source: “Lion Stone Works - Marble And Granite” (lionstoneworks.com)

Granite has a strong personality. It doesn’t adapt to your design — it defines it.

That’s why it’s so beloved in classic and country-style kitchens.

So now we understand the “personalities” of these two materials:

Quartz — practical and modern.
Granite — natural and noble.

But which one will actually cost you more?
And is it possible to save money without sacrificing quality?
Let’s dig into that next. I promise — it’ll be both helpful and surprising!

Practical and Personal Criteria for Choosing Countertop Material

When Alice and I finished discussing the characteristics of quartz and granite, she looked at me with that familiar expression — the one everyone has during a renovation:
— “Okay... but what does it actually mean for me?”

And she was right. Dry facts aren’t enough. Materials aren’t just a chart of features — they become part of your daily life. Choosing a countertop isn’t just about design — it’s about your habits, priorities, and even personality.

Here’s how Alice and I approached the decision:

If you’re someone who values natural beauty, loves uniqueness, and wants a kitchen that “lives” through its natural patterns — even if it means a little extra care — granite will likely be your favorite.

If, however, hygiene, uniformity, easy maintenance, and freedom from sealing every few years are important to you — quartz will be your best ally.

Additionally, it helps to answer these questions honestly:

What style did you choose for your kitchen — classic or modern?
Do you want to clean quickly and easily, without special products?
Are you ready to invest in long-term durability, or are you looking for a worry-free solution?

Do you have kids or pets who might leave their marks?

Which Is More Expensive: Quartz or Granite?

If you’re comparing quartz and granite prices just by glancing at supplier websites, it’s easy to jump to a quick conclusion: granite looks cheaper.

But in reality, it’s not that simple. The price per square foot is just the tip of the iceberg.

To truly understand what your countertop will cost, you have to consider a whole range of factors — from logistics to long-term maintenance.

Base Costs (gathered from public sources)

Material	Starting Price per Sq. Ft.
Granite	from $40*
Quartz	from $50*

These figures apply to simple models — light, grainy granite and quartz with very subtle patterns.
But the more complex the color, pattern, or shape, the higher the price.
Also, don’t forget about the brand: designer collections can be significantly more expensive.

Premium Segment

Granite: Rare types like Blue Louise or Cosmos Black can cost from $150* per sq. ft. and up.
Quartz: Unique shades, marble-like veining, or “geode effect” (explained below) — from $200* per sq. ft.

What Is the "Geode Effect"?

The “geode effect” is a decorative design technique in quartz countertops that mimics the look of a natural geode — a mineral with crystal inclusions inside.
These inserts often resemble cross-sections of gemstones and create sparkling patterns with depth and shimmer.They’re especially popular in premium quartz collections.

Prices vary significantly depending on the region.

For example, in Cape Coral (Florida), a basic quartz countertop might actually cost less than in Overland Park (Kansas), despite general market trends.

Why? Because the final price is influenced not just by material costs, but also by:

delivery,
availability of skilled installers,
competition among local contractors.

If you want to know how much quartz countertop installation costs in your specific city, I highly recommend checking out the Price Insights in the U.S. section.

There, the team at The First National Ranking of Stone Countertop Fabricators and Installers in the U.S. conducted an independent “mystery shopper” study and gathered real numbers from dozens of cities across the country.

What Makes Up the Total Cost?

Material: The price per slab, depending on quality, brand, and pattern complexity.
Thickness: A 3 cm slab costs more than a 2 cm slab but looks more substantial and usually doesn’t need additional support. (For tips, see my article “2 cm vs. 3 cm: Choosing the Best Countertop Thickness for Your Kitchen?”)
Delivery: Stone is heavy, and shipping can add significant costs.
Installation: Installing quartz and granite both require expertise, but granite is heavier and may need reinforced cabinetry (+15–20% on labor costs).
Edge Treatment: Standard edges are cheaper. Decorative profiles can add another 20–30%.
Sealing: Only needed for granite — costing about $10–20* per m² and must be repeated every 1–3 years. (Everything about sealing granite is explained in “Do Granite Countertops Need Sealing? Busting Myths and Providing a Clear Answer”)
Maintenance: Quartz can be cleaned with regular cleaners; granite requires specialized products.

In the long run, quartz countertops may actually turn out cheaper — mainly because of their low maintenance costs.
However, if you’re only looking at initial purchase and installation, granite is often less expensive upfront.

Bottom line:

It all depends on your priorities:

Do you prefer a one-time investment for fewer worries in the future?
Or do you prefer lower upfront costs even if it means more care over time?

**Countertop Prices Are Rising*: What to Expect in 2025**

Have you ever wondered why a countertop that cost less a year ago is now 20% more expensive?
Or, on the contrary, why some prices have “frozen” even while everything else is getting more expensive?

I definitely have — especially during my own kitchen renovation, when every extra dollar mattered.
That’s why I dug deep into open sources and industry reports about how granite and quartz prices have changed over the past five years — and what we should expect going forward.

What Happened with Granite Prices

If you walked into a showroom back in 2019, you’d find prices like these:

Basic granite — $40–50/sq. ft.
High-quality granite with a nice pattern — $50–60/sq. ft.
Premium varieties — $55–65/sq. ft.

But here’s what happened next:

During the pandemic, people started remodeling kitchens en masse,
Delivery costs surged by 30–50%,
In Brazil (one of the largest granite suppliers), miners' wages increased,
Naturally, all this pushed prices upward.

By 2023, the same granite cost:

Budget granite — $70–80/sq. ft.
Mid-range granite — $80–95/sq. ft.
Premium granite — $95–110/sq. ft.

In just five years — granite prices jumped by nearly 1.5 times.
And that’s without even factoring in installation and edge treatments.

What Happened with Quartz Prices

Quartz followed a different story.
Since quartz is an industrial product manufactured in factories, production can be better planned and scaled.

In 2019, prices looked very attractive:

Mid-range quartz — $35–45/sq. ft.
Premium quartz — $45–55/sq. ft.

Of course, prices rose here too:

Raw materials became more expensive,
Shipping costs increased,
But thanks to automation at factories in China and elsewhere, manufacturers managed to slow the growth.

By 2022, quartz prices were:

Mid-range — $50–60/sq. ft.
Premium — $65–75/sq. ft.

The growth was noticeable — but not as dramatic as with granite.

What Happened with Quartz Prices
And What About 2025?

At the beginning of this year, another factor emerged that could push countertop prices even higher than expected.

According to new trade tariffs announced by Donald Trump’s administration and published by the White House, there’s now a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico — the very countries that supply much of the granite and quartz to the U.S.

Many contractors have already shared in open sources that the situation is “scary and unstable” — because they simply can’t predict how much a new order will cost even a month from now.

If you're thinking about updating your kitchen — now might be the best time to act.
Don’t delay your choice, especially if you're eyeing a unique granite slab: the more exclusive the stone, the higher the risk that it will be sold out next month.

What to Choose: Summary and Personal Checklist

Now you know everything: the composition, care requirements, pricing, and future forecasts.
But one big question remains — what’s the right choice for you personally?

I often say:
There are no “bad” materials.
There are materials that simply don’t fit your lifestyle.

A countertop isn’t just a pretty picture for Instagram. It’s where your coffee will spill, your sauce will drip, your pots will clang, your cat will sit, and your child might even do homework.

Here’s what you should base your decision on:

If you lean toward quartz:

You want everything to be simple and convenient.
You don’t want to worry about stains from wine, coffee, or juice.
You want a very specific color that perfectly matches your interior.
You love styles like minimalism, high-tech, Scandinavian.
You prefer a "buy it and forget it" approach — minimal upkeep.

Many of my mom-friends say:
“Quartz is like a good washing machine. Set it up once — and forget about it.”

If your heart leans toward granite:

You value uniqueness and natural beauty. No two slabs are identical.
You want a material that “ages gracefully” — with stories, veining, and a living texture.
You love classic, country, loft, or rustic styles.
You’re okay with resealing the surface every few years to ensure decades of service.
You appreciate home elements with “character” rather than factory uniformity.

Granite is loved by those who believe in the power of nature.
It may be a bit more temperamental, but it brings a sense of authenticity.

At the final stage, the most important thing is to listen to yourself.

Not to trends.

Not to friends.

Not even to ratings.

To yourself.

What do you truly want?

Expert Conversation: The Stone Magazine — Mary Jones

The Stone Magazine (TSM):
When people first compare quartz and granite, where do they most often go wrong?

Mary Jones (MJ):
They focus only on the price per square foot. That simplifies the picture but doesn’t show the real cost of the countertop after installation and during everyday use.

TSM:
How would you describe a quartz countertop from a material standpoint?

MJ:
Quartz is not a solid stone. It’s a composite made from quartz particles and resin. Because of this, the surface is non-porous, uniform, and doesn’t require sealing.

TSM:
What’s most important to understand about granite?

MJ:
Granite is a natural stone. It’s strong and heat-resistant, but porous. To maintain its appearance, it needs regular sealing.

TSM:
Why is granite installation often more expensive?

MJ:
Granite is heavier. It may require reinforced cabinetry and more complex installation, which can increase labor costs by 15–20 percent.

TSM:
Does the countertop format affect pricing?

MJ:
Yes. For both quartz and granite, cost depends on slab thickness, edge profiles, and shape complexity. These factors are often overlooked during initial comparisons.

FAQ: Common Questions About Quartz and Granite

Which is more expensive upfront — quartz or granite?
Granite is often cheaper at the purchase and installation stage. Entry-level granite typically starts around $40 per square foot, while quartz starts closer to $50.

How do prices compare in the premium segment?
Rare granite varieties can cost $150 per square foot or more. Premium quartz with complex patterns or “geode” effects can exceed $200 per square foot.

Does location affect the final cost?
Yes. Pricing depends on logistics, local contractor availability, and competition within a specific city or region.

Which material costs more over time?
Granite requires regular sealing and specialized care. Quartz does not, which reduces long-term maintenance expenses.

Is installation equally complex for both materials?
No. Granite installation is often more demanding due to weight and structural requirements.

How-To: How to Compare the Cost of Quartz and Granite

Step 1. Evaluate Base Material Pricing

Compare entry-level and premium categories separately rather than mixing them into one budget.

Step 2. Consider Slab Thickness

Three-centimeter slabs cost more than two-centimeter slabs and affect the total project budget.

Step 3. Add Delivery and Installation Costs

Stone weight and installation complexity directly influence labor pricing.

Step 4. Factor in Maintenance

Granite requires regular sealing. Quartz requires only standard cleaning.

The Stone Magazine Editorial Tip

When comparing quartz and granite, people most often confuse purchase price with true cost of ownership. Granite may appear more affordable upfront, but it involves additional maintenance expenses. Quartz costs more initially but behaves more predictably over time.

Another important factor is regional price variation. In some cities, quartz may cost less than granite due to logistics and contractor competition. That’s why universal pricing doesn’t exist.

Warranties and real customer reviews remain important reference points when choosing a contractor for kitchen countertop installation. They help clarify how a company performs in real projects and how consistently it delivers results. One useful benchmark is the CountertopsContractors ranking — an independent list of contractors across the U.S., compiled based on installation quality, experience, and market reputation. This format makes it easier to compare professionals and choose the right specialist for a specific project.

Conclusion

I hope after reading this article you feel much more confident!
I tried to give you a complete and honest answer to the big question:
Which costs more — quartz or granite, and what’s really behind the price?

We’ve walked through:

material properties,
maintenance differences,
hidden costs,
pricing trends,
and personal preferences.

Now you know: it’s not just about dollars per square foot.
It’s about lifestyle — how you cook, how you design your home, and what matters most to you: practicality or the unique spirit of nature.

If you’ve already decided on a material, the next step is finding a contractor you can trust.
Here, I genuinely recommend checking out The First National Ranking of Stone Countertop Fabricators and Installers in the U.S. — a truly independent rating where only vetted companies are listed.
Their team doesn’t just rely on reviews — they conduct real investigations to filter out the top-quality professionals.

Thank you for staying with me till the end!
I hope your future kitchen is now one step closer to becoming a dream come true!

Table of contents

Which Kitchen Countertop Costs More: Quartz or Granite?

Introduction

What You Need to Know If This Is Your First Time Comparing These Materials

Quartz vs. Granite: What They Have in Common — and What Sets Them Apart

Practical and Personal Criteria for Choosing Countertop Material