
Granite can be more expensive than quartz at times, based on the availability of a color and pattern. Sometimes quartz is more expensive due to the treatments it receives during manufacturing. You may be able to save money by purchasing granite slabs from a wholesaler to cut and install yourself.
Full Answer
How does quartz compare to granite?
- Granite is the best of all countertop materials
- Quartz is a very close second
- Corian is 3rd in this comparison
Is quartz and granite the same thing?
Quartz is more durable than granite because its surface is harder. As a matter of fact, quartz is almost impossible to destroy. Quartz is also non porous, unlike granite. And it fights bacteria better than granite since it’s harder for bacteria to penetrate quartz.
Are quartz countertops cheaper than granite?
When it comes to price, granite and quartz are usually quite similar these days. However, for entry-level materials, granite is usually a bit cheaper. For entry-level kitchen countertop, you can expect to pay: $35 per square foot for granite. $65 per square foot for quartz.
Why are quartz counters better than granite?
Quartz may be a better choice for your kitchen countertops. BobVila noted several benefits to choosing quartz over granite. In addition to lower cost, quartz is impervious to stains and seeping moisture, which is a biggie. Unlike granite, the outlet pointed out that quartz doesn't need sealants and is non-absorbent.

Why is quartz more expensive than granite?
Quartz is more expensive due to its easy maintenance, high resistance and the fact that it does not need to be sealed. Granite is also very resistance, but it does need to be properly cleaned and you will also spend more in the resealing process, which is a must if you want to make it last.
What is the most durable stone?
Both granite and quartz are among the most durable options you can choose for your household surfaces. They are extremely hard stones that can last for years with proper care.
What is the best countertop?
Quartz and granite are amongst the best options you could choose from for a countertop. Both are worthwhile investments, but they are different types of investments in nature. Before asking which is more expensive, you should first consider what price actually means.
How much does quartz cost?
Quartz, as we said already, is approximately 20% more expensive than granite. The average cost of quartz ranges from $40 – $85 per square foot, depending on the aspects we are going to discuss later.
Why is it important to have a good counter top?
Appearance is very important. Countertops are usually the crown jewel of home decor. They need to be practical and beautiful at the same time, since they are always exposed. They need to compliment the decoration of the room they are put in, and sometimes that makes the choice of which material to pick for it very hard.
Which is more expensive, granite or quartz?
Quartz will usually be more expensive, going back and forth between 20% and 40% more expensive than granite. But this question is way more complicated than it seems at first glance.
Does quartz pay for itself?
All things considered, despite being more expensive initially, quartz ends up paying for itself in time.
What is Granite?
Granite is a natural stone found in quarries that occur naturally in the Earth. Granite slabs are removed from quarries, taken to a stone fabrication facility, and then cut and polished to perfection. It’s a bit like how diamonds are made, but on a much larger scale.
Does quartz scratch easier than granite?
Yes, quartz does scratch more easily than granite. This is because around 6-7% of quartz is man-made polymers and resins, so the overall material is less stable and tends to be a bit more flexible than granite. When you scratch a quartz counter, the flexibility of this resin can make scratches easier to inflict.
Are quartz countertops safer than granite?
Both granite and quartz countertops are safe for most kitchens due to their durability, making them both ideal countertop materials. However, some people get concerned about the levels of radon emitted by both the stone materials.
Does quartz or granite fade over time?
Granite will not fade over time. It’s been sitting around in the earth for millions of years, so a decade or 2 in your kitchen isn’t going to do anything extreme enough to make it fade. The surface of granite is not affected by the UV rays of the sun, which makes it perfect for outdoor kitchen spaces in direct sunlight.
What is the best material to scratch a stone countertop?
If you’re worried about your precious stone countertops getting scratched, then you should go with granite. Granite tends to scratch less easily because it’s an inert natural stone. It’s very difficult to significantly scratch a material that been sitting in the earth for millions of years.
What is the best countertop to use for hot pans?
Granite . If heat resistance is your main concern (i.e. you put a lot of hot pans on your countertops) then you probably want to choose granite. Granite can withstand temperatures up to 1200°F, which is obviously MUCH hotter than you’ll ever get in your kitchen.
Why is granite so expensive?
This is because high-end granite is extracted from quarries in specific parts of the world where a particular style of granite veining, color, or pattern is desired. The rarer and more precious the granite stone, the higher the price will rise.
What is quartz countertop made of?
Quartz countertops are fabricated material made from about 93% crushed quartz that is held together with a resin binder. In some blends, glass chips or metallic flakes are added for visual interest.
What is the complexity of a galley kitchen countertop?
Countertop complexity: A galley kitchen countertop with one long run is easy to install. L-shaped and U-shaped countertops increase in difficulty and add seams. Atypical cuts, such as on a breakfast bar peninsula increase cost.
How thick is granite tile?
Granite tile costs are 40% to 70% less than slabs. Thickness: For both materials, counters range from about ¾” (2cm) to about 1 ¼” (3cm). Thicker materials cost more. While 2cm counters are used in bathrooms, 3cm materials are preferred for the kitchen, utility areas and anywhere heavy objects will be placed.
Why is quartz uniform in color?
Consistency: Quartz from the same production run is uniform in color because the process is carefully controlled. Many will like the evenness of the look and tone, while others will prefer a bit more diversity. That is granite’s strength – Each countertop is one of a kind. That’s can be a problem too.
How much does granite cost?
Granite countertops cost between $48 and $135 per square foot installed. The cost is largely based on whether you choose tiles or slabs. When going with a full-sized granite slab, its thickness, size (length and width), color pattern and degree of flawlessness or lack of imperfections will affect the overall price on a per sq. ft. basis.
What are the colors of granite?
It is colorful mineral inclusions such as mica (brown and black), quartz (pink, black and white) and feldspar (rose) that give each type of granite its unique tone, veining and overall aesthetic.
Why does granite cost more?
Color: Some colors of granite cost more because they are considered especially desirable or are in short supply. Since quartz is engineered, some “premium” and “designer” colors with richer pigmentation cost more. If you have a custom color blended for your project, cost will be considerably higher.
What is the difference between granite and quartz?
Granite with natural colors tends to be more easily available and costs less; however, rare colors like Blue Bahia can be up to $120 per square foot. Quartz is manufactured, but its design may increase the price. For instance, quartz countertops with gold flecks will be more expensive.
How much does quartz cost per square foot?
Quartz countertops per square foot range from $40 – $85. Like Granite, the price depends on the type of quartz you choose, the countertop size, and what types of cutouts your project needs. Expensive quartz-like Calacatta Naples can cost $85 per square foot. The average price of quartz countertops is between $2500 – $4000, including installation.
What is quartz used for?
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral found on earth and has been used in the making of kitchen and bath countertops for decades. Quartz minerals are mined and then ground into an aggregate that is fused with resin that binds with rock under intense pressure to form a slab.
What is the best countertop material?
Quartz and potassium are the two predominant minerals that make up this natural stone, which comes in pink, white, and variations of gray and black. Granite is exceptionally hard and durable, which is why it’s popular countertop material.
What is quartz countertop?
Quartz: This engineered stone is available in colors ranging from the pearliest of whites to the truest of blacks. Quartz has a deep, three-dimensional appearance, much like natural stone, and because it’s manufactured, contains consistent patterns with hardly any perfection. These countertops have some unique veining patterns that can’t be found in natural stone.
What is the color of granite countertops?
These countertops have some unique veining patterns that can’t be found in natural stone. Granite: This stone comes in variations of white, black, gray, beige, and brown . Each granite slab is one-of-a-kind and will contain some imperfections because it’s a natural stone.
Why is granite so expensive?
Granite countertops need to be resealed every so often, ultimately making them more expensive because their maintenance costs could accrue to prevent damage and unsightly marks on their surfaces.
How much does Cambria quartz cost?
Cambria quartz is slightly more expensive and typically goes for between $50 - $120, depending on the dealer. As granite is a kind of stone rather than a brand, you are more likely to find varied pricing in comparison to Cambria quartz.
What is the best stone for a home in 2021?
If you are looking for a new stone feature for your home, you may find yourself choosing between Cambria quartz and granite. These two options are both excellent stones, but it is important to know their basic differences in order to make the best choice for you ...
What color is Cambria quartz?
Appearance. Both Cambria quartz and granite come in a variety of colors, from light to dark to neutral to bright. As both stones, quartz, and granite, can be just about any color, it is important to keep in mind the desired ambiance of your home. For example, lighter color quartz will give your space a brightened and airy look.
How to clean quartz?
Quartz requires basic cleaning instructions. The surface should be cleaned with water and mild dish detergent solution. Once the surface is clean, it should be dried off immediately. Homeowners should avoid more abrasive cleaners as they may cause permanent damage. They should also never use sealants, waxes, or polishes on quartz surfaces.
Where is Cambria quartz made?
The company, Cambria, was founded in the late 1990s when Stan and Mark Davis opened their manufacturing plant in Minnesota. The company is still based in Minnesota, and all of the quartz supply is engineered there as well.
Is Cambria quartz scratch proof?
Both Cambria quartz and granite are also scratch-proof. Both of these can be resistant to damage caused by everyday objects. Granite in particular is one of the hardest naturally occuring materials on the Mohs scale, usually sitting at an 8. Quartz is only slightly softer, typically sitting on the scale at a 7.
Is Cambria quartz the same as granite?
On the other hand, Cambria quartz is uniform. Each slab will be exactly the same, and you will have no worries when it comes to picking the perfect slab as each slab is “perfect.” This can be an advantage, as it makes the styling process of your home effortless, but it is also a reduction in personality when compared to granite stones.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is an abundant natural stone, but when formulated into a countertop, it is considered “engineered stone.” Engineered stone countertops are created from crushed quartz crystals combined with resin and other synthetic materials, such as pigments.
What is Granite?
Granite is a pure, natural stone mined from quarries in whole slabs or tiles. From these slabs, granite countertops are cut and polished for installation. Unlike quartz countertops, the natural integrity of the stone remains untouched.
Appearance of Granite Countertops
Because they are completely natural, granite slabs are one-of-a-kind. Granite’s color depends on where it was mined and can vary from subtle earth tones to brighter blue, red and green gem tones. Each slab will have natural variations in its color and pattern, and these “imperfections” add character in the eyes of granite-lovers.
Appearance of Quartz Countertops
The color and pattern of a quartz countertop is man-made and designed. For this reason, some people may feel that quartz counters lack the charm of granite counters.
Durability
Both granite and quartz countertops are in high demand for their strength and resilience. Granite, however, is more susceptible to chips and cracks due to natural striations in the stone. Striations are grooves formed in stone from movements in the earth, and although they may be invisible to us, are present in cut slabs of granite.
Maintenance
Because it's porous, granite needs to be sealed and resealed every year to help resist stains and bacteria. Even when the granite is sealed, messes should be wiped up with a cloth as quickly as possible.
Price
Quartz and granite countertops are priced similarly per square foot, with granite counters having the wider variation in price. Granite can be more expensive than quartz at times, based on the availability of a color and pattern. Sometimes quartz is more expensive due to the treatments it receives during manufacturing.

Price Range and Comparison
- Quartz and granite are amongst the best options you could choose from for a countertop. Both are worthwhile investments, but they are different types of investments in nature. Before asking which is more expensive, you should first consider what priceactually means. Quartz, as we said already, is approximately 20% more expensive than granite. The a...
Appearance
- Appearance is very important. Countertopsare usually the crown jewel of home decor. They need to be practical and beautiful at the same time, since they are always exposed. They need to compliment the decoration of the room they are put in, and sometimes that makes the choice of which material to pick for it very hard. You’re going to look at you countertop everyday for a very …
Durability
- Both granite and quartz are among the most durable options you can choose for your household surfaces. They are extremely hard stones that can last for years with proper care. Granite is a mixture of several melted materials, making it unaffected by heat sources. The same cannot be said about quartz. If exposed to high temperatures, the resin used during its manufacturing can …
Maintenance
- This is another aspect that ultimately influences in the high price of the quartz. Quartz is extremely low maintenance. It is very easy to clean, very hard to stain and it has a very important characteristic that makes it worth the higher cost of the initial investment: it does not need to be sealed. One of the steps in the process of manufacturing of the quartz includes it being mixed u…
Environment Impacts of Quartz and Granite
- Quartz is composed of quartz crystals, resin and other types os natural stones. These natural stones used for its manufacturing are by-products of the mining process of que quartz itself, so there’s no additional quarries used to gather additional stone. In fact, quartz can even be recyclable. The mining of the granite however does impact the environment. It is a very small im…
Quartz Or Granite: Final Considerations
- As you could see, there are a lot of variables involved in choosing between quartz and granite, specially for your countertop. It really depends on your personal taste in color and pattern, the way in which your countertop will be used and if you want to consider a long term investment or not. Quartz is more expensive due to its easy maintenance, high resistance and the fact that it does …