Which is more pricey, granite or quartz
So you're stuck between granite and quartz for countertops, and honestly, cost is probably the thing keeping you up at night. Here's the deal: quartz generally costs more than granite. But man, it's not that simple. The final number depends on stuff like material quality, how thick the slab is, what edge profile you pick, and how complicated the installation gets. On average, you're looking at $70 to $150 per square foot installed for quartz, while granite sits around $50 to $120. And if you go premium? Quartz can hit $200 a square foot, but rare granite slabs might tap out at $180. It's a toss-up at the high end.
Why is quartz more expensive than granite?
Quartz isn't natural—it's engineered. Like, they take about 90% ground natural quartz and mix it with polymer resins and pigments. That whole process needs fancy tech, quality checks, and a lot of energy, which pushes the price up. Granite? It's just dug out of the earth, cut into slabs, and shipped. Way less processing. Plus, quartz gives you that perfect, consistent color and pattern people love for modern kitchens. But that uniformity? Yeah, you pay for it.
What affects the price of granite?
Granite prices swing all over the place depending on how rare it is, where it comes from, and the slab size. Exotic stuff from Brazil or India—like Blue Pearl or Santa Cecilia—can cost way more than domestic options. Thicker slabs (3 cm vs. 2 cm) also add to the bill. And don't forget edge treatments like bullnose or beveled edges, plus cutouts for sinks or cooktops—those labor charges stack up. Oh, and you'll need to seal granite every year or two, which adds long-term costs.
What affects the price of quartz?
With quartz, it's mostly about the brand and color. Big names like Caesarstone, Silestone, and Cambria have tiered pricing. Solid white or pure black? Those cost more because everyone wants them and they're hard to make uniform. Textured or veined patterns that look like marble—think Calacatta quartz—are top-tier premium. Quartz doesn't need sealing, but installing it is a pain because it's heavier and needs precise cutting. So labor's higher.
Price comparison table: Granite vs. Quartz
| Factor | Granite | Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost per sq. ft. (installed) | $50 - $120 | $70 - $150 |
| Premium tier cost per sq. ft. | $120 - $180 | $150 - $200 |
| Material type | Natural stone | Engineered (90% quartz + resin) |
| Maintenance | Requires annual sealing | No sealing neededtd> |
| Durability | Heat resistant, can chip | Scratch resistant, can burn |
| Pattern consistency | Unique, varies by slab | Uniform, consistent |
| Resale value impact | High (perceived as luxury) | High (modern appeal) |
People also ask
Is quartz cheaper than granite in 2025?
Nope, quartz is still pricier on average in 2025. But entry-level quartz from brands like MSI or HanStone can match mid-range granite. The gap's gotten a bit smaller as quartz manufacturing gets more efficient, but premium quartz still demands more cash because of resin costs and brand marketing. No getting around it.
Does the color of quartz or granite affect the price?
Big time. For granite, rare colors like blue, green, or deep red cost more because they come from limited quarries—supply and demand, you know. For quartz, popular colors like white, gray, and marble-look patterns are premium-priced thanks to high demand. Dark or bright colors in quartz? Usually cheaper because they're easier to produce consistently. Go figure.
Which is more durable: granite or quartz?
Both are tough, but they've got different weaknesses. Granite handles heat better—you can set a hot pan right on it—but it's porous and stains if you skip sealing. Quartz is non-porous and fights stains and bacteria, but high heat (over 150°F) can melt or discolor the resin. For everyday kitchen use, quartz is easier to maintain. If you're a heavy cook, granite's your friend.
What is the cheapest countertop material?
Laminate, solid surface (like Corian), and tile are all cheaper than granite or quartz. Laminate runs $20-$50 per square foot installed, solid surface $40-$80, and ceramic tile $10-$30. But these don't add as much resale value and aren't as durable. If budget's your main thing, laminate or tile might work better.
Expert checklist for choosing between granite and quartz
- Budget: Under $60/sq. ft.? Go granite. If you can swing $80-$150/sq. ft., quartz is worth it.
- Maintenance: Want low effort? Quartz wins. Don't mind sealing once a year? Granite's fine.
- Heat exposure: If hot pots land on counters daily, pick granite. Use trivets with quartz or risk damage.
- Aesthetic preference: Love unique natural veining? Granite. Prefer consistent, modern looks? Quartz.
- Resale value: Both add value, but buyers increasingly like quartz for its easy upkeep.
- Thickness: 3 cm slabs cost more than 2 cm for both. Fancy edges like mitered or waterfall? That's extra.
Frequently asked questions
Can quartz be cheaper than granite if I buy on sale?
Yeah, during sales or clearance you might find quartz at prices similar to mid-range granite. But that's not typical. Always compare installed costs—quartz installation is often pricier because it's heavy and needs special handling.
Does the thickness of the slab affect the price?
Absolutely. Thicker slabs (3 cm vs. 2 cm) cost more for both materials. A 3 cm slab is stronger and doesn't need plywood underlayment, but it adds $10-$20 per square foot to the total.
Which material has better resale value?
Both are solid. Granite's been the luxury standard for years, but quartz is catching up fast because it's modern and low-maintenance. In many markets, quartz now edges ahead in resale value.
Is quartz more expensive than granite for backsplashes?
Yep, quartz backsplashes generally cost more because it's harder to cut and needs specialized tools. Granite backsplashes can often use leftover pieces from the main slab, cutting down on waste and cost.
Resumen breve
- Quartz is generally more expensive: Average installed cost is $70-$150 per sq. ft. vs. granite's $50-$120 per sq. ft.
- Price depends on quality and brand: Premium quartz can exceed $200 per sq. ft., while rare granite may reach $180 per sq. ft.
- Maintenance costs differ: Granite requires annual sealing ($50-$100 per year), while quartz needs no sealing but may require professional repair if damaged by heat.
- Long-term value: Quartz offers consistent appearance and low maintenance, while granite provides unique natural beauty and heat resistance.
