COMPARISONS
Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Cost, Durability and Best Choice
Compare quartz vs granite countertops: installed cost per sq ft, maintenance, durability, appearance and which material fits your kitchen.
Quartz and granite are the two most popular premium countertops, and both look great. The real difference is maintenance and consistency: granite is natural stone that needs sealing; quartz is engineered, non-porous and consistent. Here are the 2026 costs.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Quartz vs granite cost
Granite costs $40-$100 per sq ft installed; quartz costs $50-$120 per sq ft. Granite is natural, heat-resistant and needs sealing every 1-2 years. Quartz is non-porous, needs no sealing and resists stains but can be damaged by high heat.
Installed cost per square foot
Granite averages $40-$100 per sq ft installed ($60-$100 typical range for mid-grade slabs). Quartz averages $50-$120 per sq ft installed, with premium colors running higher. For a 30 sq ft countertop, granite totals $1,200-$3,000 and quartz $1,500-$3,600.
Fabrication, edge profiles, cutouts and installation all sit inside those ranges. A busy kitchen with multiple cutouts and a large island pushes both to the top of the range.
- Granite: $40-$100/sq ft installed; 30 sq ft ≈ $1,200-$3,000
- Quartz: $50-$120/sq ft installed; 30 sq ft ≈ $1,500-$3,600
- Premium colors and slabs add $20-$40/sq ft to either
- Edge profile, cutouts and backsplash are typically extra
Durability, maintenance and appearance
Granite is heat-resistant natural stone but porous: it needs sealing every 1-2 years and can stain. Quartz is non-porous, never needs sealing and resists stains and bacteria, but it can be damaged by very high heat and costs more in premium lines. Quartz offers consistent color; granite offers unique natural veining.
- Granite: seal every 1-2 years, heat-resistant, unique veining
- Quartz: no sealing, stain-resistant, consistent color, sensitive to high heat
- Both handle daily kitchen use well when maintained properly
Which should you choose?
Choose quartz for low-maintenance kitchens, light colors and consistent patterns. Choose granite for natural looks, unique veining and heat-heavy cooking areas. Both hold resale value well; quartz tends to edge ahead in modern, minimalist kitchens.