Is Granite Cheaper Than Quartz? [Which Is Better?]

Choosing the perfect material for your counters can be challenging, especially when deciding between granite and quartz.

Generally, granite is more expensive, ranging from $60 to $270 per square foot, while quartz costs between $70 and $100 per square foot.

This price difference is because granite is 100% natural stone, whereas quartz is not entirely natural.

In this article, we’ll compare granite and quartz countertops to help you decide which is best for your needs. Let’s begin!

Is Granite Less Expensive Than Quartz?

No, granite usually costs more than quartz because it is an all-natural stone that is harder to cut and install. However, deluxe quartz countertops can sometimes be as expensive as granite.

Both materials have similar starting prices, so there can be overlap depending on the design.

Suppose you find an affordable granite material for your counters that costs roughly $65. If you look for a mid-tier quartz option, you could spend closer to $100 per square foot, beating out granite.

Again, comparing these two can be tricky as they’re both stones. Furthermore, granite contains quartz material, so the two share many similarities.

Which Is Nicer: Granite Or Quartz?

Granite and quartz materials usually offer high quality. However, many designers choose granite for its natural beauty and superior heat resistance, making it ideal for cooks.

On the other hand, quartz, although durable, can be damaged by hot pots and pans.

Additionally, granite’s porous nature requires more maintenance but provides a high-end appearance for both kitchens and bathrooms, while non-porous quartz resists staining and is easier to maintain.

Both granite and quartz are excellent high-end countertop options with unique benefits. It isn’t easy to compare the two, as they are both great high-end countertop options.

Is Granite More Durable Than Quartz?

Although granite can be pricier than quartz, it isn’t as durable. Quartz countertops are virtually stain-resistant and are considered nearly indestructible by some design experts.

You can also expect granite to be fairly porous, complicating your cleaning routine. According to HGTV, quartz is not porous like granite, making it easier to keep your counters bacteria-free.

So, from a cleaning and hygiene standpoint, quartz beats granite.

However, granite remains an excellent countertop option with many advantages as long as you treat it with care to avoid chipping, scratching, or staining.

Which Is More Scratch-Resistant: Quartz Or Granite?

When it comes to scratch resistance, quartz generally handles everyday wear and tear better than granite.

According to Stoneland Inc, quartz is one of the hardest materials on the planet, hence why it doesn’t seem to mind a rougher chef or household.

Although granite is a natural stone and quite resistant to scratching, quartz is less likely to crack or become damaged.

Therefore, in terms of overall durability, quartz has an edge over granite. Both materials, however, are highly resistant to scratching and suitable for everyday use.

Is Granite More Expensive To Install Than Quartz?

Although this depends on the size and shape of your countertops, granite is typically more expensive to install than quartz.

Granite’s natural composition and lower durability require more caution and precision during installation. However, quartz is heavier, sometimes resulting in higher installation fees.

Installed granite ranges from $60 to $270 per square foot, while quartz has a slightly smaller range of $70 to $100 per square foot.

So you can see how granite could be more than four times the price of lower-tier quartz in some installations, while it might also be around the same price.

We recommend shopping around for different estimates and choosing a reputable company for your granite or quartz installation.

Which Is More Expensive To Maintain: Quartz Or Granite?

You can usually expect granite to be more expensive and time-consuming to maintain than quartz.

As we said, quartz is harder and more durable, while its non-porous nature prevents staining and aging, unlike porous granite.

Moreover, cleaning granite often requires polishing and gentle, stone-based cleansers, which can be tedious.

However, granite and quartz typically share cleaning products. So, if you have a quartz counter in the bathroom and granite in the kitchen, you should be able to use one product for both.

Again, the harder the surface is and the less porous it is, the easier it is to clean and manage in the long term.

Is It Worth Replacing Granite With Quartz?

Although this falls into personal preference, many homeowners replace their granite counters with less demanding quartz.

As we mentioned, quartz is one of the hardest materials available, is more durable, and is less expensive than granite. However, granite offers timeless beauty and a more natural look, which some may prefer.

If you’re tired of constant cleaning and polishing, quartz is an excellent replacement. According to Caesarstone, quartz is the preferred countertop surface in most homes.

Of course, that doesn’t mean everyone prefers quartz over granite, but with current trends, that could soon be the case. Regardless, choose a countertop that fits your lifestyle, whether it’s quartz or granite.

Is Quartz Or Granite Better For Resale Value?

If you’re considering listing your house, natural-looking granite countertops can provide a hidden advantage. According to experts, granite has a higher resale value than quartz because it appears more luxurious.

One major drawback to quartz is that every new apartment or rental home has it. This mega-popularity can turn off homebuyers who want to avoid the “rental” look, ultimately hurting your home’s resale value.

According to an agent from Hunt Real Estate, granite can increase the value of your home by as much as 25 percent of the countertop’s retail value.

So, even though quartz may hold out better over time and be cheaper to install, choosing it over granite could be a mistake if you ever want to sell your house.

What Is The Most Expensive Countertop Material?

One of the most expensive and luxurious countertop materials is marble. It has an elegant appearance and is the most costly countertop per square foot.

Even lower-tier marble is more expensive than quartz or granite, making it the perfect choice for someone with little to no spending limit.

Of course, just because marble is stunning and expensive doesn’t mean you must use it for your kitchen or bathroom counters. Designers estimate marble costs between $75-$250+ per square foot to install and can be expensive to maintain.

This is another example of natural stone being pricier to keep up with, so it’s certainly an investment. Sometimes, just because something is more money doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for your home.

To Finish

Creating a budget is always good whether you need new countertops for an entire home or one room. We found that granite is not cheaper than quartz: it’s a bit more expensive.

You can generally expect to spend between $60 and $270 per square foot on granite, while quartz falls between $70 and $100 per square foot.

Again, this can vary depending on the color, quality, and installation of your stone, so every countertop will be slightly different.

For long-term spending, you can also budget for more granite versus quartz maintenance, which is another drawback of the gorgeous natural material.

Made it to the end? Check out some of our other related home articles below!

Can You Use Granite Cleaner On Quartz?

What Color Paint Goes With Brown Granite?

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