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

Finding the perfect material to use for your counters isn't always easy. For example, do you want to purchase granite or quartz countertops but don't know which is cheaper? Is granite more expensive than quartz, or is it the opposite?

Luckily, we've done plenty of research and have the answers below!

You can almost always expect granite to be more expensive than quartz. That's because granite is 100% natural stone material, while quartz is not entirely natural.

On top of that, granite has a price range of $60 to $270 per square foot, while quartz is between $70 and $100 per square foot installed, which is a bit of a difference. Either way, these stone counters are stunning: so this comes down to your preference.

As we start this article, we will cover all things granite and quartz countertops and discuss which material is usually cheaper. Whether you want to renovate your kitchen/bathroom, need a more affordable option, or have other related questions, we're here to help. With that said, let's begin!

Is Granite Less Expensive Than Quartz?

No. Most of the time, granite will cost more than quartz. As we mentioned above, granite is an all-natural stone material that is often pricier than quartz per square foot installed.

One of the main reasons for the extra price per square foot is granite can be more difficult to cut and install, on top of being higher-end, to begin with.

However, a deluxe quartz countertop can cost as much or more than some granite. Since the two have similar starting prices, it's possible to see an 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?

You can usually expect high quality from granite and quartz materials. That said, many designers choose granite for its natural beauty, as quartz can look a bit manufactured depending on the color and pattern.

On top of that, granite is more resistant to heat/high temperatures, making it perfect for cooks. Quartz, although incredibly durable, can become damaged if you place a hot pot/pan on it, which isn't always practical for some chefs.

In addition, granite is porous, as it's a natural stone. This texture can make it more challenging to maintain, but it will give your kitchen or bathroom a higher-end appearance.

In contrast, quartz is not porous, meaning it doesn't stain easily. So, between granite and quartz surfaces, you can expect granite to look more natural and handle heat well and quartz to be more durable against staining and damage.

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. Surprisingly, quartz countertops are virtually stain-resistant, with some design pros calling them indestructible.

You can also expect granite to be fairly porous, which can complicate 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 is still an amazing countertop option and has many pros.

Even if it isn't quite as durable as quartz, you shouldn't run into much chipping, scratching, or staining if you're careful on your granite surfaces.

Remember, granite is a natural stone, so treat it with kindness!

Which Is More Scratch-Resistant: Quartz Or Granite?

When it comes to scratch resistance, you can usually expect quartz to handle everyday wear and tear better than granite. As we mentioned, quartz is incredibly durable.

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.

On the other hand, granite is still natural stone, which makes it pretty resistant to scratching. You can also expect quartz to stay in one piece while it's on your counters, as it doesn't crack easily.

So again, in terms of overall durability, we have to give this round to quartz over granite.

Classic Quartz Stone also adds how granite and quartz are highly resistant to scratching and shouldn't become damaged with everyday use.

Is Granite More Expensive To Install Than Quartz?

Although this can depend on the size and shape of your countertops, granite is typically more expensive to install than quartz. Since granite is natural and less durable than quartz, your installation may require additional caution and precision.

However, quartz is heavier than granite, which may sometimes result in a higher installation fee. Remember, the average price for installed granite can be anywhere from $60 to $270 per square foot, so this is a broad range.

Quartz has a slightly smaller range in installed final pricing, totaling between $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 finding a reputable company to install your counters: granite or quartz.

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 than granite, making it more durable.

In addition, quartz is non-porous, while granite has a porous structure. These pores can cause granite to stain and age faster than quartz surfaces.

Moreover, cleaning granite usually requires polishing and using gentle, stone-based cleansers, which can become tedious over time. Especially if you cook every day, maintaining granite might not be worth its beauty and charm.

One positive to these stone surfaces is that granite and quartz can usually 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 and less porous, the easier it is to clean and manage long-term.

Is It Worth Replacing Granite With Quartz?

Although this falls into more of a personal preference category, many homeowners replace their granite counters with less needy quartz. As we covered above, quartz is one of the hardest materials available.

Quartz is more durable than granite and less expensive, which is a major advantage. However, granite offers timeless beauty and looks more natural than quartz.

For some, that may be enough of a reason to keep granite. In contrast, you might be tired of the constant cleaning and polishing; in that case, we think quartz is the perfect replacement material.

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 be the case soon.

Regardless, try and find a countertop that makes sense for your lifestyle, whether that ends up being quartz or granite.

Is Quartz Or Granite Better For Resale Value?

If you're considering listing your house on the market, having natural-looking granite countertops can give your property a hidden advantage.

According to many experts, granite has a higher resale value than quartz. That's because granite tends to be more eye-catching and appears more luxurious than some quartz designs.

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 get away from 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. Not only does marble tend to have a more elegant appearance than other materials, but it's also the most costly countertop by square feet on the market.

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 have to use it for your kitchen or bathroom counters. According to designers, marble costs between $75-$250 or more 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

Whether you need new countertops for an entire home or one room, creating a budget is always good. 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!

How to Fix Dull Spots on Quartz or Granite Countertops

What Types Of Countertops Are Cheaper Than Granite?

Quartzite Vs. Marble Vs. Quartz Countertops: Pros, Cons & Design Considerations