Material Overview
Quartz
Engineered stone made from 90-95% ground quartz mixed with resins and pigments
Pros
- ✓Non-porous and stain-resistant
- ✓Consistent patterns and colors
- ✓Low maintenance
- ✓No sealing required
Cons
- ✗Can't withstand high heat
- ✗Visible seams on larger surfaces
- ✗Limited outdoor use
Granite
Natural stone quarried from the earth with unique patterns
Pros
- ✓Heat resistant
- ✓Unique, natural patterns
- ✓Adds resale value
- ✓Can be used outdoors
Cons
- ✗Requires periodic sealing
- ✗Can stain if not sealed
- ✗Patterns vary by slab
Cost Comparison
Quartz
Price Range
$50-$150 per square foot installed
Average Cost
$75-$100 per square foot
Cost Factors:
- →Brand and quality
- →Color and pattern complexity
- →Edge details
- →Installation labor
Granite
Price Range
$40-$200 per square foot installed
Average Cost
$60-$100 per square foot
Cost Factors:
- →Rarity of stone
- →Slab origin
- →Thickness
- →Installation complexity
Durability & Maintenance
| Category | Quartz | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very durable, resistant to scratches and chips | Extremely durable, harder than quartz |
| Maintenance | Wipe with soap and water, no sealing needed | Regular sealing required (annually or bi-annually) |
| Heat Resistance | Moderate - use trivets for hot pots | Excellent - naturally heat resistant |
| Stain Resistance | Excellent - non-porous surface | Good when sealed, porous if not sealed |
