Decision guide
Quartz vs. granite countertops
Both are durable, both look great, and both cost real money. The right pick depends on how you use your kitchen and whether you want to think about maintenance at all.
Side by side
| Quartz | Granite | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost installed | $50–$120 per sq ft | $40–$100 per sq ft |
| Maintenance | None — non-porous, no sealing required | Seal once a year to prevent staining |
| Durability | Resists chips and stains well | Very hard, but edges can chip |
| Look | Consistent, uniform patterns | Every slab is unique — natural variation |
Contractor's perspective
Our honest take
We spec quartz for rental properties and high-traffic family kitchens because the maintenance-free story matters — tenants won't seal it, and kids won't care. For a primary kitchen where the homeowner wants a one-of-a-kind slab they picked themselves, granite earns its keep. Either way, the fabrication and install quality matters more than the material.
Choose Quartz when
Rental property, high-traffic kitchen, you prefer low maintenance, or you want consistent color across a large surface.
Choose Granite when
You want a unique natural slab, love the variation in stone, or are building a kitchen you plan to keep for 20+ years.
Real example
The kitchen remodel here used marble-look counters — a quartz product that gives the natural stone look with better durability for the short-term rental context.
See the Clementine Cottage case study →Not sure which way to go?
Tell us about your space and what you're weighing. We'll give you a straight answer and a quote — no sales pitch.