Granite Countertops or Quartz Countertops: Which One is Right for You?

Are you thinking about changing up your kitchen design? There will be decisions made about getting new cabinets or refinishing your existing cabinets.  What will be your desired countertop? 

There are many types of countertop materials from which to choose when doing a bathroom or kitchen remodel. The quality between types of countertops varies with potential selections like soapstone, quartzite, corian, quartz, or granite. 

When it comes to choosing the perfect bathroom or new kitchen counters, two materials reign supreme: quartz and granite. Each has its own set of strengths and limitations, and your final decision will depend on your style preferences, budget, desired functionality, and lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of quartz and granite countertops, how they are made, their durability, and their costs.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces designed to offer the appearance of natural stone. They are man-made by combining roughly 90-95% crushed natural quartz with resins, polymers, and pigments. This mixture is poured into molds, compacted under high pressure and vacuum conditions, and then cured and polished to create slabs.

Quartz styles can look like marble, concrete, and granite. They can have solid colors (black, white, navy, red, green) or sparkle/crystal chips for extra shimmer. Quartz counters are man-made so they can look uniform in color and design.

MSI Surfaces

Pros

Quartz is extremely bacteria and stain resistant, no sealing is required as it is non-porous. It is resistant to chips, scratches, and everyday wear. The uniform colors and patterns make matching slabs easy. Quartz countertops require low maintenance, you can just wipe them with mild soap and water. Quartz is available in a wide range of colors and styles, including marble-like veining.

Cons

Quartz countertops are heat sensitive. Resins can be damaged by excessive heat so trivets are recommended. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can discolor some quartz surfaces. Quartz has less of a natural look and may lack the one-of-a-kind appeal of natural stone.

Durability

Quartz is extremely durable for daily use. It resists scratches and stains better than most natural stones. However, it is less heat-resistant than granite.

Cost

Quartz countertops typically cost between $50 to $120 per square foot installed, depending on the brand and style. Exotic colors and intricate patterns may cost more.  High-end quartz can be one of the priciest countertop options.

Premium Quartz

Certain types and brands of quartz countertops are considered more valuable due to factors like design realism, durability, origin, warranty, and brand reputation. These brands often undergo more rigorous testing and use purer quartz.

Caesarstone 

Caesarstone has high-end countertops made from approximately 90-93% crushed natural quartz combined with polymer resins and pigments. This mixture is compressed, heated, and polished into slabs for countertops, vanities, backsplashes, and other surfaces.

It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns from marble-like veining to concrete and matte finishes. It offers consistent, repeatable patterns, which make it easier to match slabs and get a unified look. Caesarstone comes in various textures including polished, honed (matte), and rough/textured finishes.

Pros

Caesarstone is non-porous and doesn’t need sealing. It resists staining, bacteria, and mold. This engineered quartz is low maintenance as no special cleaners are needed. It is scratch, chip, and crack-resistant under normal use. Caesarstone offers modern, classic, and industrial styles. It also comes with a manufacturer-backed warranty.

Cons

Caesarstone is heat sensitive and prolonged or extreme heat can damage the resin. It may fade with long-term exposure to direct sunlight. The cost of Caesarstone is typically more expensive than laminate countertops or some natural stones. It is not a natural stone like granite or marble.

Cost

Ceasarstone typically ranges from $60 to $100+ per square foot installed depending on the style, edge profile, and installation complexity.

Caesarstone US

Silestone

Silestone is a premium brand of engineered quartz surfaces. Like Caesarstone, it’s a man-made material composed primarily of natural quartz and is commonly used for countertops, bathroom vanities, and wall cladding.

Silestone is made of 90-94% natural quartz crystals combined with resins, pigments, and other compounds to create a hard, non-porous, and visually consistent surface. Silestone offers a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes including polished, suede (matte), and volcanic (textured). It features both a classic stone look (like marble and granite) and modern solid or speckled colors. Patterns are engineered to be consistent, which makes it easier to match slabs in larger projects.

Silestone Usa

Pros

Silestone is non-porous and does not absorb liquids, it is bacteria and stain resistant. No sealant is required and it is easy to clean. Under normal use, it is scratch, impact, and stain-resistant. Silestone has one of the broadest ranges of color and finishes among quartz brands. 

Cons

Silestone is heat sensitive. Hot pans should not be put on the surface countertop. It may discolor with prolonged sun exposure. Silestone is considered a premium quartz brand, so it’s pricier than some other options. Silestone lacks the uniqueness of natural stone like granite or marble.

Cost

Silestone typically costs around $60-$120 per square foot installed depending on the color, finish, and thickness.

Cambria Quartz

Cambria is a premium brand of engineered quartz countertop made in the USA. It is known for combining natural quartz with resins and pigments to produce high durable, low-maintenance surfaces that closely mimic natural stone.

Cambria surfaces are made from about 93% crushed natural quartz which is one of the hardest minerals on earth, and 7% resin binders and pigments. This results in a non-porous, stain-resistant, and consistent countertop surface.

Cambia has the high-end natural stone look to include marble-style viening and intricate granite patterns. Cambria is known for its bold and elegant designs, some of which look nearly indistinguishable from natural stone. It comes in polished and matte (honed) finishes.

Cambria Samples Store

Pros

Cambria is one of the few quartz brands manufactured entirely in the U.S. It is non-porous and very durable (highly resistant to scratches, stains, and chips). Cambria offers some of the most realistic natural stone patterns in the quartz industry. There is a limited lifetime warranty for residential use.

Cons

Cambria is one of the more expensive quartz brands on the market. Hot pots should not be placed directly on it as it is heat sensitive. You will not find Cambria in home improvement stores, Cambria must be purchased only through authorized dealers and fabricators. It is not suitable for diy installation and requires professional installation.

Cost

Cambria quartz counters typically cost $70 to $150+ per square foot installed, depending on the style and project size. Prices are influenced by edge profile, slab thickness, and custom work.

Versatility in how quartz is manufactured gives homeowners the options of getting quartz counters that are a solid color, have a speckled texture, or even look like granite or marble.The demand for quartz countertops is expected to grow substantially in the years to come according to Imarc research.

Imarcgroup.com

Granite Countertops

Granite is 100% natural stone that is quarried from the earth in large blocks, then sliced into granite slabs and polished. Each slab is unique in color (whites, creams, greys, black, blues, greens, red, and browns) veining, pattern, and natural variations. Granite can look speckled, marbled, or solid and gives your kitchen or bathroom a luxurious feel.

Graniteshop.biz

Pros

Each granite slab has natural beauty and is unique with rich textures and patterns. Granite is heat resistant and can handle hot pots and hot pans without damage. It is durable, hard, and scratch-resistant. Granite adds home value because it is seen as high-end premium material by many homeowners.

Cons

Granite has a porous surface and requires regular resealing to prevent stains and bacteria. It has inconsistent patterns and is difficult to match granite slabs for large projects. Because granite countertops are heavy, they are not a diy project and require professional installation and strong cabinetry.

Durability

Granite is extremely durable and excels at resisting heat and scratches. It does require sealing maintenance once a year to maintain stain resistance being it is porous.

Cost

Granite countertops usually cost between $40 to $100 per square foot installed. Rare or exotic stones can cost significantly more. Thinner or thicker granite thickness can impact pricing.

Which Should You Choose?

When remodeling your kitchen with new countertops and choosing between quartz vs. granite, your decision will depend on your lifestyle, design preference, and maintenance expectations.

Quartz is an engineered surface known for its durability, low maintenance, and consistent appearance, making it ideal for busy household or modern kitchen designs. Choose quartz if you want a low-maintenance, modern-looking surface with high durability against stains and scratches. It’s perfect for busy households and those who prefer a consistent look.

Granite is a natural stone prized for its unique, one-of-a-kind patterns and high heat resistance. Granite is porous and does require periodic sealing to prevent staining Choose granite countertops if you prefer the look of unique beauty with natural materials and need a countertop that can withstand high heat. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind a bit of maintenance and want something truly one-of-a-kind.

Both granite and quartz are durable and visually striking, offering excellent long-term value for your kitchen.
At Cabinet Coatings we specialize in cabinet remodeling, refacing, and refinishing services. Our professionals can help you choose a cabinet style and appearance that best matches your newly upgraded countertops. Schedule an appointment with us today!