Choosing the right kitchen countertop is one of the most important decisions to make during the remodeling process. Both quartz and granite countertops are popular in today’s designs. But what is the cost difference between granite and quartz?

Whether you’ve recently purchased your first home or you’ve been a long-time homeowner, you know just how many factors play into deciding on how your home looks. Factors such as your budget, your taste, and your timeline will impact the result of how your home looks.

For many, choosing the right kitchen countertop is one of the most important decisions to make during the purchasing or remodeling process. Both quartz and granite countertops are popular in today’s designs, each offering a unique aesthetic and array of benefits.

But what is the cost difference between granite and quartz ?

Differences Between Granite and Quartz

To better understand their costs, it’s important to first understand their similarities and differences.

Durability

Granite countertops are entirely natural and are often associated with durability. It holds up particularly well to scratches, stains, and heat, making it ideal to use in a variety of high-traffic areas throughout the home.

Quartz countertops are made from roughly 90 percent natural material and 10 percent polymer resins, with the exact breakdown depending on the brand. This engineered stone is non-porous, meaning it doesn’t need to undergo the stain sealing process that a natural stone does. It is highly resistant to stains and scratches.

Appearance

Granite’s natural beauty is difficult to ignore, and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns, ranging from simple countertops to ones displaying intricate veining. Many may opt for granite’s completely natural, raw appearance over an engineered countertop material.

The wide arrange of colors and patterns makes it easy for homeowners to choose the ideal aesthetic for their quartz countertops. Many popular quartz options may mimic the veining found naturally in granite or marble.

Quartz has a leg up in this category because of the fact that its engineered; nearly any color combination or pattern can be achieved during the engineering process.

Environmental Factors

Some homeowners put a large emphasis on environmental factors, always making a conscious effort to leave as little of an environmental footprint as possible. As a result, these homeowners are often willing to pay a premium.

For some stones, the extraction and mining processes can have a negative impact on the environment. Both granite and quartz, however, are extracted in a safe, eco-friendly manner.

When comparing granite and quartz directly, granite is considered to be slightly better for the environment because it is 100 percent natural. It does not require further manufacturing or processing before being used in your home. Quartz, on the other hand, requires both natural materials and a filler material that can result in the need for additional extractions.

Maintenance

The care and upkeep required for both granite and quartz is a bit different. Despite granite being one of the most naturally durable materials you can find, it still has its downsides. Top on the list of complaints for many homeowners is sealing their countertops on a consistent basis to prevent spills or bacteria from seeping into the pores.

Because the sealing process needs to be completed by a professional, this adds to the cost of owning granite countertops. There are also granite-specific cleaners to help restore the slabs to their natural state of beauty.

Quartz comes pre-sealed from the manufacturer and its non-porous nature means it doesn’t allow bacteria to seep beneath the surface. It is very easy and straightforward to clean with a mixture of warm water and mild soap.

Cost

Now that we’ve covered a handful of pros and cons for each material, you’re likely still wondering “which is less expensive, quartz or granite?” Here are some additional factors that may impact price.

Installation

Not only do you have to pick out the stone of your choice, but you’ll also have to consider installation prices. Cutting corners on stone installation can result in disaster, so it’s always worth it to invest in a company that knows what they’re doing.

On average, the cost you can expect to pay for granite installation is $3,500 to install 30 square-feet of material, including an eased edge and no backsplash. The particular stone that you choose will impact how expensive the installation process is.

If you choose a common stone, granite installation may be as low as $750 to install 30 square feet, but rarer stones may cost around $8,000 for the same square footage.

Quartz installation ranges anywhere from $3,500-$3,760 for 30 square feet. The average installation cost is roughly $175-$300 per square foot.

Thickness

The thicker the slab, the more expensive it will be. Not only does thickness directly equate to more material used, but it will also make the slab heavier, making the installation process that much more difficult.

Color

Some stone colors are easier to access than others, and this is reflected in each price. This is especially applicable to granite because of the rarity of each slab. Since no two stones are the same, it can be more expensive to choose a color that isn’t easy to find.

The same cannot be said about quartz, as it can be manufactured to look like nearly any stone. Quartz can also be engineered to mimic the rare granite slabs , making it a cheaper alternative.

Source and Shipping

The origin of each stone heavily factors into the price, as shipping costs for huge stone slabs aren’t cheap. Different countries have different averages when it comes to sourcing and shipping. More affordable slabs typically come from China, while slabs from Italy cost more.

Conclusion

Generally speaking, quartz is more expensive than granite, but there are overlapping prices between the two.

The cost difference between granite and quartz is marginal; if you are having a difficult time deciding between the two, know that they are two of the most popular countertop materials on the market, and both will serve you well for years to come.

If you want to see your options in-person to help you make your decision, our team at Pro Stone Countertops is happy to assist. Our team has a combined 100 years of experience and we use the latest design software for unbeatable results.

Browse some of ourquartz or granite selections, and feel free to reach out to us about how we can help.