Which is more pricey, granite or quartz?

Author: Ludie Cartwright  |  Last update: Saturday, February 7, 2026

Granite and quartz are popular choices for kitchen and bath countertops. Both materials are very durable and enhance interior designs and functionality, but which one costs less? Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project.

Which is better, quartz or granite?

Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.

What is cheaper to install, granite or quartz?

Quartz countertops can cost between $80 to $140 per square foot installed. Granite countertops can cost between $80 and $175 per square foot installed. The price difference between granite and quartz will vary because both materials are international imports, so tariffs and other transport costs will impact pricing.

How much is a 10 ft slab of quartz?

How much does a 10 foot quartz countertop cost? Quartz price per sq ft is around $50, so 10 ft quartz should be anywhere between $400 to $600 depending on the grade of quartz you're willing to purchase.

What is the most expensive countertop?

Marble tops the most-expensive list due in large part to its elegant looks. The good: It will instantly lift your kitchen or bathroom to another level. The bad: It requires some regular maintenance to ensure its legacy. Plan on $75-$250 or more per square foot.

Quartz or Granite - Which is the BETTER Countertop?

What is the best countertop for your money?

For cost-efficient, long-term countertop options, consider granite and other natural stone materials. Sheets of granite are smooth, durable and heat-resistant, making this the perfect material to use in your kitchen.

Can you put hot pans on quartz?

Can You Put Hot Cooking Utensils On A Quartz Countertop? The quick answer is no, you should aim to not place a hot pan on a quartz kitchen worktop as the heat from the pan will cause the quartz to burn. The resin that is in the quartz material can only withhold 150 degrees in heat before it reaches its maximum.

What are the negatives of quartz countertops?

THE DOWNSIDES TO QUARTZ
  • Over time UV light will discolor and yellow the resins in the quartz. This includes light coming through a window but will take longer.
  • Heat form direct sunlight in hot climates will cause the counter top to expand and contract. Over time this will cause cracking and warping of the top.

How much is quartz at Lowes?

Quartz costs run from about $60 to $150* per square foot. Costs can fluctuate depending on factors like location, the quality of the quartz, thickness, size, color and labor costs.

What is the most durable countertop?

Quartz is the most durable countertop material. A perfect choice for any kitchen or bathroom, quartz countertops contain a mixture of crushed quartz and resin. These materials create diverse appearance options that range from vibrant, customizable colors to the tried-and-true natural finish.

What lasts longer quartz or granite?

Granite is often cited as the most durable natural countertop material and is known for resisting cracks and chips. However, as a manufactured material, quartz vs. granite rates slightly higher on the hardness scale and is somewhat more damage-resistant. You can clean both materials with mild soap and water.

What is the average price for granite countertops installed?

It's important to note for the average home renovation granite countertops will cost between $2,250 and $4,500, and most people are spending $3,250 for their countertops. In terms of square footage, you can expect to spend anywhere between $40 and $100 per square foot on granite counters.

Is quartz better resale than granite?

Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials on the market and is a favorite among homeowners compared to other minerals when remodeling for resale for good reasons. When it comes to granite vs quartz for resale value, granite is a clear winner.

Which rock is smoother, granite or quartz?

Granite is durable, beautiful and would be uniquely yours. But you can't' beat quartz if you want the classic beauty of natural marble without the headache and heartache of keeping natural marble looking good.

What is the best stone for kitchen countertops?

Granite is widely considered one of the best kitchen countertop materials, offering a great balance between price and excellent durability against heat, scratches, and daily wear.

Does quartz stain with turmeric?

Turmeric spills are quite common in a household where spices are a must in daily meal preparation. If you leave the turmeric spill on the quartz surface for a long time, it will leave a yellow stain, dulling the looks of your beautiful quartz slab.

How much should I budget for quartz?

The average total cost to purchase and install quartz counters falls between $3,000 and $4,500. However, it's common to spend anywhere from $2,000 up to $6,000 or more depending on several cost factors: Quartz prices per square foot – Low to high-end material grades.

What looks like quartz but is cheaper?

Corian Solid Surface

It has a seamless appearance, similar to quartz. One of its main advantages is its durability, as it resists stains, scratches, and moisture. Corian is also non-porous, making it easy to clean.

Should I get granite or quartz countertops?

Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.

What countertops should I avoid?

When choosing countertops:
  • Prefer mineral or stone-based countertops that do not need to be sealed after installation. ...
  • Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate.

What destroys quartz countertops?

Harsh, abrasive cleaners, pads, and sponges should be avoided since they can permanently harm countertops. Scrubbing too hard can leave a dull surface or cause superficial scratches. Oven cleansers, grill cleaners, paint removers, dishwashing detergent, and other high pH cleaners should not be used on quartz surfaces.

Why do people not like quartz countertops?

Con: Heat Resistance

For some countertops, such as laminate, that would be a disaster. Quartz countertops are somewhat heat resistant, but at very high temperatures the resins that bind the quartz crystals may discolor.

Can I put a toaster on quartz?

In most cases, it is perfectly fine to use cooking appliances such as toaster ovens, air fryers, and microwaves on a quartz surface. However, these appliances could cause some slight discoloration after prolonged use. So, if you use your appliances often, it is best to use either trivets or heat-resistant mats.

Can I put a hot cup of coffee on quartz?

Yes, you can place a hot cup of coffee on a quartz countertop, but with caution. Here are some considerations to keep in mind: Short Duration and Moderately Hot: A freshly poured cup of coffee, which is typically around 160-185°F (71-85°C), is unlikely to damage the quartz surface if it is placed for a short duration.

Can a crockpot sit on a quartz countertop?

It's best practice to place a barrier of some kind between a slow cooker or pressure cooker and your quartz counter. While these things may not cause immediate damage to the surface, they could cause fading of that area with continued heat exposure.

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