Quartz or granite counters: Which stone offers the best durability and style?

An interior designer weighs in on which countertop material is best.

During a kitchen renovation, there are countless decisions to make, and the last thing you want is to hem and haw over each one. At the same time, rushing into hasty choices can lead to regrets later on.

To help clear up some of that choice paralysis, we've created a handy guide to compare two popular countertop options: quartz and granite. While both are excellent choices, one may be a better fit for your kitchen and lifestyle. 

According to interior designer Mimi Meacham, when choosing a countertop stone, it’s important to consider durability, maintenance, appearance, and cost. By breaking down these differences between quartz and granite, we hope to make your decision a little easier and take some of that stress off your plate. Here’s what to know.

What Is Quartz?

While “quartz” is a natural mineral, the type of quartz we talk about in reference to countertops is an engineered material. Quartz countertops are composed of crushed quartz crystals, resins, and more pigments. An increasingly popular choice for kitchens, quartz countertops are designed to be durable and resistant to scratches, water damage, and wear and tear from impact. They are easy to clean and maintain, as well as non-porous—which makes them almost completely bacteria-free. Quartz can be manufactured to take on several appearances, including some that mimic the classic look of white marble.

What Is Granite?

Whereas quartz countertops are man-made, granite is a naturally occurring stone, quarried from the earth, then cut and polished into the countertop material so many know and love. Made of stern stuff, granite is highly durable and resistant to heat. Granite can range in shade and has a speckled look because it is made up of several natural minerals, ironically including quartz crystals. 

“Some clients don't like the look of granite because it's too busy or ‘spotty’ with various, dark colors,” says Meacham, “ but granite is a natural stone that is durable. It is very heat and scratch resistant and is usually pretty cost effective.” 

Quartz Vs. Granite

Here’s how quartz and granite measure up, considering Meacham’s parameters of durability, maintenance, appearance, and cost. While granite may come out on top in some categories, quartz dominates in others. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and priorities. Consider how you use your countertops to determine which is right for you.

Durability

Both stones are very durable and a good choice for their stay-ing power, While quartz can best withstand scratching and water damage, granite has a slight leg-up on quartz when it comes to heat resistance—though both have abilities in all these categories.

“If durability and stain resistance are your priority, then quartz is your girl! It comes in tons of chic designs and is super easy to keep clean and looking good,” says Meacham.

However, because it’s engineered, quartz is made and sold at varying quality levels, so some are stronger than others. Meacham says that checking the warranty is important before purchasing either stone.

Maintenance

“They are both very self-sustaining,” Meacham explains, but quartz has a slight edge because of engineered enhancements that make it require less upkeep while staying more resistant to bacteria.

While granite can hold its own in a more varied range of situations (it can be used for outdoor kitchens while quartz cannot), granite is porous and requires annual sealing. With regular sealing and usual maintenance like cleaning up after cooking, granite will remain durable and maintain a natural resistance to bacteria. On the other hand, quartz doesn't need sealing because it is engineered to be non-porous, but regular clean-up should still be part of your routine.

Appearance

“Consider the design of the home and the colors you are using in the space,” Meacham recommends. “The look definitely depends on the type of quartz or granite that is chosen.I say granite wins because of the organic and natural differences in each slab. Some of my favorite granites are White Princess, Azul Imperial, and Absolute Black Leather.”

When deciding between lean-cut quartz and speckled granite, Meacham says that quartz is for minimalist homeowners, while granite is better suited for maximalists.  

“Quartz has cleaner lines and gives off a more minimalistic look,” she explains. “Granite on the other hand is more interesting and draws more attention in the room.”

Cost

“It depends on color and design selection,” says Meacham, “but in general, granite is slightly more budget-friendly.”

The price tag on both quartz and granite can vary based on elements such as color and pattern, availability, texture, and which manufacturer you choose. The price will go up if you choose a manufacturer that also does their own installation. 

Natural Vs. Engineered

For some, the stone’s origin story may be simply a means to an end, but for others, it may be a major factor. 

“If you have an affinity for natural stone, then you won't want to go with quartz, as it is a man-made product,” Meacham says. “I am passionate about natural stone and the organic beauty of it, so if I had to choose between the two, I would go with granite.