Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Which is Countertop Option is Best for Your Kitchen?

 The kitchen is more than just a place to cook; it’s the heart of your home. It’s where families gather, friends share meals, and memories are made. If you’re thinking about upgrading your kitchen, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing the right countertop material. Quartz and granite are two of the most popular choices, each with its unique qualities, benefits, and considerations. So, which is the better choice for your kitchen between quartz vs granite countertops? Beyond aesthetics, understanding the cost to replace kitchen countertops is a vital step in deciding which material provides the best long-term value for your home.

At Southwest Kitchen & Bath, we’ve helped Tucson homeowners transform their kitchens for over 22 years. We understand how important it is to find a countertop that balances beauty, durability, and functionality. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about quartz and granite countertops — including real insights, the latest industry data, and practical tips — so you can make an informed decision.

Both granite and quartz resemble marble but are much less money per square foot. That’s why kitchen countertops with these materials have popular marble colors and patterns. The average countertop cost, compared to marble, is eye-opening, as granite and marble countertops are made to last as well. 

Let’s review granite and quartz countertops and see how they can benefit you overall.

What is Quartz?

Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made by combining crushed natural quartz with resins and pigments. This process creates a durable, non-porous surface that mimics the beauty of natural stone but offers consistent patterns and colors.

One of the great things about quartz is the variety of colors and styles available. Whether you want a classic white with subtle veins or a bold, modern look, quartz can deliver. It’s especially popular in contemporary kitchens where a sleek, uniform appearance is desired.

Benefits of Quartz Countertops

• Stain and bacteria resistant: Quartz’s non-porous surface means spills don’t soak in, reducing the risk of stains and bacterial buildup. While a 2006 study by the Natural Stone Institute found that various countertop surfaces, including granite and quartz, could achieve a significant reduction in bacteria with proper cleaning, quartz’s engineered, non-porous surface makes it a great choice for families seeking a low-maintenance and hygienic kitchen surface. The reduced porosity prevents the absorption of liquids, helping maintain a cleaner and safer environment. This makes it an excellent choice for busy families who want a hygienic kitchen.

• Low maintenance: Unlike natural stones, quartz doesn’t require sealing or special cleaners. A simple wipe with mild soap and water keeps it looking fresh.

• Durable and scratch resistant: The resin in quartz adds strength, making it less likely to chip or crack under everyday use.

• Consistent look: If you prefer your countertops to have a uniform appearance without natural variation, quartz is perfect.

One of our clients, a young family in Tucson, chose quartz for its easy maintenance and modern look. They shared how it freed them from worrying about spills and stains during hectic weeknights, making their kitchen both beautiful and practical.

Considerations for Quartz vs Marble Countertops or Granite

• Heat sensitivity: Quartz can be damaged by very high heat, so it’s important to use trivets or hot pads.

• Cost: For quartz vs granite countertop cost, the quartz tends to be slightly more expensive upfront than some granite options. But many find the maintenance savings worth it.

Let’s further break down the cost of quartz per square foot installed.

Quartz kitchen countertops may range from $50 to $70 per square foot for low-end selections. Or, the quartz countertops cost may span $ 70 to $ 100 per square foot for mid-range pricing and $ 100 to $ 200 per square foot for designer high-end slabs. 

Quartz is an engineered stone made from ground natural quartz or crushed quartz, combined with resins, polymers, and pigments. This mixture is molded, pressed, and cured with heat before being polished. This innovative process marks the difference between granite vs. quartz as countertop materials and also influences quartz pricing. The result is an attractive, non-porous, durable, and stain-resistant countertop.

Needless to say, quartz has exploded in popularity in Tucson, making any drawbacks or the cons of quartz almost insignificant. While they may be susceptible to UV fading or heat damage, quartz countertops look fabulous, provided you have them professionally installed. In this case, it’s well worth the money to work with a contractor like Southwest Kitchen & Bath.

• Installation Costs

  • Labor can range from $40 to $100 per hour. 
     
  • Template and fabrication can cost $200 to $500. 
     
  • Delivery can add $100 to $500. 
     

• Other Factors

  • Sink cutouts, electrical and plumbing work, and backsplash installation will increase the overall cost. 
     
  • Regional variations in labor and material costs can also impact the final price. 
     

• Total Project Costs

  • For a small kitchen (30 sq ft), expect to pay between $1,500 and $6,000. 
     
  • For a medium kitchen (40 sq ft), anticipate costs between $2,000 and $8,000. 
     
  • For a large kitchen (60 sq ft), budget for $3,000 to $12,000. 

  Natural quartz crystals and quartz particles give your counters a distinctive look – similar to marble – with a lower price tag. Quartz may be slightly more or less expensive than granite, depending on the location, the brand, and the price range per square foot.

What is Granite?

Granite is a natural stone quarried from the earth, prized for its unique patterns and rich, natural colors. No two granite slabs are exactly alike, giving your kitchen a one-of-a-kind look.

Granite has been a classic countertop choice for decades, and it remains a favorite for homeowners who want the luxurious feel and durability of natural stone. Its distinctive veining and color variations bring character and warmth to kitchens.

Benefits of Granite Countertops

• Exceptional durability: Granite is heat resistant and tough, standing up well to hot pots and pans.

• Timeless beauty: Its natural variation and depth add luxury and charm to any kitchen.

• Increased home value: According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine, granite countertops can return up to 75% of their cost at resale. So, the cost of granite countertops gives you an excellent return on investment (ROI). For Tucson homeowners, investing in granite can be a smart financial move.

• Scratch resistant: Though not completely impervious, granite’s hardness means it handles daily kitchen tasks well.

One of our longtime clients, a couple who entertained often, told us their granite countertop was the centerpiece of their kitchen, impressing guests and making their gatherings feel special. They were well pleased with the variety of colors of granite, which made the decision for the stone easier. Granite can last 50 to 100 years, making the price of granite well worth it.

Quartz, by comparison, lasts half as long. However, granite requires sealing. So, when you break down installation costs for granite and quartz and review how the materials are made and maintained, you need to keep these factors in mind. The prices for quartz and granite are primarily dependent on these considerations.

Considerations for Granite

• Porosity: Granite is naturally porous, so it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent stains and bacterial growth. Proper sealing and maintenance are key to preserving its beauty.

• Installation and maintenance: Professional installation is necessary to avoid cracking, and you’ll need to reseal the surface every 1-3 years.

• Natural variation: If you want a very uniform look, granite might not be the best choice, as each slab’s unique patterns can be hard to match.

Granite countertops are manufactured using Mother Nature’s skills you might say. The igneous rock granite comes from a natural process where the stone is cooled and solidified from lava or magma deep inside the earth’s crust – over a million years!

The resulting rock is made of feldspar and quartz and displays its granite or marble look by the formation of veins and its white colors. In fact, certain granite colors of varying whites and pinks resemble marble in designs of stone countertops.

 A Quick Review – Cost of Granite Countertop Per Square Foot Installed and Its Durability

Indeed, the price of marble is steeper, with per square foot prices beginning at $125 while granite ranges from $90 to $150. Both quartz and granite countertops are both better materials to include in a kitchen design, given their practicality and price points.

Quartz Countertops  vs Granite Countertops: Which Kitchen Countertops Should You Choose?