Quick answer: Granite is a natural stone cut from quarried rock, so every slab is unique but porous and needs periodic sealing. Quartz is an engineered stone, roughly 90 percent or more ground quartz bound with resin, so it is nonporous, more uniform, and needs no sealing. Granite handles heat better; quartz is lower maintenance. Both are durable and add value. When you are ready to install, post your job free on Qiggz to compare local fabricators.
Quartz and granite sit side by side in every kitchen showroom, often at similar prices, both promising a hard, beautiful, long-lasting countertop. They are the two most popular stone surfaces in American kitchens for good reason. But they are made in completely different ways, and that difference shapes how they look, how you care for them, and how they behave under a hot pan.
The short version: granite is a slab of natural rock, pulled from the earth and polished. Quartz is manufactured, made by grinding natural quartz and binding it with resin and pigment. One is a product of geology; the other is a product of engineering.
This guide explains what each surface really is, lays them out side by side, and helps you choose based on how you actually use your kitchen. Then we will show you how to find a local fabricator and installer without paying lead fees or middleman markups.
What is granite?
Granite is a natural igneous stone quarried in large blocks, then cut into slabs and polished. Because it forms underground over a very long time, no two slabs are identical: the colors, veins, and flecks are unique to each piece of stone. For a lot of homeowners, that one-of-a-kind look is the entire appeal.
Granite is hard and heat-resistant. According to The Home Depot, granite can tolerate very high heat, up to around 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which means a hot pot is less of a worry than it is on some surfaces. The tradeoff is that natural stone is porous. Bob Vila notes that granite needs to be sealed at installation and resealed on a regular basis, often yearly, to keep liquids from soaking in and staining. Skip the sealing and an oil or wine spill can leave a mark.
Granite suits homeowners who want a natural, characterful surface, do not mind a little routine maintenance, and like that the stone in their kitchen exists nowhere else.
What is quartz?
Quartz countertops are engineered, not quarried. They are made by grinding natural quartz into a fine aggregate and binding it with polymer resin and pigments. Bob Vila reports that quartz countertops are roughly 93 percent natural quartz combined with color and resin, with the resin doing the binding and sealing.
That manufacturing process gives quartz two big advantages. First, it is nonporous, so it does not absorb liquids and, as Bob Vila notes, does not need sealing because the resin naturally seals the surface. That makes it very low maintenance and resistant to stains. Second, because it is engineered, the color and pattern are consistent and come in a huge range, from solid colors to convincing marble look-alikes, which appeals to anyone who wants a specific, uniform look.
The main tradeoff is heat. The resin that makes quartz nonporous is also sensitive to high temperatures. The Home Depot notes quartz tolerates far less heat than granite, on the order of a few hundred degrees Fahrenheit, so a pan straight off the burner can scorch or discolor it. The fix is simple: always use a trivet or hot pad. Quartz is also generally not recommended for permanent outdoor use, since prolonged sun can fade the resin.
Quartz vs granite: side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Quartz (engineered) | Granite (natural) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Ground quartz (about 93%) bound with resin and pigment (Bob Vila) | Natural igneous stone, quarried and cut into slabs |
| Appearance | Uniform, consistent, wide color range, marble look-alikes | Unique per slab, natural veins and flecks |
| Porosity | Nonporous | Porous |
| Sealing | None required; resin seals it (Bob Vila) | Seal at install, then reseal periodically (often yearly) (Bob Vila) |
| Stain resistance | High (nonporous) | Good once sealed; can stain if unsealed |
| Heat resistance | Lower; use a trivet to avoid scorching the resin | Very high, up to ~1,200°F (The Home Depot) |
| Outdoor use | Generally not recommended (sun can fade resin) | Suitable for outdoor use |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate (periodic sealing) |
| Cost | Comparable to granite; varies widely by product and region | Comparable to quartz; varies widely by product and region |
Sources: Bob Vila and The Home Depot (see Sources). Specific products vary, so confirm the spec sheet for the exact slab you choose.
Which countertop should you choose?
Both are excellent, durable surfaces, so the decision usually comes down to how you cook, how much maintenance you want, and the look you are after.
Choose quartz if:
- You want the lowest-maintenance surface and would rather never seal a countertop.
- You want a specific, consistent color or pattern, including marble look-alikes, with little slab-to-slab surprise.
- Stain resistance is a priority, for example in a busy family kitchen with kids and frequent spills.
- You are comfortable always using a trivet or hot pad for hot cookware.
Choose granite if:
- You want a natural stone with a one-of-a-kind look, and you like that no other kitchen has your exact slab.
- You cook a lot and want maximum heat tolerance for hot pots and pans.
- You do not mind resealing the surface periodically as part of routine upkeep.
- You want a countertop that can also work in an outdoor kitchen.
There is no wrong answer here, which is why both have stayed popular for years. The deciding factor is often simply whether you prefer the engineered consistency and zero-sealing of quartz or the natural character and heat tolerance of granite. Seeing full slabs in person, rather than small samples, helps a lot, because granite especially varies piece to piece.
What about cost?
Quartz and granite land in a broadly similar price range, and which one is cheaper depends entirely on the specific product. An exotic granite can cost more than a basic quartz, and a premium designer quartz can cost more than a common granite. Both are sold and installed by the square foot, and the total depends on the slab you choose, the size and layout of your counters, the number of cutouts and edges, your region, and the fabricator.
Published guides give wide ranges. Bob Vila lists granite at roughly $15 to $140 per square foot and quartz at roughly $15 to $100 per square foot, while other guides put installed prices higher; The Home Depot cites an average around $80 per square foot for quartz. Because the ranges are so wide and depend so heavily on the slab, treat any single figure as a rough starting point, not a quote.
The reliable path is to get real quotes for the specific slab and layout you want. Prices vary by region, materials, and scope, so a local fabricator who measures your kitchen will give you a far more accurate number than any national average. Post your countertop project on Qiggz and compare quotes from local pros for free.
When to hire a pro
Countertop fabrication and installation is not a typical DIY job, and for good reason. Both quartz and granite slabs are extremely heavy, expensive, and unforgiving of mistakes. Here is why this work belongs with professionals.
- Templating and fabrication. Getting an exact template of your cabinets, then cutting the slab, the sink and cooktop openings, and the edge profile, requires specialized tools and experience. A cut in the wrong place ruins an expensive slab.
- Handling and lifting. Stone slabs are heavy and can crack if lifted or carried incorrectly. Installers use the right number of people and the right equipment to move and set them safely.
- A level, supported base. The cabinets must be level and able to carry the weight, and seams must be joined cleanly. A poor install shows up as visible seams, uneven surfaces, or, worse, a cracked top.
- Sealing and finishing. A pro seals granite correctly at installation and finishes the edges and seams so the counter performs and looks right from day one.
A professional fabricator brings the templating, cutting, and lifting that turn a slab into a finished kitchen. If your countertop is part of a larger remodel, you may also want a carpenter or general contractor for the cabinets and surrounding work, and a handyman for smaller related tasks.
With Qiggz, you post the job, describe your kitchen and the material you want, and get matched with local fabricators and installers. There are no lead fees and no commissions, so the pros you talk to are not paying to reach you, and you keep the full relationship.
The bottom line
Granite and quartz are both strong, beautiful, long-lasting countertops; they just get there differently. Granite is natural stone: unique, heat-tolerant, and in need of occasional sealing. Quartz is engineered: uniform, nonporous, and maintenance-light, with a need to protect it from high heat. Pick granite for natural character and heat resistance, or quartz for low maintenance and consistent looks.
Whichever you choose, a clean install makes or breaks the result. Post your countertop project free on Qiggz to get matched with local fabricators and installers, with no lead fees and no markups, so the only thing you pay for is the work.
Frequently asked questions
Is quartz better than granite?
Neither is universally better; they suit different priorities. Quartz is engineered, nonporous, and needs no sealing, which makes it lower maintenance and very stain-resistant. Granite is natural stone with a unique look and higher heat tolerance, but it is porous and needs periodic sealing. Choose quartz for low maintenance and consistency, granite for natural character and heat resistance.
What is the main difference between quartz and granite?
Granite is a natural stone quarried from the earth, so each slab is one of a kind. Quartz is engineered, made from roughly 93 percent ground natural quartz bound with resin and pigment, according to Bob Vila. That resin makes quartz nonporous and seal-free, while natural granite is porous and needs sealing.
Does quartz or granite need to be sealed?
Granite needs to be sealed at installation and resealed periodically, often about once a year, because it is porous, per Bob Vila. Quartz does not need sealing, because the resin in the engineered material naturally seals the surface, which is one reason quartz is considered lower maintenance.
Can you put a hot pan on quartz or granite?
Granite tolerates very high heat, up to around 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit per The Home Depot, so it handles hot cookware well. Quartz tolerates far less heat, because the resin can scorch or discolor, so you should always use a trivet or hot pad on quartz. To be safe, use a trivet on either surface.
Which is more expensive, quartz or granite?
They overlap in price, and which is cheaper depends on the specific slab. A premium designer quartz can cost more than a common granite, and an exotic granite can cost more than a basic quartz. Both are priced by the square foot and depend on the slab, layout, edges, and region, so get local quotes rather than relying on an average. You can compare quotes for free on Qiggz.
Is quartz or granite better for resale value?
Both are considered desirable, premium countertop materials that can support a kitchen's resale appeal. Quartz has trended strongly in recent years for its low maintenance and modern look, while granite remains a classic choice valued for natural stone character. Either is generally seen as an upgrade over laminate or basic surfaces.
Sources
- Bob Vila, "The Cost of Quartz vs. Granite" (quartz is roughly 93% natural quartz with resin and pigment; quartz is nonporous and needs no sealing; granite is porous and needs sealing at install plus periodic resealing; granite roughly $15 to $140 per square foot, quartz roughly $15 to $100 per square foot): bobvila.com.
- The Home Depot, "Quartz vs. Granite Countertops" (granite heat resistance up to ~1,200°F; quartz tolerates far less heat; quartz average around $80 per square foot): homedepot.com.
- HomeGuide, "Quartz vs. Granite Countertops Comparison Guide" (composition and installed cost ranges; quartz $50 to $200 per square foot installed, granite $80 to $150 per square foot installed): homeguide.com.
- Countertop pricing varies widely by slab, layout, and region, so figures are starting points; confirm the spec sheet and a local quote for the exact slab.
- Qiggz "free to post, no lead fees, no commissions, local-matched pros": first-party (Qiggz product), see /about/qiggz.
