Choosing between quartz and granite countertops is one of the biggest decisions in a kitchen remodel. Both are premium, long-lasting materials that elevate home value when installed correctly.
At Cabinet & Counter Expo in Virginia, you’re not just choosing a slab, but you’re getting support from a full-service design, fabrication, and installation team. Use the comparison guide below to see which option fits your style, routine, and budget.
The Basics: What Are Quartz and Granite Countertops?
Before you compare numbers, it helps to understand what each material actually is.
Quartz countertops
- Engineered stone is made from mostly natural quartz plus resins and pigments.
- Non-porous, so it resists stains, moisture, and bacteria without sealing.
- Available in many consistent colors and patterns, from soft marbles to sleek modern solids.
Granite countertops
- 100% natural stone quarried from the earth and cut into slabs.
- Naturally heat-resistant and very hard, perfect for busy cooking zones.
- Each slab has unique veining and mineral patterns, so no two kitchens look the same.
If you want a perfectly controlled, modern look, quartz usually wins. If you love organic variation and “real stone” character, granite speaks your language.
Cost: How Do Quartz vs. Granite Countertops Compare?
You will see a wide price range for both options. That is normal. Quartz countertops’ cost and granite pricing depend on several variables:
- Slab quality and brand
- Color and pattern (rarer designs cost more)
- Thickness and edge profile
- Cutouts (sink, cooktop), seams, and installation complexity
- Local labor and fabrication costs
General tendencies:
- Granite: often has a lower starting price for common colors, but can climb quickly for rare stones.
- Quartz: tends to have a more consistent price range and sometimes a higher upfront cost, but no sealing and lower maintenance help balance it over time.
Cabinet & Counter Expo offers both materials in multiple price tiers and can show you side-by-side slabs that match your budget.
Durability: Which Countertop Handles Daily Life Better?
When people ask about the durability of granite countertops, they usually mean, “Can this survive my cooking?” Good news: both materials are very tough.
Heat, stains, and scratches:
Granite:
- Excellent heat resistance; hot pots and pans are less of a risk.
- Very hard and scratch-resistant, but the edges can chip if hit hard.
- Because it is porous, it needs sealing to help resist stains and bacteria.
Quartz:
- Extremely hard and highly resistant to scratches and chips in everyday use.
- Non-porous, so spills stay on the surface and wipe away easily; great against coffee, wine, and oil when cleaned promptly.
- Less tolerant of direct, high heat because of the resin content. Always use trivets for hot cookware.
Shortcut:
- Want maximum heat tolerance? Granite leans stronger.
- Want maximum stain resistance and low maintenance? Quartz has the edge.
Looks: Style Differences Between Quartz and Granite
This is where personal taste decides a lot of the quartz vs. granite countertops debate.
Granite: natural drama
- Organic movement and visible mineral crystals
- Dramatic veins and color shifts
- The feeling that your countertop is a piece of the earth
Every slab is unique, which is a big selling point if you want your kitchen to feel one-of-a-kind.
Quartz: controlled and modern
- Consistent patterns that match across multiple runs of cabinetry
- Soft, marble-like veining without the maintenance of marble
- Clean modern tones like solid whites, greys, or charcoal
Because it is engineered, quartz can mimic natural stone or go fully contemporary, which makes it easy to align with your cabinet style and backsplash.
At Cabinet & Counter Expo’s showroom, you can see both options under real lighting, which is much easier than guessing from tiny samples.
Simple Countertop Maintenance Tips
No one wants a high-maintenance kitchen surface. Good news: both are manageable if you follow a few countertop maintenance tips.
Quartz care:
- Wipe daily with mild dish soap and water.
- Clean spills quickly; use a non-abrasive cleaner for tougher spots.
- Avoid abrasive pads, harsh chemicals, and direct high heat.
No sealing, no special polishes. For busy families, that simplicity is a big plus.
Granite care:
- Wipe daily with mild soap and water.
- Seal periodically as recommended by your fabricator to maintain stain resistance.
- Use cutting boards and avoid strong acids left sitting on the surface.
The sealing step adds a bit of upkeep, but many homeowners find it easy once it becomes part of their routine.
How to Decide: A Quick Checklist
Use this simple countertop comparison guide when you visit Cabinet & Counter Expo:
Choose quartz if you:
- Want the lowest day-to-day maintenance
- Prefer consistent, modern patterns and light colors
- Have a busy household and care a lot about stain resistance and hygiene
- Don’t mind using trivets for very hot pots
Choose granite if you:
- Love natural stone and unique, dramatic slabs
- Cook a lot with high heat and want strong heat resistance
- Are comfortable resealing the surface from time to time
- Want a classic look that has stood the test of time
Still unsure? A designer at Cabinet & Counter Expo can help you compare materials in person and visualize your kitchen upgrade.
Why Work with Cabinet & Counter Expo?
Cabinet & Counter Expo is more than a countertop supplier; it’s a full-service remodeling provider offering:
- Quartz and granite selection in many colors, thicknesses, and finishes
- Full kitchen design support so your counters, cabinets, and tile work together
- Professional fabrication and installation for a perfect fit
- A seamless, guided process from free estimate to final walkthrough
We provide cabinets, tile, refacing, painting, and full kitchen remodeling services, so you get a coordinated design instead of a mix-and-match project.
So, Which Countertop Is Right for You?
There is no single winner in the quartz vs. granite countertops debate.
- Pick quartz if you want a consistent style, excellent stain resistance, and almost zero routine maintenance.
- Pick granite if you want natural beauty, strong heat resistance, and a countertop that feels like a unique piece of stone in your home.
With expert installation, either can transform your kitchen. When you’re ready to view slabs, get quotes, and plan your redesign, schedule a consultation with Cabinet & Counter Expo.
FAQs
Which is more durable: quartz or granite countertops?
Both are highly durable. Granite handles high heat better, while quartz is non-porous and more resistant to stains and everyday spills. With proper care, either surface can last for decades in a busy kitchen.
Are quartz countertops more expensive than granite?
Prices vary based on color, thickness, rarity, edges, and installation details. Cabinet & Counter Expo can show you cost-friendly options in both materials.
What is the best countertop material for kitchen spaces with kids and heavy use?
For most families, quartz is often the easiest: it is non-porous, low-maintenance, and forgiving with daily spills and snacks. Granite can also work very well if you are comfortable with periodic sealing and are careful with acidic spills and rough treatment on the edges.
How do I maintain quartz vs. granite countertops over time?
For quartz, daily cleaning with mild soap and water and avoiding high heat and harsh chemicals is usually enough. For granite, use gentle cleaners, wipe spills quickly, and reseal on the schedule recommended by your fabricator to maintain stain resistance and shine.
