When it comes to choosing countertop materials for your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, two of the most popular options are quartz and granite. But which one is more affordable? Here is a detailed comparison of quartz vs granite countertops on cost to help you decide which material best fits your budget.
Cost Comparison Between Quartz and Granite Countertops
Quartz countertops are made from crushed quartz crystals combined with resin binders. The resin makes quartz non-porous, stain-resistant, and durable.
Granite countertops are natural stone slabs cut directly from granite bedrock. Granite is an igneous rock made of interlocking mineral crystals.
On average, installed quartz countertops cost $55-75 per square foot. Installed granite countertops cost $40-50 per square foot on average.
The main factors impacting the price difference include:
- Material cost – Quartz slabs are manufactured, so they tend to be more expensive than raw granite slabs.
- Fabrication – Quartz requires less cutting and shaping compared to the intricate cuts needed for granite. But quartz needs binders added during fabrication.
- Installation – Simple slab installation is similar for both. But granite requires more precision cutting for seams and edges.
- Maintenance – Quartz is almost maintenance-free, while granite requires yearly sealing.
- Longevity – Quartz and granite can both last a lifetime with proper care. Granite is more resistant to high heat.
So while raw granite material may be cheaper, the fabrication and installation of quartz is simpler. This helps balance out the overall cost difference between the two natural stone countertop options.
Factors That Impact the Costs of Quartz and Granite
Several other factors also affect the total installed price per square foot for both quartz and granite countertops.
For Quartz:
- Brand – Premium designers like Caesarstone are up to 25% more than low-cost brands like IKEA.
- Colors and patterns – Unusual granite-look colors and intricate patterns cost more.
- Thickness – 1.25″ thick slabs range from $50-70 per sq.ft. Compared to $75-100 for 2″ thick designer quartz.
- Edge details – Decorative edges like ogee and bevel add $10-15 per linear foot. Simple eased or pencil edge is standard.
For Granite:
- Stone type – Rare/exotic granites like Blue Bahia cost more than common types like Uba Tuba.
- Color consistency – More uniform granite slab color costs more than dramatic color variation.
- Finishes – Premium polished finish is more than standard honed or leathered granite finish.
- Thickness – Standard 3/4″ slabs cost $40-60 per sq.ft. Compared to 1-1/4″ at $55-75 per sq.ft.
- Edge details – Bullnose rounded edges add $15-25 per linear foot over standard squared edge.
Pros and Cons of Quartz versus Granite Countertops
Beyond just the cost comparison, it’s also helpful to look at the pros and cons of quartz and granite to make the best choice for your home:
Quartz Pros
- Requires little maintenance
- Heat, scratch, and stain resistant
- Consistent color patterns
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Mold and bacteria resistant
Quartz Cons
- Less durable around heat >300°F
- Some designs seem artificial
- Limited bold color options
- Higher cost than granite
Granite Pros
- Natural beauty with unique patterns
- Heat resistance up to 650°F
- Matches other natural stone finishes
- Lower cost than quartz
Granite Cons
- Needs yearly sealing
- Porous and can stain
- More color variation in slabs
- Higher installation labor costs
Is Quartz or Granite Better for Kitchen Countertops?
For most kitchens, quartz often provides the best combination of aesthetic appeal, low maintenance, and long-term durability. The consistent colors, patterns, and stain resistance of quartz hold up extremely well to heavy kitchen use. And the higher installation costs are offset somewhat by the lower lifetime maintenance needs compared to natural granite.
But for homes that want the unique natural beauty of exotic granite patterns along with extreme heat resistance, natural granite can be a great option despite the higher installation and sealing requirements.
Make sure to examine full slab samples of both materials to evaluate the color patterns. And be sure to get 3-5 quotes from reputable local countertop fabricators to compare exact installed costs per square foot. This will help determine whether Quartz or Granite best fits your kitchen design vision within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quartz more expensive than granite?
On average, yes – installed quartz countertops range from $55-75 per square foot compared to $40-50 per square foot for granite. But material and labor costs can vary widely for both depending on the factors highlighted above.
Does quartz add value like granite?
Yes, both quartz and granite are seen as premium countertop materials that can significantly improve home resale value. Quartz is faster growing in popularity for its low maintenance. But granite still has prestige from its natural beauty.
Is quartz cheaper than Corian or Silestone?
It depends. Solid surface Corian countertops cost $40-60 installed per square foot, broadly overlapping with granite and the lower end of quartz pricing. Silestone is a premium brand of quartz, so it will be pricier than value brands like IKEA quartz.
Should I seal quartz countertops?
No, sealing is not required for quartz since it is non-porous. But sealing is highly recommended for natural granite every 1-2 years to protect against stains.
Does quartz stain like granite?
No. The resin coatings make quartz non-porous, so it resists stains much better than natural granite. Granite can absorb stains like wine, oil, and acidic foods if not properly sealed.
The Bottom Line: Simple Quartz vs Complex Granite
When comparing quartz and granite, quartz generally costs more but requires less lifetime maintenance. Granite has more complex installation but lower material costs. Both can add beauty and luxury to kitchens and bathrooms. Focus on your design vision, maintenance expectations, and budget to pick the best countertop material for your home remodel.