Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Massachusetts Fabricator's Guide
Granite Guy Inc. • Updated December 2025 • 8 minute read
After 30 years fabricating countertops across MetroWest and Greater Boston, I've installed both materials in thousands of Massachusetts homes. The main difference is simple: granite is 100% natural stone mined from the earth, while quartz countertops are engineered stone made from 90% ground quartz mixed with resins and pigments.
This fundamental difference drives everything else. With granite, you're working within nature's palette - unique patterns and colors that formed over millions of years. With quartz, manufacturers can create virtually any color or pattern, constantly trying to replicate what granite, marble, and other natural stones achieve naturally.
While they're getting better at mimicking natural stone, they're still chasing what nature creates effortlessly.
Quartz's biggest advantage - and most marketed feature - is maintenance. Because it's non-porous, it never needs sealing. Granite requires periodic sealing, which is a simple step that only takes a few minutes. If you're already leaning toward quartz, check out our guide to the best quartz kitchen countertops in Massachusetts.
⚖️ Here are the main differences:
Heat Resistance: Granite wins - handles temperatures up to 1,200°F. Quartz resins can scorch at just 300°F.
Outdoor Use: Granite only - UV rays don't harm it. Quartz fades and deteriorates in sunlight.
Maintenance: Quartz wins - non-porous, never needs sealing. Granite requires periodic sealing, which is a simple step that only takes a few minutes.
Patterns: Granite offers nature's unique patterns. Quartz provides consistent, engineered patterns with unlimited color options.
Versatility: Granite works anywhere - indoors, outdoors, high-heat areas. Quartz is limited to indoor use with careful heat protection.
🌨️ Why Massachusetts Climate Matters
Sealing timing matters here. Granite sealed during humid July days may not cure properly. We recommend sealing in spring or fall when humidity drops - a detail most national guides miss.
Outdoor applications are where granite wins decisively in Massachusetts. Many homeowners want outdoor kitchens, grill surrounds, or patio bars that can handle our weather year-round.
UV exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and coastal salt air will destroy quartz resins over time. We've replaced outdoor quartz installations that homeowners chose against our advice. Granite handles all New England weather without complaint, making it the only choice for outdoor countertop applications.
🔥 Heat Resistance in Your Kitchen
This matters if you actually cook. Granite was formed by volcanic heat and handles temperatures up to 1,200°F. You can set a hot pot directly on the surface. We still recommend trivets out of habit, but granite won't scorch or discolor.
Quartz contains polymer resins that begin to melt or scorch at temperatures as low as 300°F. A hot pan pulled straight from the stovetop can leave permanent burn marks, discoloration, and even cracks. Learn more about the causes and prevention of cracking in quartz countertops. Trivets aren't optional - they're mandatory.
🧽 Maintenance: The Sealing Question
Quartz is non-porous, meaning liquids can't penetrate the surface. It never needs sealing. Soap and water handle daily cleaning, and it resists wine, coffee, and oil stains exceptionally well. Here's our complete guide on how to clean quartz countertops.
Granite is porous and requires periodic sealing. The sealing requirement sounds more intimidating than it actually is - it's a simple step that only takes a few minutes. Learn how to seal granite countertops properly Skip the sealing and you risk permanent stains from oils and acids.
What we see in our shop: Homeowners who forget to seal granite for years usually still have counters that look fine, especially darker granites. But proper sealing protects your investment.
💰 Cost: What to Expect in Massachusetts
Think of quartz like a commodity - manufactured using the same process, though suppliers create different pricing tiers. Natural stone is more like artisanal goods - each slab comes from different quarries around the world, with unique mining conditions, transport costs, and availability. The pricing truly reflects that rarity and character.
Both typically range from $55-$150 per square foot installed. Ultra-rare granite colors like Blue Bahia can reach a couple hundred dollars or more per square foot because of their exceptional rarity.
🏠 What Massachusetts Homeowners Choose
Until late 2024, quartz dominated more than half the countertop market - bigger than all other materials combined. But we're seeing preferences shift in the last few years, with more Massachusetts homeowners returning to granite and other natural stones for kitchens, especially those who cook seriously or want authentic natural materials.
Of course, every fabricator has its own niche and the jobs may differ, but based on conversations with suppliers and other people in the business that I stay in touch with, we are seeing the same trend.
After 30 years of installations across MetroWest and Greater Boston, we've seen clear patterns. Quartz dominates in bathrooms and laundry rooms where the zero-maintenance appeal matters most. Granite remains the top choice for homeowners who cook seriously or want a natural slab with character. Some homeowners also compare quartz vs porcelain countertops - both engineered options with different strengths.
For outdoor kitchens and bars throughout Framingham, Hopkinton, Natick, and Wellesley, granite is the only choice between these two materials.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is granite or quartz better for Massachusetts kitchens? For serious cooks, granite wins because of heat resistance and outdoor versatility. For low-maintenance households, quartz works well indoors. Both perform well in our climate when properly installed.
Can I use quartz countertops outdoors in New England? No. UV exposure and weather will damage quartz resins over time. For outdoor kitchens, grills, or patio bars in Massachusetts, granite is your only choice between these materials.
How much do granite and quartz countertops cost in Massachusetts? Both typically range from $55-$150 per square foot installed. Ultra-rare granite colors like Blue Bahia can reach a couple hundred dollars or more per square foot.
Does granite really need to be sealed every year? Granite needs periodic sealing - the frequency depends on the specific stone and usage. It's a simple process that takes just a few minutes. Learn how to seal granite countertops
Can you put hot pans on quartz countertops? Never. Quartz can melt, discolor, and crack at temperatures as low as 300°F. Trivets are mandatory. Granite handles heat up to 1,200°F without damage.
Which material adds more value to my Massachusetts home? Both granite and quartz add significant value when properly installed. Granite appeals to buyers who want natural stone character, while quartz attracts those prioritizing low maintenance. Quality installation matters more than the specific material choice.
Is quartz or granite better for busy families? Quartz requires less maintenance since it never needs sealing. However, busy families often generate more heat from cooking, where granite's heat resistance becomes valuable. Consider your actual cooking habits, not just maintenance preferences.
What's the difference between quartz and quartzite? Completely different materials. Quartz is engineered stone made with resins. Quartzite is 100% natural stone, harder than granite, and requires sealing like granite. The similar names cause constant confusion. Learn the difference between quartz and quartzite
📍 Ready to See Both Materials in Person?
Reading comparisons helps, but nothing beats seeing full slabs side by side. Our Southborough showroom on Route 9 has both granite and quartz slabs in stock. Come touch the surfaces, feel the weight, and see how different finishes catch the light.
We've been fabricating countertops for Massachusetts homeowners since 1995. Whether you're leaning toward granite, quartz, or something else entirely, we'll help you find the right stone for how you actually live.
Visit our showroom: Route 9, Southborough, MA
Call us: 508-460-7900
Get a free quote: graniteguyinc.com/contact
