Introduction If you are deciding between granite or quartz for your new countertop, your head might be spinning. It’s the most common question we get here at Granite Guy Inc.
Both materials are premium, durable, and beautiful—but they behave very differently in a busy kitchen.
If you have a big family, cook often, or are looking for a specific design aesthetic, you need to know which material will stand the test of time. So, which is better?
Here is the quick verdict before we dive into the details:
Choose Quartz If: You prioritize zero maintenance (no sealing), want a modern, consistent look, and want the highest stain resistance.
Choose Granite If: You want a one-of-a-kind natural stone, need a surface that can handle hot pots and pans (high heat resistance), and love natural "movement" in the design.
This is the single biggest functional difference.
Quartz (Engineered): Heat Risk. The polymer resins melt or scorch above $300^{\circ}F$. Hot pots require mandatory use of trivets.
Granite (Natural Stone): Heat Proof. Formed by volcanic heat, it safely withstands temperatures up to $1200^{\circ}F$. Highly recommended for serious cooks.
Quartz (Engineered): Zero Maintenance. It is non-porous, meaning it never needs sealing. It is highly resistant to common kitchen stains (wine, oil).
Granite (Natural Stone): Required Maintenance. It is porous and must be resealed annually or bi-annually. Neglecting sealing leaves it vulnerable to permanent stains.
Quartz (Engineered): High Hardness (Mohs 7). Excellent scratch resistance and its engineered flexibility makes it slightly less prone to cracking during installation.
Granite (Natural Stone): High Hardness (Mohs 6-7). Also excellent scratch resistance, but it can be more prone to chipping at the edges if impacted sharply.
We are comparing price predictability and range.
Quartz (Engineered): Predictable Mid-to-High Range. Pricing is stable because it is manufactured. Rarely offers true budget options.
Granite (Natural Stone): Highly Variable Range. Offers the cheapest entry-level options (Level 1 slabs) but also the most expensive premium/exotic stone options.
Quartz (Engineered): Not for Outdoors. The resin is not UV-stable, causing colors to fade and yellow over time.
Granite (Natural Stone): Perfect for Outdoors. It is completely UV-stable and retains its color, making it ideal for outdoor kitchens.
To understand the performance differences, you have to understand the source.
Granite (100% Natural) Granite is a naturally sourced igneous rock formed from lava cooling over millions of years. It is mined in large blocks from quarries in places like Brazil, India, and Italy, and then sliced into slabs. No two slabs are exactly alike. It contains minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica.
Quartz (Engineered Stone) Quartz countertops are man-made. They are composed of roughly 90-93% natural ground quartz and 7-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. Once mined and blended, the mixture is placed into a mold and cured under high pressure. This process allows manufacturers to create consistent colors and patterns that nature can't replicate.
This is the biggest functional difference between the two materials.
Granite: The Heat Champion Because granite was formed by volcanic heat, it is incredibly heat tolerant. It can generally withstand temperatures up to 1,200°F.
Verdict: You can generally place a hot pot directly on granite without fear (though we always recommend a trivet to be safe).
Quartz: The Heat Risk Quartz is durable, but the resin used to bind the stone is a plastic polymer. This resin can begin to melt, scorch, or discolor at temperatures as low as 300°F.
Verdict: Never place hot pans directly on Quartz. You must use a trivet or hot pad, or you risk permanent "burn marks."
Both materials are incredibly tough, but they have different strengths.
Scratch Resistance (The Mohs Scale) Mineral hardness is measured on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 is soft, 10 is diamond-hard).
Quartz: Rates a consistent 7. It is very difficult to scratch.
Granite: Rates between 6 and 7.
Chipping vs. Cracking Because Quartz contains resin, it is slightly more flexible than granite, making it less likely to crack during installation. However, Granite is a solid rock; while it can chip if you drop a heavy cast-iron skillet on a corner, it is generally rock-solid for everyday use.
Quartz (Non-Porous) Quartz is non-porous, meaning liquids cannot penetrate the surface.
Maintenance: Zero. You never need to seal it.
Cleaning: Soap and water are all you need. It is highly resistant to coffee, wine, and juice stains.
Hygiene: Because it has no pores, it is harder for bacteria to grow, making it a great choice for bathrooms and food prep areas.
Granite (Porous) Granite is a natural stone with microscopic pores.
Maintenance: It requires sealing. We recommend sealing lighter granites once a year and darker granites every 1-3 years.
The Risk: If you forget to seal it, oils and acids (like lemon juice or wine) can seep into the stone and create a stain. However, if properly maintained, granite lasts a lifetime.
A common myth is that Quartz is always cheaper. That isn't true anymore.
Granite Pricing: Highly variable. "Level 1" commodity granite can be very affordable ($40-$60/sq ft installed). However, rare "Exotic" slabs can cost well over $100/sq ft.
Quartz Pricing: More predictable. It usually sits in the "middle to high" price range ($50-$100/sq ft installed).
The Bottom Line on Price: Entry-level granite is often the most budget-friendly option, but high-end Quartz competes with high-end Granite in price.
How can I tell the difference between Quartz and Granite visually? Look at the pattern. If the pattern is perfectly uniform with no irregularities, it is likely Quartz. If the veins move randomly and you see unique crystals or "imperfections," it is likely Granite.
Is Quartz heavier than Granite? They are very similar in weight. A standard slab of Granite weighs about 18-22 lbs per square foot, while Quartz weighs roughly 20-23 lbs per square foot. Both require sturdy cabinetry.
Can I use Quartz outdoors? No. The resins in Quartz react to UV light, causing the color to fade or yellow over time. Granite is the superior choice for outdoor kitchens in Massachusetts.
Reading about it is one thing—seeing it is another.
Whether you want the consistent elegance of Quartz or the natural drama of Granite, Granite Guy Inc. has the best selection in Metro Boston and Central Massachusetts.
Visit our Showroom: We are located on Route 9 in Southborough, MA. Come see our full slabs in person, or contact us today for a free quote!
📞 Call us at 508-460-7900