Countertop Comparison
Quartz vs. Granite Countertops
Both are premium, both last decades, and both lift resale. The real difference comes down to two things: how much maintenance you'll do and whether you set hot pans on the counter. Here's the honest breakdown.
The 30-second answer
Get quartz for a no-maintenance, stain-proof surface you never reseal. Get granite if you cook hot, love real one-of-a-kind stone, and want to spend a little less upfront.
Round by round
Quartz vs. granite, category by category
Six categories that actually matter in a working kitchen — and who takes each one.
Running tally
Quartz 3 · 3 Granite
Stain resistance
Quartz
Non-porous — wine, oil, and coffee wipe right off.
Granite
Porous; can stain if it isn't sealed and a spill sits.
Verdict: Quartz wins decisively. Nothing soaks into a resin-bound surface.
Heat tolerance
Quartz
Resin scorches above ~300°F — a hot pan leaves a permanent ring.
Granite
Volcanic stone shrugs off a cast-iron pan straight off the burner.
Verdict: Granite wins. If you cook hot and forget trivets, it forgives you.
Maintenance
Quartz
Soap, water, done. No sealing, ever.
Granite
Reseal every 1–2 years (a 10-minute job) or it gets vulnerable.
Verdict: Quartz wins. Zero upkeep beats an annual ritual.
Scratch resistance
Quartz
Hard and scratch-resistant in normal kitchen use.
Granite
Slightly harder; both sit around 7 on the Mohs scale.
Verdict: Granite edges it on paper. In real kitchens, both hold up fine.
Look & consistency
Quartz
Consistent color and pattern — the sample is what you get.
Granite
One-of-a-kind veining; no two slabs match (pick yours at the yard).
Verdict: A tie on taste — quartz for predictability, granite for character.
Upfront cost
Quartz
Roughly $50–$120 / sq ft installed.
Granite
Roughly $40–$100 / sq ft installed — about $10–$20 less per sq ft.
Verdict: Granite is usually cheaper upfront; the gap narrows over 20 years.
What it costs
Quartz vs. granite pricing
Installed prices per square foot (slab, fabrication, and installation). At every tier, granite runs roughly $10–$20 less per square foot than comparable quartz — though premium quartz still beats some entry-level kitchens on look.
| Tier | Quartz | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $50–$65 / sq ft | $40–$55 / sq ft |
| Mid-range | $65–$90 / sq ft | $55–$75 / sq ft |
| Premium / designer | $90–$120+ / sq ft | $75–$100+ / sq ft |
Sink cutouts, decorative edges, and old-countertop removal add to both. Over 20 years, granite's upfront savings shrink once you factor in periodic resealing, which quartz never needs.
Which is right for you
Pick by how you actually live
Forget the spec sheet for a second. The right surface is the one that fits your kitchen habits.
Choose quartz if…
You want a beautiful surface you never have to think about.
- You have a busy household, kids, or you entertain often
- You love a clean, consistent marble-look without the upkeep
- You'd rather not reseal or babysit a porous stone
- You're fine keeping trivets handy for hot pans
Choose granite if…
You cook seriously and love genuine, one-of-a-kind natural stone.
- You set hot pans down without reaching for a trivet
- You want a truly unique slab no other kitchen has
- You'd like to spend a little less upfront
- A 10-minute reseal once a year doesn't bother you
Still torn? See how each stacks up against marble in our marble vs. quartz comparison, or read our guide to cleaning natural stone.
Quartz or granite — we keep it flawless
Whatever you chose, the cleaners we match you with use surface-safe products and white-glove care on every countertop across Los Angeles luxury homes.
FAQ
Quartz vs. granite, answered
The questions LA homeowners ask most when choosing between the two.
Is quartz or granite better for kitchen countertops?
It depends on how you cook and live. Quartz is better for low-maintenance durability — it's non-porous, never needs sealing, and resists stains. Granite is better if you set hot pans directly on the counter and want genuine, one-of-a-kind natural stone, though it needs resealing every 1–2 years. Both last 25+ years and add resale value.
Which is cheaper, quartz or granite?
Granite is usually cheaper upfront — typically about $10–$20 less per square foot than comparable quartz. Granite runs roughly $40–$100 per square foot installed and quartz roughly $50–$120. Over 20 years the gap narrows, because granite needs periodic resealing while quartz has essentially zero maintenance cost.
Can you put a hot pan on quartz or granite?
On granite, yes — it's natural stone formed at extreme temperatures and handles a hot pan straight off the burner. On quartz, no — the resin that binds it can scorch or discolor above about 300°F, leaving a permanent mark. Always use a trivet on quartz.
Does quartz or granite need to be sealed?
Granite needs sealing every 1–2 years because it's porous — it's a quick 10-minute job. Quartz never needs sealing; it's engineered with resin that makes it non-porous. Use the water-drop test on granite: if water soaks in or darkens the stone, it's time to reseal.
Which stains more easily, quartz or granite?
Granite stains more easily because it's porous and can absorb oil, wine, and citrus if it isn't sealed or a spill sits too long. Quartz is non-porous and highly stain-resistant — spills wipe right off — though it's still smart to clean up promptly.
Which adds more resale value in Los Angeles?
Both are considered premium upgrades that LA buyers expect, so neither hurts resale. Quartz has trended slightly higher in modern, contemporary kitchens, while granite remains strong in traditional and luxury homes. Pick a current color and a timeless edge profile and either will hold value. La La Land Cleaning keeps both flawless with surface-safe care.
Keep every surface flawless
From countertops to the whole home, La La Land Cleaning brings white-glove, surface-safe care to LA's most beautiful homes. Upfront pricing, trusted independent cleaners, a sparkle guarantee.