🪨 Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: What’s the Real Difference in 2025?
Introduction
If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, one of the first big choices you’ll face is granite or quartz.
Both materials are beautiful, durable, and long-lasting — but they’re not the same.
At iGranite, homeowners ask us this question every week: “What’s better — granite or quartz?”
The honest answer? It depends on your lifestyle, design goals, and budget. Let’s break it down.
1. The Source: Natural Stone vs. Engineered Surface
Granite is 100% natural — a stone quarried from the earth, cut into slabs, and polished for installation. Each slab is unique with its own veining and mineral patterns.
Quartz, on the other hand, is man-made. It’s about 90–95% crushed natural quartz mixed with resins and pigments. The result is a smooth, uniform surface available in nearly any color or pattern imaginable.
✅ If you love nature’s one-of-a-kind look, go granite.
âś… If you prefer consistent color and clean, modern design, quartz might be for you.
2. Durability and Maintenance
Both materials are incredibly tough — but they behave differently in real-world use.
Granite:
Naturally heat resistant — can handle hot pans better.
Slightly porous, so it needs to be sealed once every 1–2 years.
Resistant to scratches and chips when properly cared for.
Quartz:
Non-porous — no sealing required.
Highly stain-resistant and easy to clean with mild soap and water.
Less heat resistant than granite (avoid placing hot cookware directly on it).
âś… If low-maintenance is your top priority, quartz wins here.
âś… If you cook often with high heat, granite still holds the edge.
3. Appearance and Style
Granite: Offers natural, earthy beauty with unique veins and crystals. Perfect for rustic, traditional, or luxury spaces.
Quartz: Offers a sleek, modern look with uniform patterns or even marble-like veining created during manufacturing.
Today’s quartz technology has evolved — some slabs look so natural that only trained eyes can tell the difference. But many homeowners still prefer the natural movement and “real stone” feel of granite.
4. Cost Comparison in 2025
Both materials fall into a similar price range, depending on color, thickness, and edge style.
MaterialTypical Price Range Installed (per sq. ft.)MaintenanceGranite$50 – $100Seal every 1–2 yearsQuartz$60 – $120No sealing required
At iGranite, we fabricate both in-house, which helps our customers save on custom edges, sink cutouts, and installation. We also help compare total lifetime cost — not just the sticker price.
5. Eco & Health Factors
Granite requires quarrying but minimal chemical processing. Quartz uses resins and pigments, which can include small amounts of chemicals, though top brands meet strict health standards (like NSF certification for food safety).
If you’re aiming for a more natural and eco-friendly choice, granite tends to win. For low-VOC indoor air quality, quartz also scores high with reputable suppliers.
6. Which One’s Right for You?
Here’s a quick guide based on lifestyle:
You Are...Best FitA home chef who loves natural beautyGraniteA busy family who wants low-maintenanceQuartzRemodeling to boost resale valueEither — both add strong ROIA minimalist design loverQuartzSomeone who wants each slab to be uniqueGranite
Final Thoughts
Both granite and quartz are incredible countertop materials — and you really can’t go wrong with either.
If you want timeless, natural character that connects to the Earth, granite is your stone.
If you want sleek consistency and zero maintenance, quartz is your match.
At iGranite, we specialize in both — helping homeowners throughout Texas design, fabricate, and install their dream countertops with precision and care.