Which is More Expensive: Granite or Quartz?

Investing in a kitchen upgrade or remodel is always a wise choice. Statistics show that improvements to kitchens and bathrooms provide homeowners with the most ROI – return on investment. So, it’s smart to choose materials that will be attractive to potential buyers while also making you – the homeowner – happy. It’s also wise to stick to your budget.

Granite has long been the choice for many homeowners hoping for a posh, polished look for their kitchen. Quartz countertops and other quartz fixtures, on the other hand, have been used for decades in commercial establishments – like malls and banks – but are now catching up to granite in the residential market. Both are lovely and can certainly add plenty of finesse to a modern kitchen.

But which one costs less?

That’s really not a question that can be answered in one statement. To determine which costs less or which is the smarter investment for YOU, you’ll need to look at a number of factors.

Availability

Quartz is the most abundant mineral in the world, so there’s never likely to be a shortage. That certainly helps to keep the price down though there has been a slight increase over the last handful of years due to its rise in popularity. Much of the granite used in kitchens is imported from countries like Brazil, which can drive the price up.

Shopping Around

Most smart homeowners recognize that they should never take the first quote they get on kitchen countertops or other fixtures. It pays to shop around. Granite or quartz countertops offered by one dealer may be priced totally different down the street and around the corner at a different establishment. Wise shoppers can find good deals on both quartz and granite if they take the time to look.

Maintenance

If you take into consideration the cost of the care of your countertops after installation and throughout the life of your kitchen, you’ll quickly realize that quartz countertops are less expensive, simply because they require far less maintenance. Granite countertops must be sealed at installation and then it’s recommended that they are sealed again once a year. This prevents staining, chipping, and scratching. Quartz is super hard and rarely chips, and because it’s non-porous, sealing isn’t necessary. It takes just soap, a soft rag, and warm water to clean them.

Consumer Reports says…

Many homeowners turn to Consumer Reports for recommendations as to what types of purchases to make, especially on big-ticket items. The magazine is very reliable so it’s a good place to turn for advice. Concerning countertops, the latest edition reports that quartz and granite are similar in initial pricing, but quartz is the clear winner because it’s easier and cheaper to install, less costly to maintain, and contractors love it because it’s easier to work with than granite and less likely to break during installation.