Choosing new countertops is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your kitchen — but with so many materials available, how do you know which one truly fits your lifestyle? At Celtic Stone Granite, we help homeowners every day choose between the two most popular surfaces: granite and quartz. Both are beautiful. Both are durable. But they perform very differently in real-life kitchens. Here’s your complete breakdown — including cost, durability, maintenance, and which one is best depending on how you actually use your home. 1. Appearance: Natural vs. Engineered Beauty Granite Granite is 100% natural stone, cut directly from the earth — meaning every slab has unique veining, movement, and coloration. No two kitchens will ever look alike. Perfect for homeowners who want character, drama, and texture. Quartz Quartz is engineered using crushed stone + resins, giving it a clean, consistent look with soft veining or pure solid color. Perfect for modern, minimalist, or light-and-bright kitchens. 2. Durability: Both Strong, But Quartz Has the Edge Both materials score high in durability, but quartz is slightly stronger because of the resin binders. Granite Heat-resistant Scratch-resistant Porous → needs sealing Quartz Non-porous Stain-resistant Doesn’t require sealing Not as heat-tolerant (use trivets!) 3. Maintenance: Low vs. Ultra-Low Granite Maintenance Seal 1× per year Use pH-neutral cleaners (I've used this one for years https://a.co/d/0LtqsjT and absolutely love it and stick with it) Avoid harsh chemicals Quartz Maintenance No sealing Wipe with mild soap & water Truly “set it and forget it” 4. Cost Comparison In Pennsylvania, average installed prices: Material Price Range (Installed) Granite $49–$109/sq ft Quartz $59–$120/sq ft (Quartz tends to cost slightly more but requires less maintenance.) 5. Which Should You Choose? Choose Granite if you: ✔ Love natural stone movement ✔ Want something truly unique ✔ Cook often and use hot pans ✔ Prefer organic/earthy design Choose Quartz if you: ✔ Want zero maintenance ✔ Prefer bright modern styles ✔ Need durability against spills ✔ Want a consistent pattern Thinking About New Countertops? At Celtic Stone Granite, we help you choose the perfect surface for your style AND lifestyle. Get a free estimate or visit our Lehigh Valley or Wilkes-Barre showroom to explore real slabs Recommended Products: My All Time favorite countertop safe cleaner https://a.co/d/0LtqsjT Although we have Heat Resistant surfaces I still use trivets https://a.co/d/goF9bQs Protect both surfaces from scratches with durable, easy-to-clean cutting boards https://a.co/d/9021fJN *This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. granite vs quartz countertops | quartz countertops 2026 | granite countertops Pennsylvania | quartz vs natural stone | best kitchen countertops 2026 | quartz care | granite care guide | Lehigh Valley countertops | Allentown PA | granite | quartz countertops Whitehall | Wilkes-Barre countertop installation