Granite VS Quartz
Yadira Bove • December 2, 2025
Granite vs. Quartz: Which Countertop Is Best for Your Home in 2026?
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:
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.
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