Quartz vs Granite Countertops
Verdict: Quartz needs no sealing, while granite does, which is the main ongoing difference. Installed prices overlap heavily, so slab grade and your local quote usually decide the cost.
Quartz is an engineered product made in a factory. Granite is natural stone cut from a quarry, so every slab differs. That origin explains the main care difference: Iowa State University Extension notes quartz does not require sealing, while granite needs periodic sealing and a simple water-bead test shows when the seal has worn off.
Price is closer than many people expect. HomeGuide lists quartz at $50 to $200 per square foot installed and granite at $80 to $150. A typical kitchen has 30 to 40 square feet of counter. Use the calculator to add the sealing cost of granite over the years you plan to stay.
Quartz vs Granite Countertops side by side
| Trait | Quartz | Granite Countertops |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Engineered, made from manufactured slabs | Natural stone, each slab unique |
| Installed cost per sq ft | $50 to $200, mid-quality $75 to $110 | $80 to $150 |
| Typical kitchen total | $1,500 to $8,000 for 30 to 40 sq ft | $2,400 to $6,000 |
| Sealing | Not required | Required to resist stains |
| Sealing cost and frequency | None | $200 to $350 per treatment, from 2 to 4 times a year to once in 10+ years depending on the stone |
| Cleaners | Avoid bleach and acidic cleaners | Acidic cleaners such as lemon juice, ammonia and window cleaner can damage it |
| Hot pans | Do not set hot pans directly on the surface | Not covered by the sources, use a trivet as good practice |
| Lifespan | Described as lasting a lifetime | 100+ years when installed and maintained correctly |
Last verified October 2026. Typical values; individual animals, products and local prices vary.
Which one fits you
Quartz
- You want a countertop that never needs sealing and cleans with warm soapy water.
- You want a low-maintenance engineered surface instead of natural stone.
- You would rather pay once than track resealing every year or two.
- You are comfortable using trivets and avoiding bleach and acidic cleaners.
Granite Countertops
- You want natural stone with a one-of-a-kind pattern in every slab.
- You are fine with a quick water-bead test and occasional resealing.
- Your quote for the slab you like comes in below comparable quartz.
- You plan to keep the kitchen for decades and value a 100-year-plus material.
How this works
This page compares the two materials using published installed-cost ranges and an extension service care guide. Prices swing with slab grade, edge profile, thickness and region, so treat them as ranges rather than quotes. Sources are listed below, and each cost page explains what drives the high and low ends.
The calculator multiplies your counter area by a per-square-foot price and adds granite sealing over the years you choose. It leaves out removal of old counters, plumbing and backsplash costs, which are the same for either material. Change the sealing frequency to match what your fabricator tells you for your slab.
HomeGuide: quartz mid-quality $75 to $110 per sq ft (we use $90) and granite $80 to $150 (midpoint $115); sealing $200 to $350 per treatment (midpoint $275). Sealing frequency is an adjustable assumption of once every two years, since the source range runs from several times a year to once in 10+ years.
Where these numbers come from
The figures and defaults on this page are based on:
- HomeGuide: Quartz Countertops Cost, Quartz installed cost per square foot, kitchen totals and no sealing needed. (checked October 2026)
- HomeGuide: Granite Countertops Cost, Granite installed cost, sealing cost and frequency, and lifespan. (checked October 2026)
- Iowa State University Extension: Caring for Stone Countertops, Granite sealing, quartz no sealing, cleaners to avoid. (checked October 2026)
Planning estimates. Get written quotes for your exact slab, edge and layout.
Frequently asked questions
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No. Iowa State University Extension says quartz is engineered and does not require sealing. Granite, by contrast, should be resealed periodically, and a few drops of water that no longer bead up are the sign it is time.
Which costs more, quartz or granite?
It depends on the slab. HomeGuide lists quartz at $50 to $200 per square foot installed and granite at $80 to $150. Low-grade quartz can cost less than granite, while premium quartz costs more.
How often does granite need to be sealed?
It varies by stone. HomeGuide says some granite needs sealing two to four times a year while other types go 10 years or more. Ask your fabricator which applies to the slab you choose.
What cleaners should I avoid on each?
Iowa State University Extension advises against bleach and acidic cleaners on quartz. For granite it warns that acidic cleaners such as lemon juice, ammonia and window cleaners may damage the stone.
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