Countertops: Granite or Quartz
For many of us, finishing is the fun part of the home design and construction process. And choosing your countertops is a great way to express your creativity. But it can be tough to make a choice between two favorites when they both have advantages.
Most home buyers prefer one of two finishes: quartz or granite. So we’re comparing them side-by-side to help you make an informed choice.
Granite Countertops
| Benefits | Challenges |
| Lower Cost: If you purchase standard granite, you’re looking at an average cost of $35-55 per square foot | Porous: Granite isn’t naturally moisture resistant. You’ll have to clean spills right away to avoid stains. |
| Classic Appeal: It’s been a favorite for generations, so your countertop is unlikely to look dated in coming years with a granite finish. (That appeal also adds value to most homes.) | Brittle: Granite is super durable, but can crack during the installation process. Make sure you work with a builder/installer who covers the costs of repair/replacement of slabs that are broken or damaged during installation. |
| Uniqueness: Every slab is unique and full of color and pattern variations that add character and personality to your home. | Non-Uniform: The uniqueness that’s a plus for so many is a minus for some if they’re searching for a smooth, uniform look. |
| Wide Slabs: This comes in handy as a cost and time-saver, since some countertops only need one or two slabs. | More Frequent Maintenance: You’ll need to plan to reseal your granite countertops once every 2 to 5 years, depending on use. |
In short, Granite is a great fit if you’re looking for affordable, classic finish with a standout look and feel. While there are some challenges when it comes to maintenance and upkeep, many find those investments worth it to have countertops that bring time-tested beauty to their home.
Quartz is another crowd favorite. Here are the pros and cons of buying and installing quartz countertops in your new home.
Quartz Countertops
| Benefits | Challenges |
| High Value: Because it’s often in higher-demand than granite, it adds value to your home (since many home buyers have it near the top of their list | Higher Cost: Because it’s high demand, and ultra strong, it’s a more significant investment. |
| Strong: More scratch, scuff, and stain resistant than granite. | Synthetic: It’s able to be so strong and stain proof because it’s made that way, but that could be discouraging for people who like to use all-natural materials and finishes. |
| Lower Maintenance: It’s non-porous and crack-resistant, which means your initial investment is higher (but your long-term maintenance costs are lower). | Not Ideal for Outdoors: Quartz tends to discolor after long-term exposure to the elements. |
| Consistency: If you’re looking for a more neutral, uniform finish, quartz is the way to go. | Uniformity: Just like granite’s variety, the uniformity of a quartz finish is a dealbreaker for some home buyers. |
Quartz countertops are a great choice if you want to invest in a long-lasting, super-durable countertop finishes when building your new home.
Both granite and quartz make beautiful countertops. It really comes down to your budget, your personal tastes, and whether you’re designing for an indoor and outdoor space.
We help every homeowner choose beautiful finishes as part of their completely custom home build. We share a variety of options to inspire and ensure your installation is hassle-free.
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