When it comes to choosing between quartz and granite countertops, one of the biggest considerations is cost. Both materials are popular options for kitchen and bathroom countertops, but they differ significantly in price. Here’s an in-depth look at how quartz and granite pricing compare.
Average Cost of Quartz vs Granite Countertops
On average, quartz countertops tend to be more expensive than granite. Here are some typical price ranges:
- Quartz countertops: $80 – $140 per square foot installed
- Granite countertops: $50 – $100 per square foot installed
Quartz is generally around 20-50% more expensive than granite for most home installations. However, there are always exceptions. The exact pricing depends on the specific stone slabs chosen, edge profiles, thickness, and local labor costs.
What Impacts the Cost of Quartz Countertops
Several factors impact the price of quartz countertops:
Brand
Popular quartz brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone are pricier than less known brands. Opting for an expensive designer brand can add $20 – $30 per square foot to the total price.
Colors and Patterns
Unusual quartz colors and bold patterns are more scarce, driving up the price. A color like vivid blue costs more than a common white or beige quartz.
Thickness
Standard quartz thickness is 3/4″ for floor countertops. Going up to 1 1/4″ or 1 1/2″ thick quartz increases cost but provides more durability.
Edge Profiles
Decorative edge treatments like ogee, bevel, and bullnose add labor and material costs versus a simple eased or straight edge.
Installation
Hiring an experienced fabricator and installer is ideal for quartz countertops. Their skilled labor commands a higher price. DIY installation can save on labor but poses risks.
What Impacts the Cost of Granite Countertops
Variables that affect granite pricing include:
Stone Type
Rare or imported granites like Black Galaxy are more costly than domestic varieties like Uba Tuba that are quarried locally.
Color and Patterns
Granites with elaborate veins, swirls, and movement cost more per square foot than more uniform, subtle granites.
Slab Size
Larger granite slabs are exponentially more expensive than smaller slabs. However, they require fewer seamed joints.
Edge Details
Like quartz, granite edge profiles like ogee and eased cost extra compared to a standard straight edge.
Thickness
3/4″ is standard for granite countertops. Going up to 1 1/4″ or 1 1/2″ thickness increases durability and cost.
Installation
Hiring experienced granite fabricators and installers ensures proper seam placement and precision polishing.
Cost Comparison of Specific Quartz & Granite Colors
To make an accurate quartz vs granite price comparison, it helps to look at specific colors and patterns for each material. Here are some examples:
- White Quartz: $100 per sq ft
- White Granite: $70 per sq ft
- Gray Quartz: $125 per sq ft
- Gray Granite: $80 per sq ft
- Black Quartz: $140 per sq ft
- Black Granite: $95 per sq ft
The price difference depends on the particular shades chosen. In general, quartz runs about 25-50% more than granite for comparable colors.
Does Quartz or Granite Offer Better Value?
For many homeowners, quartz offers superior long-term value despite its higher initial cost. Benefits include:
- Extreme durability and stain resistance
- Easy maintenance
- Consistent colors and patterns
- Less sealing required
Granite is more prone to staining, etching, and cracking over time. This can lead to costly repairs down the road. Quartz is virtually indestructible under normal use.
That said, granite can be a better value if you purchase uncommon patterns at clearance prices. Discount granite slabs are sometimes available at distributors. And granite’s natural beauty is tough to match.
Bottom Line: Average Quartz vs Granite Price
In most cases, expect to pay $80 – $140 per square foot installed for quartz and $50 – $100 per square foot installed for granite. Quartz prices tend to run about 20-50% higher. But for some unique colors and patterns, granite can occasionally exceed the cost of quartz.
As you budget for new countertops, get free estimates from local countertop suppliers. They can provide quotes tailored to your specific kitchen or bath layout and material preferences. Be sure to get every pricing detail in writing upfront before finalizing your quartz or granite countertop project.
FAQs About Quartz and Granite Countertops
Is quartz more expensive than granite?
Yes, quartz countertops are generally 20-50% more expensive than granite. On average, expect to pay around $100 per square foot for installed quartz countertops versus $70 per square foot for installed granite.
Why is quartz more expensive than granite?
Quartz is pricier than granite mainly because it is engineered in a factory with high-tech equipment. The manufacturing process results in an extremely durable, consistent product. Granite’s natural beauty comes at a lower price point.
Is white quartz more expensive than white granite?
White quartz generally ranges from $95-120 per square foot installed. White granite falls around $70-90 per square foot installed. So for comparable white color tones, quartz is roughly 25-40% pricier than granite.
Which is cheapest, granite or quartz?
Overall, granite is cheaper than quartz, coming in around $50-100 per square foot installed compared to the $80-140 per square foot range for quartz. Domestic granites like Uba Tuba tend to be some of the most affordable options.
Is IKEA quartz cheaper than other brands?
Yes, IKEA offers quartz countertops called Sektion at lower price points than name brands like Ceasarstone and Silestone. IKEA quartz runs $54-99 per square foot, while big brands can be $100 per square foot or more.
What is the most inexpensive granite?
Some affordable granites to consider are Uba Tuba, Kashmir White, Emerald Pearl, Luna Pearl, English Brown, and Baltic Brown. These domestic granites often run $50-70 per square foot installed.
Can quartz be cheaper than granite?
Sometimes discount or clearance granite slabs can be pricier than quartz. Also, inexpensive granites like Uba Tuba are comparable in price to economy quartz brands. But typically, granite costs less for most colors and patterns.
Conclusion
In summary, quartz countertops do tend to run 20-50% higher in cost compared to granite countertops in most situations. However, quartz often provides better long-term durability and maintenance value. Granite can occasionally be the cheaper option, depending on the particular stone slab style and source. When deciding between materials, consider both your budget and lifestyle needs. Getting quotes for your exact project specifications helps you determine whether granite or quartz offers the better investment for your kitchen or bath remodel.