Kitchen countertops are one of the most important design elements in any home. Granite and quartz are two of the most popular materials for countertops, but they differ significantly in look, feel, maintenance and of course, cost. Here is an in-depth comparison of granite vs quartz countertops to help you decide which is better for your home and budget.
Cost Difference Between Granite and Quartz Countertops
When it comes to how much more does quartz cost over granite countertops, there is no simple answer. The cost varies widely depending on the stone type, edge treatments, thickness, cut-outs needed, installation, and other factors. However, some generalizations can be made:
- On average, quartz countertops cost $50-100 per square foot installed.
- Granite slabs range from $40-150 per square foot installed.
- So quartz tends to cost 10-50% more than granite, with more premium varieties of each pushing the prices higher.
Keep in mind cheaper granite and premium quartz could potentially cost about the same. The range of prices for each material is wide.
Why Does Quartz Cost More Than Granite?
There are a few reasons why quartz countertops command a higher price tag than natural stone like granite:
- Durability: Quartz is engineered from crushed quartz mixed with resins and pigments, making an incredibly hard, non-porous material resistant to scratches, stains and heat. Granite is entirely natural, so more prone to damage.
- Consistent coloring: Slab to slab, quartz has uniform patterning and colors. Granite is a natural product, so there is more variation.
- Less maintenance: Quartz needs no sealing and little care. Granite requires annual sealing and more careful cleaning.
- Manufacturing: Quartz is engineered, so more costs go into its research, development and manufacturing. Granite is simply cut from natural stone.
Essentially, you pay a premium for quartz countertops because they are human-engineered to be tougher and more consistent than a wholly natural product like granite.
Factors That Impact Cost
When comparing granite vs quartz countertops, keep in mind that cost depends on:
- Stone type: More exotic granite and quartz varieties cost more than standard colors like white and black.
- Finish and edges: Options like polished, leathered, or unique edge styles increase overall cost.
- Thickness: 1.25 inches is standard. Going thicker increases cost.
- Cut-outs: The more sinks, faucets, and range cut-outs needed, the higher the price.
- Installation: Complex projects or tile backsplashes add labor costs. Professional installation is recommended.
- Brand: Premium quartz brands like Caesarstone and Silestone are pricier.
How Much More Does Quartz Cost Over Granite Countertops: Key Takeaways
- Expect to pay $50-100 per square foot for quartz and $40-150 per square foot for granite.
- Quartz costs 10-50% more than granite, on average.
- The higher price of quartz comes from advanced engineering, durability, and consistent colors.
- Many factors like thickness, edges, cut-outs, and installer impact overall costs.
- Granite has more natural beauty, while quartz offers man-made perfection.
The best value comes from shopping sales and inspecting slabs in person before finalizing your order. While quartz may cost a bit more upfront, its lifetime durability and minimal maintenance may make it worthwhile for busy households. Consider your budget, kitchen use, and style preferences as you weigh granite versus quartz countertops.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much more does quartz cost over granite per square foot?
On average, expect to pay $10-15 more per square foot for quartz versus granite countertops. However, premium quartz can cost $25-50 more per square foot than inexpensive granite.
Is quartz worth the extra cost over granite?
Quartz is worth the extra cost if you want enhanced durability, consistent coloring, and minimal maintenance. Granite provides a more unique, natural look at a lower price point. Evaluate your budget, kitchen needs, and style preferences.
Should I get quartz or granite based on cost?
If cost is your foremost concern, granite generally provides more affordable options, with premium exotic varieties being the exception. Quartz costs more due to advanced engineering and fabrication. Consider lifetime value for the cost, not just the upfront price.
Is quartz cheaper than granite in the long run?
Potentially yes. While quartz costs more upfront, it requires virtually no maintenance like annual sealing needed for granite. This makes quartz cheaper than granite over a 10-15 year lifespan. However, granite lasts extremely long as well with proper care.
How can I get the best deal on quartz countertops?
Look for warehouse sales, check for remnants, avoid intricate edges and cut-outs, go with a standard thickness, and install yourself if possible. Compare multiple bids and negotiate pricing. Opt for mid-range quartz over premium varieties. Be flexible on timing as off-season installation costs less.
Conclusion
There is no definitive answer to how much more quartz costs than granite, with the price difference ranging from 10-50% on average. Factors like materials, fabrication, edges, installation, and more influence the final costs. For many homeowners, the superior durability and maintenance-free ease of quartz makes it worth the extra investment over natural granite countertops. Carefully evaluate your budget, style preferences, and how you use your kitchen when deciding between these two top-rated countertop materials.