Granite has long carried a reputation as a high-end countertop, so most homeowners assume it costs more than quartz and comes with more prestige. The real comparison is not that simple. When you look at quartz countertop and granite on price alone, the gap is smaller than people expect, and the better value is not always the one you would guess. Here is how we break down the cost for our clients, and why the answer surprises many of them.
Breaking Down the True Cost
Price is usually the first question, and the honest answer depends on the granite you choose. Granite is not one product at one price.
Price Depends on the Grade of Granite
Granite is sold in different grades, and the cost rises with the quality of the pattern and color you want. A basic slab can be inexpensive, but a high-grade granite with the look most homeowners want often lands right around the price of quartz. At that point, you are spending similar money on two very different products. With granite, a large share of the price goes toward its appearance, not its durability.
Quartz Countertop vs Granite at the Same Price
This is where the decision gets easier. For the same money you would spend on a good granite, you can buy quartz that gives you far more in return. Quartz is non-porous, so it never needs sealing, and it holds its value without the upkeep granite requires. You also get performance that granite simply cannot promise.
Key Takeaway: With quartz, you pay once and never seal again. Granite keeps asking for time and attention long after installation.
Not sure which countertop fits your kitchen? Contact Karin Ross Designs for a free consultation.
Maintenance Sets Quartz Countertop and Granite Apart
The price on the invoice is only part of the story. What each material asks of you after installation is where they truly separate.
Granite’s Ongoing Maintenance
Granite is porous, so it absorbs whatever touches it whenever the seal is not perfect. Owning it means taking on a routine:
- Seal the granite regularly, based on its grade
- Wipe up hard water, soap, and spills before they soak in
- Plan for the time and effort of upkeep, year after year
Skip those steps, and liquids work into the body of the stone, where they break it down over time. Granite only serves you in the long term if you commit to the time and maintenance.
Pro Tip: Before you buy, ask exactly how often your specific granite needs resealing. The more maintenance it demands, the more that lower price can cost you down the road.
Why Quartz Needs No Sealing
Quartz removes that burden completely. Because it is non-porous, it offers:
- No sealing required, just routine cleaning
- A wide range of colors, including looks that mimic granite or marble
- Lasting performance with no fear of the product failing
You keep the style you want without the worry that comes with a porous stone.
The Smarter Countertop Investment
For the same budget, granite asks for constant care, and quartz simply performs. That is why our designers recommend quartz again and again. It gives you the look you want, the durability you paid for, and none of the upkeep granite demands.
Granite can still be the right pick if you fall in love with a specific slab, and we respect that as a personal choice. When you are ready to decide with confidence, reach out to Karin Ross Designs and let us walk you through quartz countertop vs granite for your home.


