Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: A Homeowner's Guide

Countertops are the centerpiece of any kitchen or bathroom remodel. Quartz and granite are the two most popular premium options, and homeowners often ask us which one to choose. Here's an honest comparison from a contractor's perspective.

Granite: Natural Beauty, Natural Variation

Granite is a natural stone quarried from the earth, cut into slabs, and polished. Every slab is unique.

**Pros:** - One-of-a-kind patterns and color variations - Heat resistant — you can set hot pans directly on it - Adds significant home value - Extremely hard and scratch-resistant

**Cons:** - Requires sealing every 1-2 years to prevent staining - Porous — can harbor bacteria if not properly sealed - Limited color consistency — what you see in the showroom may differ from your installed slab - Can chip or crack if hit hard at the edges

Quartz: Engineered for Performance

Quartz countertops are engineered from approximately 90% ground natural quartz mixed with resins and pigments. The result is a surface that combines the look of natural stone with superior performance.

**Pros:** - Non-porous — never needs sealing - Highly resistant to stains, bacteria, and scratching - Consistent color and pattern across slabs - Huge selection of colors and styles, including designs that mimic marble and concrete - Extremely low maintenance — just clean with soap and water

**Cons:** - Not heat resistant — hot pans can damage the resin - Can look less "natural" than granite to some eyes - Slightly more expensive than mid-range granite - Heavy — requires strong cabinet support

Cost Comparison in King County

• **Granite:** $40-$100 per square foot installed
• **Quartz:** $50-$150 per square foot installed

The overlap in pricing is significant. Mid-range quartz and mid-range granite cost about the same. Premium designer quartz (Calacatta patterns, for example) is typically the most expensive option in either category.

Which Lasts Longer?

Both surfaces last 25+ years with proper care. The difference is maintenance:

• **Granite** requires annual sealing and careful attention to acidic spills (wine, lemon juice, tomato sauce)
• **Quartz** requires virtually zero maintenance beyond daily cleaning

In our experience, quartz countertops look as good after 10 years as the day they were installed. Granite can too, but only with consistent sealing.

Our Recommendation

For most kitchens, we recommend quartz. The zero-maintenance aspect alone makes it the smarter long-term investment, especially for busy families. As an authorized Pental Quartz dealer, we offer hundreds of color options at competitive prices.

That said, granite remains an excellent choice for homeowners who love the look of natural stone and don't mind the annual sealing routine. We install both and can show you samples of each during your free consultation.

Professional Installation Is Essential

Countertop installation requires precision templating, professional fabrication, and careful handling of heavy slabs. Seams must be placed strategically, sink cutouts must be exact, and the countertop must be perfectly level. This is not a DIY project.

A. Sanders Construction provides complete countertop services from selection through installation for homeowners in Maple Valley, Renton, Kent, Covington, and Issaquah. Call (206) 799-6580 to schedule a free consultation.