Granite Countertop vs Quartz: Pros, Cons, Cost & More

The debate of Granite Countertop vs Quartz comes down to a choice between 100% natural, one-of-a-kind beauty and engineered, consistent performance. Choosing a kitchen countertop is one of the most significant decisions in any home renovation, deeply impacting your budget, daily routines, and the overall aesthetic of your space. Granite and quartz consistently emerge as the top two contenders, but with a sea of conflicting information, the “best” choice is rarely obvious.

This guide cuts through the noise. We provide a clear, comprehensive, side-by-side comparison of every critical factor—from durability and maintenance to the true installed cost—to help you choose with confidence based on your priorities, lifestyle, and budget.

Granite vs Quartz: At a Glance Comparison Table

Appearance and Composition: Natural Beauty vs Engineered Consistency

Granite: A Unique Slice of the Earth

Granite is a 100% natural stone, an igneous rock forged by heat and pressure deep within the earth. It is quarried in massive blocks, cut into slabs, and polished before arriving in your home. This natural origin story is its greatest aesthetic strength.

• One-of-a-Kind: No two granite slabs are ever identical. Each features unique veining, unpredictable patterns, and beautiful mineral flecks that catch the light. Your granite countertop will be a completely original piece of art.
• Natural Colour Palette: Granite offers a vast range of colours, from deep blacks and earthy browns to exotic blues and vibrant reds, all determined by the mineral composition of its origin quarry.

Quartz: The Engineered Design Powerhouse

Quartz countertops are an engineered product. They are made by combining approximately 90-95% ground natural quartz (one of the hardest minerals on earth) with polymer resins and pigments. This mixture is then compacted into slabs under intense pressure and heat.

• Uniform Consistency: The key benefit of this process is complete control over the final look. The colour and pattern you see in a sample will be exactly what you get across the entire slab. This predictability is perfect for achieving a seamless, modern look.
• Limitless Design: Engineering allows for a colour palette that nature can’t produce. From brilliant solid whites and jet blacks to concrete looks and designs that perfectly mimic marble, quartz offers endless possibilities to match any design vision.

The Verdict on Looks

Choose granite if you want a countertop that serves as a unique, natural centerpiece with organic movement and character. Choose quartz if you prioritize a predictable, uniform aesthetic with a wider range of modern colour options.

Durability & Heat Resistance: The Head-to-Head Challenge

When it comes to the Granite Countertop vs Quartz durability test, both are exceptionally strong. However, they excel in different areas.

Scratch and Chip Resistance

Both materials are very hard and resistant to scratches from daily use.

• On the Mohs scale of hardness, granite scores around a 6-7, while quartz is typically a solid 7. This makes both highly resistant to scratching from knives and other utensils.
• However, the polymer resins in quartz give it a slight flexibility that granite lacks. This makes quartz countertops slightly less prone to chipping or cracking on the edges if struck by a heavy object.

The Critical Factor: Heat Resistance

This is the single most important performance difference between the two materials.

• Granite is virtually heat-proof. Formed by immense heat, it can easily handle a hot pot or pan placed directly on its surface without any risk of scorching, burning, or discoloration.
• Quartz is only heat-resistant. The resins used in its composition can be damaged by high temperatures, typically above 150°C (300°F). Placing a hot pan directly on quartz can cause thermal shock, leading to permanent discoloration, burn marks, or cracks. For quartz, using trivets and hot pads is essential.

Stain Resistance

Here, the engineered nature of quartz gives it a clear advantage.

• Quartz is non-porous. The manufacturing process creates a solid, impenetrable surface. It will not absorb liquids, making it naturally resistant to stains from coffee, wine, oil, and other common kitchen spills.
• Granite is porous. As a natural stone, it has tiny inherent pores. If not properly and regularly sealed, these pores can absorb liquids, leading to difficult-to-remove stains.

Maintenance and Upkeep: The Day-to-Day Reality

Your daily interaction with your countertop is defined by its maintenance needs. In this category, there is a clear winner.

The Sealing Question: Granite’s Primary Chore

Because granite is a porous natural stone, it requires periodic sealing. The sealer acts as a protective barrier, filling the pores to prevent liquids and bacteria from penetrating the surface. This is a simple wipe-on, wipe-off process, but it is a necessary task.

• Frequency: Most granite countertops need to be resealed once every 1-2 years, depending on the type of stone and the amount of use the kitchen gets.

Quartz: The Low-Maintenance Champion

Quartz is the winner for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance solution. Its non-porous surface delivers two major benefits:

• No Sealing Ever: A quartz countertop never needs to be sealed, waxed, or reconditioned. It is ready to perform from day one and for its entire lifespan.
• Hygienic Surface: The non-porous nature also means that bacteria, mould, and mildew cannot penetrate the surface, making it an exceptionally hygienic choice for food preparation.

Daily Cleaning for Both Surfaces

For day-to-day cleaning, both materials are simple to care for.

• What to use: A soft cloth or sponge with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap is all you need for daily wipe-downs on both granite and quartz.
• What to avoid: Harsh, abrasive cleaners (like scouring powders) or acidic cleaners (like vinegar or lemon juice) can damage the sealant on granite and dull the surface of both materials over time.

Cost Breakdown: What Will You Really Pay?

Both granite and quartz are considered premium materials, and their installed costs often overlap. In Singapore, you can expect the following realistic price ranges.

Average Cost Per Square Foot (Installed)

• Granite: Typically ranges from SGD $55 to $135 per square foot. Common, readily available granite will be on the lower end, while rare, exotic slabs with unique colours and veining can exceed SGD $270 per square foot.
• Quartz: Generally ranges from SGD $70 to $160 per square foot. The price is influenced more by the brand and design complexity than by rarity. Premium brands or intricate marble-look designs will be at the higher end of this range.

Factors That Influence the Final Price

• For Granite: The price is driven by the stone’s rarity, the country of origin (Italian and Brazilian stones are often more expensive), and the thickness of the slab.
• For Quartz: The price depends heavily on the brand reputation (e.g., premium brands like Caesarstone or Silestone vs. generic alternatives), the complexity of the design, and customisations like edge profiles.

Long-Term Value & Impact on Resale

Both granite and quartz countertops are highly desirable and will increase your home’s resale value. They signal a high-quality kitchen to potential buyers. While both are seen as upgrades, current market trends may slightly favour the “set-it-and-forget-it” low-maintenance appeal of quartz for many busy families.

Which Countertop Is Best for YOUR Lifestyle?

The best choice in the Granite Countertop vs Quartz matchup depends entirely on how you use your kitchen.

For Busy Families with Kids → The Verdict: Quartz

Spills are inevitable. Quartz’s non-porous surface provides peace of mind. You don’t have to worry about a spilled drink or food colouring causing a permanent stain. Its zero-maintenance nature means one less thing to worry about in a hectic household.

For Avid Cooks and Bakers → The Verdict: Granite

If you are constantly moving hot pots and pans from the stove to the counter, granite’s unbeatable heat resistance is a game-changer. The freedom to place hot items anywhere without searching for a trivet is a functional luxury that serious home chefs appreciate.

For Outdoor Kitchens → The Verdict: Granite

This is a non-negotiable win for granite. Quartz is not recommended for outdoor use. The resins in its composition can yellow, fade, and become damaged with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and UV rays. Granite is a natural stone that will withstand the elements beautifully.

For Design Perfectionists → The Verdict: Quartz

If you require absolute uniformity for a large kitchen, a waterfall island, or a perfectly matched backsplash, quartz is your only option. Its engineered consistency ensures a flawless, seamless look that natural stone cannot guarantee.

Popular Quartz Brands & What They Offer

Not all quartz is created equal. Reputable brands invest heavily in technology to create more durable and beautiful products.

Industry Leaders: Cambria, Caesarstone, and Silestone

• Caesarstone: A pioneer in the quartz industry, known for its high-quality materials, durability, and a wide range of classic and modern designs.
• Silestone: Famous for its vibrant colour options and built-in bacteriostatic protection, which helps keep countertops cleaner.
• Cambria: A premium, family-owned American brand offering a vast and innovative design library with a lifetime warranty.

What Defines a High-Quality Quartz Brand

When evaluating quartz, look for a high percentage of natural quartz (ideally over 90%), the quality and type of resins used (which impacts durability and UV resistance), and the length and terms of the warranty offered.

Common Granite vs Quartz Myths, Debunked

Myth: “Granite harbors bacteria.”

• Reality: This is only true for unsealed or poorly sealed granite. When a granite countertop is properly sealed, its surface becomes non-porous and is just as sanitary and easy to clean as any other countertop material.

Myth: “Quartz looks fake and plastic-like.”

• Reality: While this may have been true of early-generation quartz, modern manufacturing technology has changed the game. High-end quartz now convincingly mimics the look of natural stones like marble and granite, with incredible depth, realistic veining, and a non-plastic feel.

Myth: “Granite is extremely high-maintenance.”

• Reality: The maintenance is often overstated. Sealing a granite countertop is a simple DIY task that takes less than 30 minutes and only needs to be done once every one to two years. Its daily cleaning routine is identical to quartz.

Conclusion: Making Your Final Decision

The decision in the Granite Countertop vs Quartz debate is not about which material is superior overall, but which is superior for you.

The core trade-off is this:

• Granite offers unparalleled natural beauty and superior heat resistance, making it the choice for those who love unique aesthetics and cook frequently with high heat. Its one requirement is minimal annual maintenance.
• Quartz provides ultimate convenience, unbeatable stain resistance, and perfect design consistency. It is the choice for those who prioritize a worry-free, low-maintenance surface but must be mindful of using trivets for hot pans.

There is no single “best” answer. The right choice is the one that best fits your daily habits, design vision, and maintenance tolerance. By understanding these key differences, you can invest confidently in a countertop that you will love for years to come.

Ready to bring your dream kitchen to life?

Choosing the perfect countertop is just the beginning. At Yang’s Inspiration Design, our expert team handles every phase of your renovation in-house, ensuring quality and a seamless experience from concept to completion. Let us help you visualise the possibilities.

Contact our design experts today for a free, no-obligation consultation. WhatsApp us at 8855 7575 to view granite and quartz samples and start your journey.