Is Quartz Cheaper Than Granite?

“Is quartz cheaper than granite?” – This is among the questions commonly asked from customers of A1 Stone World when it comes to kitchen countertops.

So here, we will list down the average cost for each material including the factors that influence the price and a few things to consider when making your final decision.

Quartz vs. Granite: What Are They?

First of all, we will give you an overview of what quartz and granite stones are. This is so you can have an initial idea of which would be worth your money more based on each stone’s unique characteristics:

What is Quartz?

Quartz is an engineered stone made from around 90% to 95% natural quartz with the remaining percentage consisting of resins, pigments, and polymers.

Pros	Cons
– Extremely hard- Glossy sheen – Crack and stain resistant due to its non-porous nature – Almost no maintenance – Comes in tons of customizable colors – Ideal for applications prone to moisture like bathrooms	– Can get damaged by hot pans – Designs look uniform – Very heavy – Pigment may fade outdoors

What is Granite?

While quartz is a man-made stone, granite is a natural stone consisting of mainly feldspar and quartz along with other minerals like mica.

Pros	Cons
– More unique colors – Natural look – Doesn’t discolor – More heat resistant – Its heat resistance makes it ideal for kitchen countertops	– Heavy – Requires periodic sealing – Porous which makes it more susceptible to staining when not properly sealed

Quartz vs. Granite Cost

So, is quartz cheaper than granite? Well, this depends on a lot of factors (which we will discuss later). Most people often think that quartz is cheaper. But, quartz can actually cost an average of 20-40% more than granite when installed.

To give you an idea of what costs to expect, below are the average material and installation costs for granite and quartz countertops:

	Granite Countertops Cost	Quartz Countertops Cost
Material Costs	$35 – $200+ per square foot	$35 – $225+ per square foot
Labor Costs	$10 to $30+ per square foot	$10 to $30+ per square foot

Factors Affecting Quartz and Granite Countertop Costs

Now, let’s take a look at the factors that determine the price of quartz and granite countertops which include the stone’s physical characteristics, installation complexity, and material source:

1. Color

For a natural stone like granite, readily available colors such as white, green, and gray will cost less compared to uncommon colors like blue and red. And while quartz is an engineered stone, more expensive options with more complex designs (such as those with gold specks) will cost more.

2. Texture

Next is the stone’s texture which is available in polished, honed, and leathered options with leathered being the most expensive one due to its low availability:

Texture	Description	Price
Polished	– Glossy finish – Low maintenance	$
Honed	– Matte finish – Requires regular sealing due to its porous surface (for granite)	$$
Leathered	– More vivid colors with a unique texture – Easily scratched but stain resistant (for granite)	$$$

3. Thickness

Aside from the color and texture, the slab’s thickness will also affect the overall price. Thicker slabs will be more expensive if you want a countertop that can withstand wear and tear better.

4. Treatments

Granite will require regular treatment (i.e. sealing) since it has a porous surface just like any other natural stone which adds to the overall long-term cost. You can find companies that offer treatments without additional charge when looking for countertop installation services in Jacksonville FL. But, you will still need to spend money on periodic sealing.

5. Edge Profile

When it comes to countertop edge treatments, you will have many options including beveled, square, and ogee edges. Most countertops have square edges and don’t usually cost anything, but more decorative edges will cost more.

6. Source

Quartz is a more abundant stone, so the source doesn’t really affect the price that much. But for granite which is a natural stone and harder to find, it needs to be quarried in specific areas like India, Brazil, and Russia. So, the overall cost will also be affected by other factors like shipping costs.

Though granite sourced from China may be cheaper compared to local stones, they are of lower quality.

7. Installation Complexity

First of all, take note that installing quartz and granite countertops will require a professional fabricator. This is due to their heavy weight and hardness which will require special tools built for cutting hard surfaces and the reinforcement needed to ensure structural integrity.

Back to the installation, labor costs will depend on how complex it will be based on your kitchen’s design. This includes cutouts and the types of angles that need to be done. In addition, quartz sometimes comes in smaller sizes than granite so it will require more seam blending tasks compared to granite which is easier for large installations.

Below are major installation processes that will affect installation costs:

Leveling

• Your cabinetry needs to be leveled before installing your countertop to ensure that it can support the stone’s weight.

Cutouts

• Cutouts for cooktops are normally included in countertop installations. But if you consider other cutouts for plumbing and hardware, there will be a significant increase in the total cost.

Reinforcement

• Thicker stones will need stronger reinforcements which of course, will cost more, especially if your cabinets can’t support your countertop’s weight.

Other Installation Factors to Consider

• Sink installation
• Backsplash installation
• Plumbing
• Old countertop removal

Tip: Quartz is a better choice for bathroom countertops due to its water resistance while granite is more suitable for kitchen countertops due to its heat resistance. Also, granite is often chosen for rustic themes while quartz matches modern themes better.

Factors to Consider When Deciding About Quartz vs. Granite Cost

Lastly, let’s compare these two stones based on a few important factors before you decide which one can give you the best value for your money:

	Quartz	Granite
1. Durability	– Harder than granite – More water and stain resistant – Low chances of chipping or cracking but doesn’t have the heat resistance of granite – Its texture also prevents bacterial growth	– Resists scratches and staining well when properly sealed, but not as durable as quartz – More heat-resistant but can be prone to chips and cracks
2. Appearance	– Offers a greater variety since it can be customized and designed to mimic natural stones	– Offers a more natural look with its attractive veins and flecks – No two slabs are the same
3. Maintenance	– Easier to maintain and doesn’t require periodic sealing	– Its porous nature makes it prone to stains and will need regular sealing
4. Environmental Impact	– Seems to be more eco-friendly because it is an engineered stone and some manufacturers even boast of using recycled materials, but they still need to be quarried before processing – May even require extra resources and energy since it needs to be processed first – Resins in untested quartz may cause health complications so make sure to buy products with the NSF Mark	– Naturally occurring stone that needs to be quarried underground in big blocks and cut afterward which uses a lot of energy – Some people may be alarmed by granite emitting radon (a toxic gas), but EPA assured that granite countertops are not key contributors to radiation in average homes

Read more about quartz vs. granite here.

Finding Granite & Quartz Countertop Fabricators in Jacksonville FL that Can Match Your Budget

A1 Stone World can help you decide which material is best for your needs while still matching your budget. We offer different countertop styles that can accommodate the unique preferences of customers in Jacksonville, Saint Johns, St. Augustine, Green Cove Springs, Ponte Vedra Beach, and other areas. Know more about your options by contacting us!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

In summary, granite is generally cheaper on average depending on the style and other installation factors. But if you are into long-term investment and want something that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance but is still durable, quartz might be your best pick.