Last Updated on October 26, 2026 by Royal Stone Care
If you’re one of the growing number of homeowners looking to enjoy the beauty of natural stone surfaces in your kitchen, you may well have narrowed down your choice to granite and quartz.
Clearly, this is a long-term decision, so you need to be sure you make the right one. It isn’t always easy, because there are great advantages to both granite and quartz, while the differences between them are not all that pronounced. Equally, they can even look pretty similar. What’s more, today the difference between the two in terms of price isn’t always that great.
Quartz countertops
These engineered surfaces come from roughly 90 to 95% quartz crystals, mixed with resin and pigments. This mix is made into slabs and polished, creating a durable, versatile material which comes in a rainbow of different colours and myriad patterns. Plus it’s highly customisable.
Quartz is non-porous, so it shrugs off stains and bacterial growth, making it ideal for kitchens, both practically and aesthetically.
Granite countertops
These natural stone surfaces form via the crystallisation of magma beneath Earth’s crust. Every slab is different, with unique colours and patterns so you get something which looks unique.
Ahead of use in kitchens and bathrooms, manufacturers typically cut, polish and seal granite. It’s strong, dense and hardwearing, and famous for its lovely appearance and strength.
Granite’s various colours and veining make it a highly popular – it gives any space a luxuriously timeless feel.
But what about the differences between the two?
Formation and appearance
While most quartz countertops are made with a resin to serve as a binding agent, granite is 100% natural quarried stone, so each slab is unique. With quartz, patterns and colours are artificial.
Quartz may offer a nice glossy finish, but it can discolour over time. That’s especially the case if it’s exposed to too much direct sunlight.
While granite’s natural variations suit a range of interior design styles, quartz offers a wider line-up of patterns and colours, and so is hugely versatile.
Durability
Both these stones are pretty durable. Granite is hardwearing and not easily scratched, and retains its value very well. Meanwhile, quartz is also robust and resists chipping and cracking. But note that quartz worktops don’t always come with a lifelong guarantee.
If heat resistance is a priority for your kitchen, then you might want to consider granite. But when it comes to overall durability and being low-maintenance, quartz wins hands down every time.
Staining
Sealed granite won’t absorb liquid, although it is porous, so sealing is vital. Quartz is naturally non-porous, and so it shrugs off stains well.
Heat resistance
Both of these materials can handle a fair amount of heat, with quartz perhaps less able to withstand a hot pan being placed directly on its surface. In any event, ideally use a heat pad, trivet or similar, whichever stone you choose.
Cleaning
Cleaning both quartz and granite is straightforward. For granite, use plain warm water or a pH-neutral detergent. Dry it with a soft cloth to get rid of any streaks so the stone remains shiny. With quartz, again avoid anything that’s too alkaline, and any aggressive cleaners. If the surface does come into contact with anything like that, clean it right away with pure water.
Maintenance
While granite needs regular upkeep, quartz, as a non-porous substance, is typically maintenance-free. You don’t have to stain it, plus it is less susceptible to staining, while cleaning is really straightforward.
Seams
With granite, installation seams can appear more noticeable. In quartz worktops, they’re generally less visible, especially if you choose a darker-coloured piece of stone.
Cost
Clearly, costs vary. But, generally speaking, granite tends to cost more. And installation costs can be higher, since cutting and preparation can be more labour-intensive. Plus there are the expenses of regularly sealing your stone to take into account.
Environmental impact
Granite is a natural stone, so is not a renewable resource, and its mining and transportation can have an effect on the environment. But its long lifespan helps mitigate that over time. Quartz is made from some synthetic materials, which may not be fully biodegradable. However, some brands are now making efforts to make their processes more eco-friendly, while quartz’s low-maintenance qualities also enhance sustainability.
Which spaces do they suit?
Granite is great in kitchens as it is naturally durable and heat-resistant. It also actually goes well outdoors, since it can withstand different weather conditions. Quartz suits bathrooms and kitchens since it’s stain-resistant and non-porous. However, keep it away from direct sunlight or extremely hot areas.
Each of these stones has slightly different qualities, and you will need to make a personal choice based on what you feel works best for your home.
We help with quartz and granite worktops
Royal Stone Care completes granite repair and quartz worktop repair on London area, to an extremely high standard. Talk to us about granite chip repair and anything else you may need to keep your stone looking its best.
