The real comparison is quartz vs granite countertops. Both are premium surfaces, both look amazing, and both can increase resale value
When you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, one question comes up over and over:
Is quartz better than granite?
At the same time, you might see other rocks mentioned—like shale—and wonder if any of that matters for countertops. (Spoiler: shale is a soft sedimentary rock and absolutely not what you want on your cabinets.)
The real comparison is quartz vs granite countertops. Both are premium surfaces, both look amazing, and both can increase resale value. But they’re very different in how they’re made, how they behave, and how you’ll live with them every day.
This guide breaks down:
- The geology of granite stone vs engineered quartz
- Cost, durability, and maintenance differences
- Style, color, and design flexibility with granite
- How granite stacks up against marble, soapstone, and concrete
- How Aardwolf granite products fit into the decision
Along the way, we’ll reference useful related topics like What Type of Weathering Is Illustrated by the Cracks in the Simulated Granite Outcrop?, ocean-floor rocks, and whether quartz is cheaper than granite.
Granite Stone vs Quartz: What Are They Really?
Before we decide if quartz is “better,” you need to know exactly what you’re comparing.
What is granite stone?
Granite is a natural igneous rock that forms when molten magma cools slowly deep beneath the Earth’s surface. That slow cooling allows large, visible crystals to grow.
Granite geology and composition usually includes:
- Quartz – extremely hard, increases scratch resistance
- Feldspar – white, cream, or pink minerals that define the base color
- Mica & accessory minerals – dark flecks and subtle sparkle
These minerals give the key characteristics of granite:
- High hardness and durability
- Excellent heat resistance
- Slight natural porosity (it needs sealing)
- A uniquely patterned appearance in every slab
Granite is part of a bigger geological story. For example:
- Over time, heat and pressure can turn granite into gneiss, as explained in What geologic process can change granite into gneiss?
- Stress relief and weathering can make a large block of granite form layers like an onion, as you’ll see in that related topic.
- Cracks and fractures in simulated granite outcrops are classic examples in What Type of Weathering Is Illustrated by the Cracks in the Simulated Granite Outcrop?
- Granite is also contrasted with basalt in “what type of igneous rock makes up most of the ocean floor – basalt, granite, lucite, shal, shale?” — hint: oceanic crust is basalt, not granite.
All of that deep-earth history ends up in the natural variation you see in a white granite countertop or dramatic black granite countertops.
What is quartz (engineered stone)?
“Quartz countertops” are engineered, not quarried slabs:
- About 90–95% ground natural stone (often quartz)
- Mixed with resins and pigments
- Cast into slabs, then polished in a factory
Key quartz traits:
- Non-porous – no sealing required
- Very consistent color and pattern
- Great stain resistance, but less tolerant of high heat than granite
If you’re also wondering about price, you can explore that angle in
is quartz cheaper than granite?
Is Quartz Better Than Granite for Cost?
There isn’t a one-word answer. Sometimes quartz is cheaper, sometimes granite wins, and often they’re surprisingly close.
Granite countertop cost
Granite countertop cost depends on:
- Rarity of the stone and quarry location
- Pattern and color (exotic vs common)
- Slab thickness and finish
- Fabrication complexity (edges, cutouts, seams)
You can find:
- Affordable granite countertop options in common colors through big-box stores
- Mid-range and premium stones from fabricators
- Unique slabs at wholesale granite suppliers where you can pick your exact piece
Quartz cost
Quartz pricing is influenced by:
- Brand and pattern complexity
- Whether it mimics marble or other high-end stones
- Thickness and edge choices
Often:
- Entry-level granite is less expensive than many popular quartz colors.
- High-end quartz and high-end granite can be similar in cost.
Bottom line on cost:
Quartz isn’t automatically cheaper than granite. For budget-friendly designs, granite often has the edge; for some designer looks, quartz can be competitive or even more affordable.
Durability: Is Quartz Stronger Than Granite?
Both are very durable—but in different ways.
Granite durability in a real kitchen
Because of its crystalline structure and geological history, granite stone is:
- Extremely hard and scratch-resistant
- Naturally heat-resistant (though trivets are still a good idea)
- Resistant to everyday wear when properly sealed
If damage does occur:
- Repairing chips in granite is often possible with clear or color-matched epoxy
- Polishing granite surfaces can restore shine if the finish becomes dull
Granite has been used for centuries in buildings, monuments, and high-traffic surfaces. It’s battle-tested.
Quartz durability
Quartz is also very tough:
- Hard and highly scratch-resistant
- Excellent resistance to stains and surface wear
However:
- The resins used in quartz are vulnerable to high heat—very hot pans can scorch or discolor the surface in ways that are hard to repair.
Verdict on durability:
If you cook a lot and frequently move hot pots and pans, granite’s heat resistance often makes it the safer choice. In calm households where heat exposure is controlled, quartz and granite are both excellent performers.
Maintenance: Is Quartz Easier to Maintain Than Granite?
This is where quartz really shines for some homeowners.
Clean granite countertops & sealing granite
Granite is slightly porous, so it needs:
- Sealing granite with a penetrating sealer every 1–3 years, depending on use
- Gentle, pH-neutral cleaners (or mild dish soap and water) for daily care
- Avoidance of harsh acids (like vinegar or lemon) and abrasives
When something goes wrong, you’ll deal with:
- Removing stains from granite, which can often be done with poultices or targeted cleaners
- Occasional touch-ups to polishing granite surfaces to keep that mirror-like finish
The good news: sealing is fast and inexpensive, and many homeowners simply make it part of their seasonal or annual cleaning checklist.
Quartz maintenance
Quartz is:
- Non-porous, so no sealing required
- Very resistant to stains from everyday spills
- Easy to clean with mild soap and water
If you want zero sealing and the simplest care routine possible, quartz is obviously “better” for you in this category.
Maintenance verdict:
- Quartz wins if you want no sealing, ever.
- Granite is still low-maintenance, but requires a bit more involvement.
Style and Design: Granite vs Quartz Countertops
Cost and maintenance matter—but every day you’ll see the look, first.
Granite aesthetics: unique natural beauty
With granite, every slab is one of a kind. That’s part of the appeal:
- A white granite countertop can make a kitchen feel bright, open, and elegant.
- Black granite countertops bring drama, contrast, and a luxurious feel.
Because granite comes from nature, you get:
- Organic movement in the veining
- Subtle speckling and mineral sparkle
- Natural variation that quartz can only imitate
These traits are why granite works beautifully in:
- Full-slab granite backsplash designs for a seamless, upscale look
- Spaces where pairing granite with cabinet colors is part of a custom design (think deep veined granite with warm wood, or crisp white granite with navy or black cabinets)
Quartz aesthetics: clean and controlled
Quartz offers:
- Very consistent colors and patterns
- Clean modern looks, from pure whites to concrete greys
- Designer marble-inspired veining without marble’s high maintenance
If you want your countertop to look exactly like the showroom sample, with no surprises, quartz may feel “better” aesthetically.
Design verdict:
Granite wins on natural character and uniqueness. Quartz wins on predictability and control.
Natural Stone Countertop Comparison: Granite vs Others
To decide if quartz is better than granite, it’s helpful to see how granite compares to other materials too.
Granite vs marble: pros and cons
- Marble
- Softer stone, scratches and chips more easily
- Highly prone to etching from acids (wine, vinegar, citrus)
- Gorgeous, but high-maintenance
- Granite
- Harder and more scratch-resistant
- More forgiving with everyday spills
- Usually better for busy kitchens and families
Granite vs soapstone durability
- Soapstone
- Dense and very stain-resistant
- Softer, so it scratches and dents more easily
- Often needs regular oiling to keep a uniform appearance
- Granite
- More scratch-resistant
- Holds a polished, glossy finish longer under heavy use
Granite better than concrete countertops?
- Concrete
- Extremely porous, can stain and crack
- Requires expert installation and very careful sealing
- Granite
- Naturally dense and strong
- Easier to maintain—and many feel it looks more refined
Across most natural stone countertop comparison scenarios, granite remains one of the most balanced choices in terms of performance, appearance, and cost over time.
Where to Buy Granite Countertops and How Aardwolf Fits In
If you decide granite either beats quartz for your needs—or at least deserves a fair shot—you’ll want to think about sourcing and product quality.
Where to buy granite countertops
You’ll typically look at:
- Local fabricators and showrooms
- Wholesale granite suppliers where you can view full slabs
- National retailers with pre-selected affordable granite countertop options
When shopping, consider:
- Thickness, finish, and color consistency
- Fabrication quality (edges, seams, cutouts)
- Warranty and service support
Aardwolf granite: premium slabs and services
The Aardwolf granite countertop collection is designed to make the process easier:
- Aardwolf premium granite slabs are selected for strength, structure, and visual appeal.
- The lineup includes many of the best Aardwolf granite colors, ready to pair with today’s cabinet and flooring trends.
- Aardwolf granite installation services provide professional templating, cutting, seam planning, and correct initial sealing.
- The Aardwolf granite pricing guide helps you understand cost tiers and pick the right stone for your budget and style.
That means you can say “yes” to granite with confidence, even in a world where quartz gets a lot of attention.
So… Is Quartz Better Than Granite?
There isn’t a universal winner. The real answer depends on what you value most:
- Choose quartz if you want:
- No sealing, ever
- Very consistent color and pattern
- A modern, controlled look with minimal maintenance
- Choose granite if you want:
- A natural material with unique character and history
- Excellent heat resistance and long-term durability
- A wide range of looks—from subtle to bold—often at competitive prices
- A surface that can be cleaned, repaired, polished, and resealed for decades