Quartz and granite are the two most popular premium countertops, and both are excellent. The choice comes down to maintenance, looks, and how you use your kitchen.
Durability and maintenance
Quartz (engineered stone) is non-porous, so it never needs sealing and resists stains and bacteria — the lowest-maintenance option. Granite is natural stone that needs periodic sealing to resist stains, but it's extremely heat-resistant. Quartz can scorch under very hot pans, so use trivets.
Looks
Quartz offers consistent, predictable patterns (including marble looks) since it's manufactured. Granite is natural, so every slab is unique with more variation — appealing if you want a one-of-a-kind look, but you'll want to pick your actual slab.
Cost
Both are premium-priced and similar in range, varying by colour and pattern. Exotic granite and designer quartz cost more. For most kitchens, the decision is maintenance and looks rather than price.