Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Which Is Right for You?

Quartz and granite are the two most popular countertop materials we install on Long Island—and for good reason. Both are beautiful, durable, and add real value to your home. But they're fundamentally different materials with different strengths.

Quartz is engineered stone: roughly 93% ground natural quartz mixed with polymer resins and pigments. This manufacturing process gives quartz two big advantages—it's non-porous (no sealing ever) and available in perfectly consistent colors and patterns. It's the low-maintenance choice.

Granite is 100% natural stone, quarried in slabs and cut to fit your kitchen. Every slab is unique—which is either a pro (one-of-a-kind look) or a con (the slab you chose at the yard might look different installed). Granite requires annual sealing to prevent staining.

On cost: quartz typically runs $60-$120 per square foot installed on Long Island. Granite runs $50-$100. The gap has narrowed over the years, and high-end granite can actually cost more than mid-range quartz. As a Cambria Premier Partner, we have access to exclusive quartz patterns that aren't available at big-box stores.

For durability, both materials last 25+ years. Quartz is more resistant to staining and doesn't need sealing. Granite is more heat-resistant—you can set a hot pan on granite without worry, while quartz can be damaged by extreme heat. Both resist scratches well.

Our recommendation for most Long Island families: quartz. The zero-maintenance aspect is a real quality-of-life improvement, especially in busy kitchens. But if you love the unique character of natural stone and don't mind annual sealing, granite is a beautiful choice.

Whatever you choose, make sure your installer uses precision laser templating (we do) and check the seam placement before fabrication begins. A great countertop with poor seams is a daily reminder of cutting corners.