Granite, quartz, quartzite or marble: which countertop is right for you?
Four materials cover most kitchens. Here's how they compare, with typical installed prices from the shops that publish them.
Granite
Typical installed price: $33 to $65 per sq ft. Natural stone, every slab unique. Handles hot pans, resists scratches, needs sealing every one to two years. Lots of color variation, so pick your slab in person. Granite countertop shops.
Quartz (engineered stone)
Typical installed price: $50 to $1,815 per sq ft. Ground quartz bound with resin. Non-porous, no sealing, consistent patterns, many marble look-alikes. Weak spot: heat. Resin can scorch, so use trivets. Brands include Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone and MSI Q. Quartz countertop shops.
Quartzite
Typical installed price: varies widely by city per sq ft. Natural stone that looks like marble but is harder than granite. Heat and scratch resistant, needs sealing. Watch out for "soft quartzite" mislabeled by some sellers; ask for the stone's name and origin. Quartzite countertop shops.
Marble
Typical installed price: varies widely by city per sq ft. Beautiful, cool to the touch, and soft. Lemon juice and wine etch it, oils stain it. Many owners love the patina; others regret it in a busy kitchen. Popular for islands, bathrooms and baking stations. Marble countertop shops.
Also worth a look
Porcelain and sintered stone slabs (Dekton, Neolith) are thin, heat-proof and nearly indestructible, but need a shop with the right tools. Soapstone, concrete and butcher block each have fans. Porcelain and sintered stone shops.
Quick picks
- Busy family kitchen, low maintenance: quartz.
- Serious cook who sets hot pans down: granite or quartzite.
- Marble look without the worry: quartz or quartzite.
- Tight budget: entry-level granite or builder-grade quartz; ask about remnants for small tops. Shops selling remnants (use the “Remnants for small jobs” filter on your city page).