Materials Guide
Granite vs Quartz vs Marble
A straight-talking guide to help you choose the right stone for your project.
Granite
Natural. Tough. One-of-a-kind.
Granite is a 100% natural stone quarried from the earth. Every slab is unique, with its own pattern and color variation. It's one of the hardest materials available for countertops, making it ideal for busy kitchens.
Pros
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
- Heat-resistant — hot pans won't damage it
- Each slab is unique (no two are alike)
- Adds real estate value
- Wide range of colors and patterns
Cons
- Needs annual sealing to prevent staining
- Heavier than engineered stone
- Pattern variation can be hard to match
Best For
Quartz
Consistent. Low-maintenance. Modern.
Quartz countertops are engineered from natural quartz crystals bound with resins. They combine the look of stone with superior consistency and practically zero maintenance — making them the most popular countertop material today.
Pros
- Non-porous — never needs sealing
- Highly stain and bacteria resistant
- Consistent color and pattern
- Very low maintenance
- Available in a huge range of styles
Cons
- Not heat-resistant — use trivets
- Can fade in direct sunlight (outdoors)
- Less 'natural' variation than granite or marble
Best For
Marble
Timeless. Luxurious. Elegant.
Marble is the gold standard of luxury stone. Its distinctive veining and cool, smooth surface have made it a symbol of elegance for centuries. It's the preferred choice for bathrooms, fireplace surrounds, and statement kitchens.
Pros
- Unmatched visual elegance
- Cool surface — ideal for baking and pastry
- Unique natural veining patterns
- Adds premium value to any space
Cons
- Can scratch and etch from acidic foods
- Requires regular sealing
- Higher maintenance than granite or quartz
- More expensive
Best For
Quartzite
Natural beauty. Granite strength.
Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock — often confused with quartz but entirely different. It forms when sandstone is transformed by heat and pressure, resulting in a hard, beautiful stone that resembles marble but is far more durable.
Pros
- Harder and more durable than marble
- Heat and scratch resistant
- Natural veining similar to marble
- Does not etch like marble
Cons
- Requires sealing
- Higher price point
- Less widely available than granite or quartz
Best For
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Granite | Quartz | Marble | Quartzite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $50/sq ft | $55/sq ft | $90/sq ft | $90/sq ft |
| Requires Sealing | ||||
| Heat Resistant | ||||
| Scratch Resistant | ||||
| Stain Resistant | With sealing | With sealing | With sealing | |
| Natural Stone | ||||
| Low Maintenance | ||||
| Unique Patterns |
Not sure which to choose?
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