Is quartz or granite better for kitchen countertops?

Quartz is an engineered surface made from crushed stone bound with resin. Because it is non-porous, it resists stains from coffee, wine and oil without sealing, and it wipes clean with soap and water. The color and pattern are consistent from slab to slab, which helps if you want a clean, even look or need two slabs to match on a large island. The main caution is heat. The resin can scorch under a very hot pan, so trivets are a must.

Granite is quarried natural stone, cut into slabs, and every piece has its own pattern and movement. It is very heat resistant, so it suits people who move pans straight from the stove to the counter, and it holds up well to everyday knocks. It is slightly porous, so it needs periodic sealing to keep it from absorbing stains. Many homeowners pick their exact granite slab at the stone yard, since the sample and the slab can look different.

Both materials sit in the middle of the countertop price range, so neither one moves a kitchen budget much on its own. Slab count, edge profile and island size matter more. If you are drawn to marble, it has beautiful veining but is softer and can etch from lemon or wine. Porcelain slab is another option for modern looks. Legacy helps you choose based on how you cook and how much care you want to give the surface.