Quartz is more expensive than Granite now days. Not sure why your contractor is recommending you go with Quartz over Granite. Turn around for Granite is quicker too.

I too was stuck on quartz but now going with granite .They have a sealant that protects granite and is very little upkeep now and the selection is wonderfull in granite.

No my contractor is pushing granite, but I want quartz. From what I read, the costs of granite are $65-$100/sf vs. quartz at $69-$99/sf...not much difference???

Hi Kbull,
Yes, often the prices are very similar. Fabrication plays a factor in costs, and should be almost the same whether quartz or natural stone. Various granites, including "blue bahia" contain semi precious stone and are quite expensive, usually more than quartz. Cambria is an American made quartz product that has some really nice colors and some aggessive sheet good pricing. Although I love granite for it's movement, I often use quartz as it is truly no maintenance and is non-porous so it does not absorb oil and germs. As it is man made the sheet good pricing is more consistent than the real stone pricing. Hope that is helpful.

It will depend on the size of your kitchen. Most fabricators will charge you for the full slab of quartz, whereas usually you will only pay for the portion of the granite slab that you are actually using. This is where there can be a wide cost difference (slabs of quartz are usually around 45 sqft, so if your kitchen is only 25 then you will be paying for far more material than you need).

Years back it used to be the other way around where Granite was more expensive than Quartz...the tables have turned... Fabricators can get raw slabs of Granite direct cheaper than man made Quartz such as suppliers Dupont, Caeserstone, Silestone...middlemen play a role here... However, Cambria and Avonite are still reasonable...

As another individual stated the fabricators play a role in cost as well... however in our area we supply Granite at $10-$14 cheaper a square foot than man made surfaces on average...I am talking full thickness Granite 1 1/2" not 3/4" RV Granite...

Man made and natural has pros and cons however, I prefer Granite... it has depth and does not look fake or plastic...

One thing about quartz that is a plus is some colors are available in extra large slabs. This enables the fabricator to have less seams. I agree that quartz is a good option for a modern style and is maintenance free. Hope that helps. Charmean Neithart

I like the finer grain look of quartz, however having lived with both granite and quartz, I do prefer the granite. Despite what people say, white quartz does stain, and it stains very easily. I know, I lived with it, tried very hard to be careful with it, but some stains can be permanent, and that looks way worse than blotchy stone. http://www.forevermarble.com/products_granite.html.