Choosing the right countertop material is one of the biggest decisions in any kitchen renovation. In our 15+ years installing stone countertops across Cherry Hill and South Jersey, two materials come up in nearly every conversation: quartz and granite.
Both are excellent choices, but they have very different personalities. Here’s how to decide which one is right for your home.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops are engineered stone — natural quartz crystals (about 90-95%) combined with resins and pigments. The result is a non-porous, consistent surface that doesn’t need sealing.
Top brands like Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI Q offer hundreds of patterns, including beautiful Calacatta-style marble looks that are far more durable than real marble.
What is Granite?
Granite is 100% natural stone, quarried from mountains around the world. Every slab is unique — no two are identical. The natural mineral content creates beautiful patterns ranging from subtle to dramatic.
Granite needs sealing once a year to remain stain-resistant, but it handles heat better than nearly any other surface.
Quartz vs Granite: Side by Side
- Maintenance: Quartz wins — no sealing needed, just wipe with mild soap. Granite needs annual sealing.
- Heat resistance: Granite wins — you can place a hot pan directly on it. Quartz can scorch with extreme heat.
- Stain resistance: Quartz wins — completely non-porous. Granite can stain if unsealed.
- Appearance: Granite has natural variation; quartz has consistent, predictable patterns.
- Outdoor use: Granite wins — UV and weather resistant. Most quartz isn’t rated for outdoor kitchens.
- Bacteria resistance: Quartz wins — non-porous surface is naturally hygienic.
Which Should You Choose for Your New Jersey Home?
It comes down to lifestyle:
Choose quartz if: You have a busy family kitchen, want a predictable look, hate maintenance, or want a white/marble-look surface that won’t stain.
Choose granite if: You love natural materials, cook with high heat, want one-of-a-kind beauty, or are building an outdoor kitchen.
See Both in Person
Photos can’t capture the depth and character of either material. Visit our Cherry Hill, NJ showroom at 1641 E Marlton Pike to see 80+ quartz patterns and 50+ granite varieties in person. Our team will walk you through the pros and cons for your specific project.
Request an estimate today and we’ll bring samples to your home for a no-obligation consultation.