The Short Answer
Quartz is the better choice for most Philadelphia kitchens. It costs about the same as mid-grade granite, never needs sealing, and resists stains. Granite still wins on heat resistance, natural pattern, and price for entry-level slabs. Here is a full side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right countertop for your Philadelphia kitchen remodel.
How Quartz and Granite Compare
Quartz and granite are the two most popular countertop materials in Philadelphia kitchens. They look similar from across the room but behave very differently.
Material
Granite is 100% natural stone cut from a quarry. Each slab has unique veining, color variation, and movement. Quartz is engineered, 90% to 95% ground natural quartz mineral bound with 5% to 10% resin and color pigment. The result is a consistent pattern that does not vary slab to slab.
Cost
Granite costs $40 to $100 per square foot installed in Philadelphia. Quartz costs $55 to $120 per square foot installed. For a standard 30 square foot kitchen counter, that is $1,200 to $3,000 for granite and $1,650 to $3,600 for quartz. High-end slabs of either material push past $200 per square foot.
Durability
Quartz is harder than granite on the Mohs hardness scale (7 vs 6 to 7). It does not chip, scratch, or crack under daily use. Granite is also very hard but is more brittle on thin edges and corners. Both materials handle a 20-pound stand mixer landing on the counter without damage.
Heat Resistance
Granite is the winner here. You can set a hot pan directly on a granite counter with no damage. Quartz can scorch or discolor when exposed to temperatures above 300 degrees because the resin binder melts. Always use a trivet on quartz.
Stain Resistance
Quartz is non-porous, so spills do not soak in. Red wine, coffee, beet juice, and turmeric wipe off with a damp cloth. Granite is porous and stains over time if it is not sealed. Modern sealers last 5 to 10 years.
Maintenance
Quartz needs zero maintenance. Wipe with soap and water. Granite needs sealing every 5 to 10 years, plus daily wipe-down with a stone-safe cleaner.
Cost Breakdown for a 30 Square Foot Counter
A typical Philadelphia kitchen has 30 to 40 square feet of countertop. Here is what each material runs installed, based on HomeAdvisor’s 2026 countertop data and our last 200 quartz and granite installs.
Granite Cost
Entry-level slabs (Tan Brown, Uba Tuba) cost $40 to $55 per square foot installed. Mid-grade slabs (Black Galaxy, Santa Cecilia) cost $55 to $75 per square foot. Premium slabs (Blue Bahia, Typhoon Bordeaux) cost $80 to $150 per square foot. Total for a 30 square foot counter: $1,200 to $4,500.
Quartz Cost
Entry-level quartz (Caesarstone basics) costs $55 to $70 per square foot. Mid-grade (Cambria, Silestone) costs $70 to $100 per square foot. Premium quartz (Cambria Brittanicca, Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold) costs $100 to $150 per square foot. Total for a 30 square foot counter: $1,650 to $4,500.
Hidden Costs
Edge profiles, cutouts, and overhangs add to both materials. A bullnose or eased edge is usually included. A waterfall edge adds $30 to $60 per linear foot. Each sink cutout adds $100 to $200. Each appliance cutout adds $50 to $100.
For more on countertop pricing, see our guide to new countertop costs.
What Philadelphia Homeowners Pick Most Often
70% of our Philadelphia kitchen clients pick quartz. The main reasons are the zero-maintenance routine, the modern look, and the consistent pattern. Quartz works in any kitchen style, from a Center City modern condo to a Chestnut Hill traditional home.
Granite still wins about 25% of our jobs. Homeowners who love a natural stone, who entertain often with hot pans, or who want a one-of-a-kind look pick granite. The other 5% pick butcher block, marble, or solid surface.
We worked with a homeowner in Roxborough who wanted granite but was worried about staining. We picked a leathered finish black granite that does not show coffee or wine spills. Three years later she still loves it. Her sister picked Cambria quartz for her Manayunk kitchen the next year. Both kitchens have aged well.
Quartz also has the longer warranty. Most quartz manufacturers offer 10 to 15 year residential warranties. Most granite slabs come with the installer’s 1-year workmanship warranty only. For a kitchen that has to last 15 to 20 years before the next remodel, the longer warranty matters.
See our full quartz countertop installation service and granite countertop installation service for material samples and project galleries.
Which Should You Pick?
Pick quartz if you want low maintenance, a consistent pattern, modern color choices, and zero sealing. Quartz is the right answer for a family kitchen with kids, for an entertaining kitchen with frequent spills, and for a resale-focused remodel where the next owner wants no fuss.
Pick granite if you love unique natural patterns, want heat resistance for serious cooking, prefer a traditional or rustic kitchen style, or have a tight budget at the entry-level. Granite is also the right answer for an outdoor kitchen since some quartz brands lose color in direct sunlight.
Pick something else if both materials feel wrong. Butcher block costs $40 to $90 per square foot installed and brings warmth. Quartzite costs $80 to $150 per square foot and combines granite’s heat resistance with quartz-like patterns. Soapstone costs $70 to $120 per square foot and ages into a beautiful patina.
For more on countertop choices, see our guide on what adds the most value to a kitchen remodel and our best vanity countertop guide for material crossovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both add similar value. Quartz appeals to a wider buyer pool because of its modern look and zero maintenance. Granite still appeals to traditional buyers and homes in established Philadelphia neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, and the Main Line. Either material recovers about 70% to 80% of its cost at resale.
No. Quartz can scorch or discolor when exposed to temperatures above 300 degrees because the resin binder melts. Always use a trivet or hot pad. Granite handles direct heat with no damage.
Sealed granite resists stains for 5 to 10 years. Unsealed or under-sealed granite can stain from red wine, oil, coffee, or turmeric. We seal every granite install in Philadelphia and recommend re-sealing every 5 years. A water-bead test tells you when it is time to re-seal.
Get a Free Kitchen Remodel Estimate
Showcase Remodels has been remodeling kitchens in Philadelphia since 2002. With 60 full-time employees and over 270 five-star reviews, we deliver quality work on time and on budget. Schedule a free design consultation to get a detailed estimate for your project.
