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Updated April 2026 | An honest comparison from Buffalo’s trusted countertop professionals
Choosing between quartz and granite countertops is one of the biggest decisions Buffalo homeowners face when upgrading their kitchen. Both are excellent materials that will last decades, but they serve different lifestyles and preferences. This guide gives you an honest, side-by-side comparison so you can make the right choice for your home.
Photo: Quartz (left) vs granite (right) countertop samples. [Gene and Roxanne — replace with a real comparison photo from your showroom!]
Granite Countertops: Natural Beauty, One of a Kind
Granite is quarried natural stone that has been formed over millions of years deep within the earth. No two granite slabs are exactly alike, which means your countertop is literally a one-of-a-kind piece of natural art. This uniqueness is what draws many Buffalo homeowners to granite — you cannot replicate the depth, movement, and character of natural stone with any engineered product.
Granite Pros
- Heat resistant: You can set a hot pan directly on granite without damaging the surface. This is a major advantage for serious home cooks.
- Unique patterns: Every slab has its own veining, flecks, and color variations. When you visit our slab yard to pick your stone, you are choosing something no one else in the world has.
- Incredibly durable: Granite is one of the hardest natural stones. It resists scratches from knives and everyday kitchen wear.
- Adds home value: Real estate agents consistently report that granite countertops are a top selling feature in the Buffalo housing market.
- Wide price range: From affordable standard colors to exotic imported slabs, there is a granite option for nearly every budget.
Granite Cons
- Requires sealing: Granite is porous and needs to be sealed once or twice a year to prevent stains from absorbing into the stone. This is a simple 15-minute DIY task, but it is an ongoing maintenance requirement.
- Can chip on edges: While the surface is very hard, the edges of granite can chip if hit with heavy objects. Choosing a rounded edge profile reduces this risk.
- Limited consistency: Because every slab is different, it can be harder to match granite if you need a replacement piece or are doing a phased renovation.
Quartz Countertops: Engineered for Modern Living
Quartz countertops are engineered from approximately 93% ground natural quartz crystals bound with 7% polymer resin and pigments. The manufacturing process creates a surface that combines the beauty of natural stone with the performance benefits of modern engineering. According to the Consumer Reports countertop buying guide, quartz consistently rates among the top materials for durability and low maintenance.
Quartz Pros
- Zero maintenance: Quartz never needs sealing. The non-porous surface resists stains, bacteria, and mold without any treatment. Just clean with soap and water.
- Consistent colors: Because quartz is manufactured, you can get exactly the color and pattern you want, and it will be consistent across multiple slabs. This is ideal for large kitchens or matching across rooms.
- Extremely hard and durable: Quartz rates 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it resistant to scratches and chips from everyday kitchen use.
- Hygienic: The non-porous surface does not harbor bacteria or viruses, making quartz an excellent choice for families with young children.
- Huge variety: Quartz comes in hundreds of colors and patterns, including designs that convincingly mimic the look of Carrara marble, concrete, and other natural stones.
Quartz Cons
- Not heat resistant: Resin in quartz can discolor or crack under extreme heat. Always use trivets or hot pads — never place a hot pan directly on quartz.
- Can look manufactured: Despite improvements, some quartz patterns still have a uniform look that keen eyes can distinguish from natural stone.
- Not UV resistant: Prolonged direct sunlight can cause some quartz colors to fade over time. This is generally not an issue for indoor kitchens but matters for outdoor installations.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Granite | Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% natural stone | 93% natural quartz + 7% resin |
| Sealing required | Yes, 1-2x per year | No, never |
| Heat resistance | Excellent | Moderate (use trivets) |
| Scratch resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Stain resistance | Good (when sealed) | Excellent |
| Uniqueness | Every slab is one-of-a-kind | Consistent, repeatable patterns |
| Color options | Hundreds (natural) | Hundreds (manufactured) |
| Price range (Buffalo) | $45-$90/sq ft installed | $55-$100/sq ft installed |
| Best for | Homeowners who love natural stone | Busy families wanting zero maintenance |
Price Comparison in the Buffalo Market
In the greater Buffalo area including Amherst, Cheektowaga, West Seneca, and Tonawanda, both granite and quartz typically range from $45 to $100 per square foot installed. The final price depends on the specific stone color, edge profile, number of cutouts, and total square footage.
For a typical Buffalo kitchen with 35 to 50 square feet of countertop area, expect to invest $2,000 to $5,000 for either material. Premium exotic granites and designer quartz patterns like Calacatta can cost more. For a complete cost breakdown, see our 2026 Buffalo Countertop Pricing Guide.
Which Should You Choose?
There is genuinely no wrong answer here. Both materials will give you a beautiful, durable countertop that lasts decades. Here is our recommendation based on 20+ years of installing countertops in Buffalo homes:
Choose granite if:
- You love the look and feel of natural stone
- You want a countertop that is truly unique
- You cook frequently and want to set hot pans down without thinking
- You do not mind spending 15 minutes once a year to seal the surface
Choose quartz if:
- You want absolutely zero maintenance
- You have a busy household with kids
- You prefer consistent colors that match across a large kitchen or multiple rooms
- Food safety and hygiene are top priorities
See Both Materials in Person
The best way to decide is to see and touch both materials yourself. Empire Custom Countertops brings samples directly to your home so you can compare granite and quartz in your own kitchen lighting. We will show you options at every price point and give you an honest recommendation based on your lifestyle and budget — not based on what gives us the biggest margin.
Call us today at 716-474-4761 or request a free consultation. We serve all of Buffalo, Amherst, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, East Aurora, and Western New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quartz or granite better for a kitchen?
Both are excellent for kitchens. Granite is better if you want natural stone beauty, one-of-a-kind patterns, and the ability to set hot pans down without worry. Quartz is better if you want zero maintenance, consistent colors, and a non-porous surface that never needs sealing. Most Buffalo homeowners are happy with either choice.
Which is more expensive, quartz or granite?
Quartz is slightly more expensive on average. In the Buffalo market, granite runs 5-0 per square foot installed while quartz runs 5-00 per square foot. However, the ranges overlap significantly, and quartz saves money long-term because it never requires sealing products or maintenance.
Do granite countertops stain easily?
Properly sealed granite resists stains well. Granite should be sealed once or twice a year — a simple 15-minute process. Without sealing, granite can absorb liquids like wine, coffee, and cooking oil. With regular sealing, stains are rarely an issue for most homeowners.
Can I cut directly on quartz or granite countertops?
You can, but we do not recommend it. Both surfaces are harder than most knives, so cutting directly on the countertop will dull your knives rather than scratch the stone. Always use a cutting board to protect your knives.
