If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel in Greenville, TN or the surrounding East Tennessee area, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing the right countertop material. Among the top contenders? Quartz and granite. Both are stunning, durable, and wildly popular—but they offer very different benefits.
At OCH Interiors, we help clients every day weigh the pros and cons of quartz vs. granite. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to help you choose the perfect surface for your home’s unique style and needs.
1. What Is Quartz?
Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces made from natural quartz crystals mixed with resin and pigments. The result is a non-porous, durable, and highly customizable surface that mimics the beauty of natural stone.
✅ Key Features of Quartz:
- Consistent patterns and color
- Wide range of styles, from marble-look to modern solids
- Non-porous: resists stains, bacteria, and water damage
- No sealing required
Best for: Busy kitchens, families, and homeowners who want low-maintenance elegance
2. What Is Granite?
Granite is a 100% natural stone cut from quarries and polished for use as countertops. Every slab is one-of-a-kind, with natural veining, speckles, and depth.
✅ Key Features of Granite:
- Unique, natural beauty
- Heat-resistant and very hard
- Adds long-term value to your home
- Needs periodic sealing to prevent stains
Best for: Homeowners who love natural texture, variation, and timeless appeal
3. Durability: How Do They Hold Up?
Quartz:
- Extremely strong and chip-resistant
- Doesn’t require sealing
- Resists stains from wine, coffee, oils, etc.
- Less tolerant of high heat (use trivets for hot pans)
Granite:
- Naturally tough and heat-resistant
- Can chip or stain if not sealed properly
- More tolerant of direct heat
- Slightly more porous, especially with lighter colors
Winner: Tie — Both are durable, but quartz is more maintenance-free; granite is more heat-resistant.
4. Style & Appearance
Quartz:
- Sleek, uniform look
- Great for modern, transitional, and Scandinavian designs
- Easily mimics marble or concrete styles
Granite:
- Rich with natural variation
- Every slab is unique
- Ideal for rustic, traditional, or luxurious spaces
Local Tip: In Greenville homes, we often see quartz used in bright, open-concept kitchens, while granite adds character to cozy cottages and traditional builds.
5. Maintenance & Cleaning
Quartz:
- Wipe with mild soap and water
- No sealing, polishing, or resealing
- Non-porous surface keeps germs out
Granite:
- Needs to be sealed annually
- Avoid harsh chemicals
- Clean with pH-neutral stone cleaner
Winner: Quartz takes the crown for ease of care.
6. Cost Comparison
While pricing can vary based on slab size, color, and edge profiles, here’s a general breakdown:
- Quartz: $70–$110 per square foot (installed)
- Granite: $60–$100 per square foot (installed)
Factors like custom fabrication, sink cutouts, and backsplashes will affect final cost.
Important: Granite can sometimes be more cost-effective for large kitchens depending on availability.
7. Environmental Impact
Quartz:
- Engineered using resins and manufactured processes
- Often contains recycled materials
- More controlled sourcing
Granite:
- Mined from quarries (natural resource)
- May require long-distance shipping
- Less eco-friendly depending on source
Tip: Ask OCH Interiors about local or sustainable stone options when designing your countertops.
8. Resale Value & Longevity
Both quartz and granite add value to your home, but the impact depends on your buyer demographic.
- Quartz appeals to younger, modern buyers looking for sleek, low-maintenance surfaces
- Granite is seen as a premium feature in traditional and high-end homes
Bottom line: Both are solid long-term investments if maintained properly.
Our Take: Which Should You Choose?
The right countertop comes down to your priorities:
| Feature | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Low Maintenance | Quartz |
| Heat Resistance | Granite |
| Modern Look | Quartz |
| Natural Beauty | Granite |
| Custom Colors | Quartz |
| One-of-a-Kind | Granite |
Still unsure? Our designers at OCH Interiors in Greenville, TN are here to help. We’ll guide you through samples, match styles to your space, and handle everything from design to installation.
Let’s Plan Your Dream Space
Whether you lean toward the clean elegance of quartz or the natural charm of granite, you can’t go wrong with a professionally designed and installed countertop from OCH Interiors.
👉 Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve Greenville, TN, and all of East Tennessee.
