Coastal

Stone & Cabinetry

Crafting Your Vision Into Reality

Granite Countertops vs. Quartz

When it comes to choosing countertops, granite and quartz are two of the most popular options for homeowners. Both offer durability, beauty and long-term value, but they come with key differences that could make one a better fit for your space. If you’re searching for “granite countertops near me” or comparing quartz options, this guide will help you make the right choice based on your needs, style and lifestyle.

Let’s break down how granite and quartz stack up when it comes to appearance, performance and maintenance.

Appearance & Style

Granite:
Granite is a 100% natural stone, quarried directly from the earth and cut into slabs. Each piece is unique, with natural veining, patterns and color variations. If you love organic movement and one-of-a-kind designs, granite offers a bold, timeless look.

Offers natural variation in color and pattern
Ideal for traditional, rustic or high-end custom kitchens
No two slabs are the same

Quartz:
Quartz countertops are engineered using crushed natural quartz mixed with resin. This allows for more controlled colors, consistency and pattern. Quartz is available in a wide variety of hues, including marble-look and concrete-inspired styles.

More uniform in color and pattern
Great for modern, minimalist or contemporary spaces
Can mimic marble or natural stone without the maintenance

Durability & Performance

Granite:
Granite is incredibly strong and resistant to heat, making it a great option for high-use kitchens. However, because it’s porous, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining or bacteria buildup.

Heat- and scratch-resistant
Porous—requires sealing
Naturally durable, long-lasting

Quartz:
Quartz is non-porous, meaning it doesn’t need to be sealed and is resistant to stains and bacteria. It’s extremely hard, though it can be sensitive to high heat and should not be used with hot pans directly on the surface.

Non-porous—no sealing required
Stain- and bacteria-resistant
Less heat-resistant than granite

Maintenance & Care

Granite:

Seal once a year to maintain protection
Clean with mild soap and water or stone-safe cleaner
Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners

Quartz:

Wipe with a damp cloth and mild cleaner
No sealing or polishing needed
Avoid harsh chemicals and direct heat

Looking for help maintaining your countertops? Check out our FAQs or ask one of our consultants in our Fairhope showroom.

We Take Great Pride In Our Commitment
To Customer Satisfaction

Generally, I do not write reviews, but Coastal Stone & Cabinetry did such an AWESOME job, I had to! From the moment I walked in the door of their showroom, I was greeted by a very knowledgeable individual. He listened to me regarding my vision for a built in TV/storage/office space for the master bedroom. Within a day, he had emailed me several design ideas for the space. Within a few days I had the final design plan. He took care of every detail of ordering and scheduling the project. All of the employees that took measurements and completed the installation showed up on time; were professional and easy to work with. I only wish I could post the before and after pictures of the project.

I can highly recommend Coastal Stone. Staff are professional, knowledgeable and very willing to spend the time needed to help you make your buying decisions. Craftsmen take pride in the work they do in your home. I was pleased from the beginning to the end of my project. You can buy with confidence from this company. Stephanie Hale was fantastic to work with. She helped me achieve the results I wanted within my budget. I love my new kitchen!

This was one of the most professional experiences I have had recently in sales. Nick was knowledgeable, very helpful with suggestions, and followed up promptly. The installation was flawless. These guys were on time, experienced, and completely cleaned up after installation. We are completely satisfied, and will highly recommend your company in the future. It is quite refreshing in today’s business climate to see that the customer truly does come first!

This business was a pleasure to work with every step of the way. They were dependable, punctual and reasonably priced. Give them a chance and you won't be disappointed!!

We enjoyed our experience with this company. All the staff were very helpful and polite. They helped me find exactly what I was looking for in a granite. Measurements taken were exact, so installation went smoothly without a hitch, and was done in a timely manner. They've been in for 6 months and are still stunning. We love them.

Beautiful showroom with quality products. A great place to purchase cabinets, counter-tops and tile. Staff is great to deal with.

Your Countertop & Cabinetry Dreams Are Here!

Ready to transform your home? Request a showroom appointment today. Our team of experts will guide you through the entire process, from initial concepts to the final installation. Let us bring your vision to life and create the home of your dreams.