Is Quartz More Expensive Than Granite?

Does Quartz Cost More Than Granite?

At the Four Seasons Hotel in New York City, guests can choose from 365 luxurious rooms, but only one penthouse features green bowenite, an exotic type of granite usually imported from Spain or South Africa. Granite and marble are often associated with luxury hotels and upscale real estate, but quartz is increasingly being found in this segment as well.For example, Andre Romelle Young, the hip-hop mogul popularly known as Dr. Dre, recently purchased a Southern California mansion for $2.5 million, complete with an impressive design featuring quartz countertops. Both quartz and granite are competing for the attention of homeowners and interior designers, and this competition is to the benefit of buyers. There was a time when quartz was generally more expensive than granite, but that’s no longer the case in various situations. Here’s what you need to know about quartz and granite pricing in 2019.

The Global Trade War Affects Engineered Stone Prices

In mid-2019, trade representatives in the District of Columbia determined that quartz imports from China, particularly slabs installed on premanufactured kitchen and bathroom counters, have a negative impact on American manufacturers of engineered stone. This determination resulted in the imposition of import tariffs, which could be interpreted as quartz becoming more expensive, but this doesn’t take into consideration microeconomic factors such as brand competition.

The Global Trade War Also Affects Granite

China isn’t only a major producer of engineered stone. The Fujian region, which is located along the Taiwan Strait, is home to many quarries where blocks of dark granite are extracted, cut, and finished at very reasonable prices. A few years ago, environmental concerns resulted in the closure of several quarries, but this didn’t have an effect on pricing, at least not until the trade war between the United States and China started in 2018. Industry estimates suggest that if the pace of the trade war continues, the cost of installing exotic granite could increase to $200 per square foot at some point in 2020.

Current Competition in the North American Quartz Market

The websites of major home improvement stores where you can get estimates for quartz countertop installations are showing average costs of $68 per square foot in 2019, which is about $10 more than granite. However, this doesn’t take into account specific brands or types of quartz. Some quartz manufacturers are seeing higher demand for high-quality quartz, but this doesn’t automatically translate into higher prices because other brands are now able to directly compete against Chinese quartz, which is no longer as affordable as it used to be. Manufacturers in the Black Hills region of South Dakota are seeing an opportunity to compete against established quartz brands by offering lower prices.

Quartz and Granite Cost About the Same

Depending on the origin of granite and the quality of quartz you’re looking for, you’re bound to find a middle ground in terms of pricing. Keep in mind that nothing is certain with the current global trade war. The situation could change even before the 2020 election, but the bottom line is that the range of quartz and granite prices currently benefits buyers.

Whether you decide granite or quartz is the right choice for you, it’s vital to care for both properly, which includes regular cleaning. For granite, you can use Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®, and you can use a quartz cleaner such as Granite Gold Quartz Brite® for quartz.

If you have questions about caring for quartz or granite (or other types of natural stone such as marble and slate), get in touch with Granite Gold® at 1-800-475-STONE (7866). Also, like our Facebook page for regular tips and tricks on stone and quartz maintenance.