Quartz vs Granite Countertops: What Northern Virginia and West Virginia Homeowners Really Think

Choosing between quartz and granite countertops can feel overwhelming. You want something beautiful, durable, and worth your money. If you’re in Northern Virginia or West Virginia, you’re probably wondering which material works best for local homes.

Here’s the good news: Both materials make homeowners happy. Our customer reviews show nearly identical satisfaction rates—about 56-57% positive sentiment for both quartz and granite. But there are key differences you should know before making your choice.

The Real Difference: Staining and Daily Use

Both materials are strong and last for years. But here’s what sets them apart:

Quartz countertops have fewer staining complaints. This matters if you cook often, spill red wine, or have a busy household. Quartz is engineered stone—made from natural quartz mixed with resin. This means it’s non-porous and resists stains naturally.

Granite is natural stone cut directly from the earth. It’s porous, which means liquids can seep in if it’s not sealed properly. One homeowner from our Sterling location shared: “The countertops look amazing. The fabrication is incredible—the seams are practically invisible.” But they also mentioned being careful about spills.

The takeaway? If you want less worry about staining, quartz wins. If you love the authentic look of natural stone and don’t mind a bit more care, granite is beautiful.

Get a free estimate today to see which option fits your kitchen best.

Maintenance: Sealing Makes the Difference

Here’s where granite requires extra attention. Granite needs sealing to protect against stains and bacteria. Most granite countertops need resealing every 1-2 years, depending on the type and how much you use your kitchen.

Quartz? No sealing needed. Ever. The resin in quartz makes it completely sealed from day one. Just wipe it with soap and water. That’s it.

A Martinsburg customer told us: “The installation team did a beautiful job. I love our new countertops!” When we followed up, they mentioned how easy maintenance has been with their quartz countertops.

This doesn’t mean granite is hard to maintain. It just needs that extra step. If you prefer low-maintenance surfaces, quartz saves time and effort.

Cost Analysis: What You’ll Really Pay

Let’s talk money. Pricing depends on the material quality, color, edge style, and your kitchen size.

Right now, Craft Countertops has limited-time granite pricing starting at $1599. This includes fabrication and installation—everything you need for a complete project. We also offer package deals on popular granite colors like Luna Pearl, Uba Tuba, and Steel Grey.

Important note: These prices may change. They’re part of a temporary promotion. Always consult with our team for current pricing when you’re ready to start your project.

Quartz typically costs slightly more than granite—usually $10-30 more per square foot. But remember: You save money long-term because quartz doesn’t need sealing products or professional resealing services.

Here’s a simple cost breakdown:

Granite:

Initial cost: Generally lower
Ongoing costs: Sealing every 1-2 years
Total lifetime cost: Moderate

Quartz:

Initial cost: Slightly higher
Ongoing costs: None
Total lifetime cost: Lower maintenance expenses

One Sterling homeowner said: “Pricing was reasonable too. Our countertops and waterfall island in the kitchen look amazing and we are grateful.”

What Northern Virginia and West Virginia Homeowners Prefer

We’ve installed countertops in hundreds of homes across Sterling, Martinsburg, and surrounding areas. Here’s what we’re seeing:

Modern homes lean toward quartz. Younger homeowners with busy lifestyles love the easy maintenance. They want kitchens that look great without extra work.

Traditional homes often choose granite. If you’re renovating a historic home or want that authentic natural stone look, granite countertops offer unique patterns you can’t get anywhere else.

A happy customer from our Martinsburg showroom shared: “We had our kitchen renovation done and the countertop job was well done. I will recommend them.” They chose granite for their traditional farmhouse-style kitchen.

Durability: Chips, Cracks, and Heat

Both materials are tough. But they handle stress differently.

Granite is heat-resistant. You can put hot pans directly on it (though we still recommend trivets). It’s also hard to scratch. However, granite can chip at the edges if you drop something heavy.

Quartz resists scratches and is hard to chip. But it’s not as heat-resistant as granite. Always use trivets or hot pads with quartz. The resin can discolor or crack from extreme heat.

One customer mentioned: “The team measured and installed in one day with zero issues. Clean work, fair pricing, and quality countertops.” This was for a marble alternative project, but the same careful installation applies to all our materials.

Installation: What to Expect

Professional installation matters. Here’s why both materials need expert handling:

Granite slabs are heavy and natural. Each piece is unique, so your installer needs to plan the layout carefully. Seams should match the pattern. A Martinsburg customer said: “The installers were experts in their craft. Everything was done quickly and done well.”

Quartz requires precision cutting. Because it’s engineered, patterns can repeat. Good installers match these patterns at seams. As one review noted: “The craftsmanship is absolutely top-notch—those seams are practically invisible.”

At Craft Countertops, we handle everything from measurement to installation. Our team has over 30 years of experience. We work in both our Sterling, VA and Martinsburg, WV locations, serving all of Northern Virginia and West Virginia.

Schedule a free consultation and visit our showroom to see samples in person.

Color and Style Options

Granite offers completely unique patterns. No two slabs are identical. You’ll find options from subtle grays to dramatic blacks with gold veining. Popular choices in our area include:

Luna Pearl (light gray with sparkle)
Uba Tuba (deep green with gold flecks)
Steel Grey (consistent gray with minimal pattern)

Check out our granite countertop colors to see what’s in stock.

Quartz offers more consistency. If you need multiple slabs for a large kitchen, they’ll match perfectly. Quartz also comes in solid colors and patterns that mimic natural stone—even styles that look like marble.

Making Your Decision

Here’s a quick guide:

Choose Granite if you:

Want authentic natural stone
Love unique, one-of-a-kind patterns
Don’t mind occasional sealing
Place hot pots and pans often
Prefer traditional kitchen styles

Choose Quartz if you:

Want easy, no-maintenance countertops
Need consistent color across large spaces
Worry about staining
Have a busy household
Prefer modern kitchen designs

A customer perfectly summed it up: “The entire experience was amazing from start to finish. The team was wonderful throughout the entire process.” This applies whether you choose granite or quartz—what matters most is working with experienced professionals.

Next Steps: Visit Our Showrooms

The best way to decide? See and touch both materials in person. Visit our showrooms in:

Sterling, VA Location

Address: 14 Bryant Ct Suite C, Sterling, VA 20166
Phone: (571) 554-8844
Serving Northern Virginia and surrounding areas
Get directions

Martinsburg, WV Location

Address: 718 Foxcroft Ave, Martinsburg, WV 25401
Located at North Mall Plaza
Phone: (304) 901-5161
Serving West Virginia and the tri-state area
Get directions

Bring photos of your kitchen. Our team will help you pick the perfect material, color, and edge style. We’ll measure your space and give you an accurate quote—no surprises.

[Image 5: Craft Countertops showroom with granite and quartz samples] Alt text: Craft Countertops showroom displaying quartz and granite samples in Sterling Virginia

Get Started Today

Both quartz and granite make beautiful, durable countertops. Northern Virginia and West Virginia homeowners love both options. Your choice comes down to lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and style.

Remember: Our current pricing is part of a limited-time promotion. Contact us to confirm today’s prices and available colors.

Ready to transform your kitchen? Call our Sterling location at (571) 554-8844 or our Martinsburg location at (304) 901-5161. You can also visit either showroom to see our full selection.

Our customers say it best: “I highly recommend Craft Countertops. The staff are all knowledgeable and personable and the installation was beautiful.”

Get your free estimate now and start your countertop project with confidence.