If you’re planning a kitchen remodel in Maryland, you’ve probably already figured out that choosing the right countertop is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. And if you’ve started researching, you’ve definitely seen the three big names: quartz, granite, and quartzite.
They sound similar, but they’re actually pretty different. Let’s break down what each one offers so you can figure out which one is the best fit for your Maryland home.
The Quick Verdict
Before we dive deep, here’s the short version:
- Choose quartz if you want the lowest maintenance option and a consistent look. No sealing, ever. It’s the top choice for busy Maryland families.
- Choose granite if you love natural stone with unique patterns and don’t mind a little annual upkeep.
- Choose quartzite if you want that gorgeous marble look but need something way more durable.
Quartz: The Low-Maintenance Champion
Quartz has basically taken over the Maryland market, and for good reason. It’s an engineered stone, made of about 90% ground quartz mixed with resins and pigments. That manufacturing process gives it some serious advantages.
The good stuff:
- It’s non-porous, so it won’t stain. Ever. Spill red wine, coffee, or tomato sauce, and it just wipes right up.
- No sealing required. Once it’s installed, you’re done.
- It comes in a huge range of colors and patterns, including ones that look just like marble.
- The pattern is consistent across the whole slab, so what you see in the showroom is exactly what you get.
The not-so-good stuff:
- It’s not as heat-resistant as granite, so use a trivet for hot pans.
- It can fade in direct sunlight, so it’s not great for kitchens with a lot of sun exposure.
- The seams are visible, which bothers some homeowners.
What it costs: In Maryland, expect to pay about $55 to $75 per square foot for entry-level quartz, $75 to $110 for mid-range, and $110 to $165 for high-end. For a typical 45-square-foot Maryland kitchen, that’s roughly $2,500 to $9,000 or more.
Who it’s best for: Busy families, anyone who hates maintenance, and people who want a clean, modern look. Honestly, about 8 out of 10 kitchen clients in Southern Maryland are choosing quartz these days.
Granite: The Natural Stone Classic
Granite is the original natural stone countertop. It’s been a top choice for decades, and it’s still a great option.
The good stuff:
- Every slab is completely unique. No two are exactly alike.
- It’s incredibly heat-resistant. You can set a hot pan directly on it without worry.
- It’s scratch-resistant and durable.
- It adds resale value to your home. Buyers love granite.
The not-so-good stuff:
- It’s porous, so you need to seal it regularly (usually once a year) to prevent staining.
- It requires more upkeep than quartz. You need the right cleaners and to stay on top of sealing.
- Darker colors can sometimes look a bit dated compared to lighter, more modern options.
What it costs: Entry-level granite runs about $55 to $75 per square foot, mid-range is $75 to $115, and high-end can hit $120 to $200 or more. Total cost for a standard kitchen is similar to quartz, landing between $2,500 and $9,000.
Who it’s best for: Homeowners who love natural stone, cooks who want to set hot pans down anywhere, and people who don’t mind a little annual maintenance.
Quartzite: The Best of Both Worlds
Quartzite is the newer kid on the block, and it’s getting really popular. It’s a natural stone that starts as sandstone and gets transformed by heat and pressure.
The good stuff:
- It has the gorgeous, veined look of marble but is much harder and more durable.
- It’s even harder than granite and won’t etch (dull or stain) when exposed to acidic liquids like lemon juice.
- It’s heat-resistant.
- It offers a unique, natural appearance that’s different from granite.
The not-so-good stuff:
- It needs regular sealing, like granite, to stay stain-resistant.
- It’s typically more expensive than granite.
- It’s harder to fabricate because of its density, which can make installation more challenging and expensive.
What it costs: Quartzite usually runs $80 to $150 per square foot. A full kitchen can easily cost $5,000 to $9,000 or more.
Who it’s best for: Homeowners who want the elegant look of marble but need something that can handle a busy kitchen without etching or staining.
Let’s Compare Them Side-by-Side
| Feature | Quartz | Granite | Quartzite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Engineered stone | Natural stone | Natural stone |
| Maintenance | None. No sealing | Annual sealing needed | Sealing needed |
| Stain Resistance | Excellent (non-porous) | Good (if sealed) | Good (if sealed) |
| Heat Resistance | Good (use a trivet) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Unique Pattern | No. Consistent | Yes. Each slab unique | Yes. Each slab unique |
| Scratch Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cost (Installed) | $55-$165/sq ft | $55-$200+/sq ft | $80-$150/sq ft |
| Water Resistance | Excellent | Good (if sealed) | Good (if sealed) |
What Maryland Homeowners Are Actually Choosing
Here’s what’s happening in the real world. In 2026, quartz is the clear winner across Maryland. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), 78% of industry professionals said they’d consider using quartz in their kitchen projects, compared to only 43% for granite. Granite has actually fallen to third place behind quartz and quartzite.
Why the shift? It comes down to a few things. The price gap between quartz and granite has shrunk a lot. Buyers today also see quartz as more modern and lower-maintenance. Granite hasn’t lost value; it’s just not the headline feature it used to be.
For flip properties and rentals, mid-tier quartz is often the smartest choice because it photographs well and doesn’t need sealing between tenants.
The Cabinet Discounters Difference
At Cabinet Discounters, we’ve been helping Maryland homeowners with their kitchen remodels since 1983. We know the local market and what works in Maryland homes.
We carry all three of these materials in our showrooms across Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. You can see full slabs in person at locations in Columbia, Gaithersburg, Annapolis, Olney, Mount Airy, Chantilly, and Springfield.
And here’s something that sets us apart: our own manufacturing division, Creative InCounters, custom-manufactures your countertops right here in Mount Airy, Maryland. That means we control the whole process from start to finish. No outsourcing. Just local craftsmanship.
Our team of designers will walk you through the pros and cons of each material, help you pick the right one for your lifestyle, and make sure the installation is done right.
So Which One Should You Choose?
The honest answer is: it depends on what matters most to you.
Pick quartz if:
- You want the lowest-maintenance option
- You want a consistent, predictable look
- Stain resistance is your top priority
- You don’t want to think about sealing or special cleaners
Choose granite if:
- You love the idea of a truly unique, one-of-a-kind surface
- You want the best heat resistance
- You don’t mind a little annual maintenance
- You like the natural stone look
Pick quartzite if:
- You want the look of marble without the etching problems
- You need extreme durability
- You’re okay with the higher cost
- You want something that feels premium and unique
Still not sure? That’s totally normal. The best way to decide is to visit a showroom and see these materials in person. Look at full slabs, touch them, and put them next to your cabinet samples. Talk to a designer who can help you weigh your options based on how you actually live in your kitchen.
We’d love to help you figure it out! Stop by one of our showrooms in Maryland, Virginia, or Delaware, and let’s find the perfect countertop for your kitchen.