Homeowner's Guide

Countertop Costs & Material Comparison

Granite, quartz, or marble? We break down real prices per square foot, durability, and maintenance so you can choose with confidence for your Greater LA or Inland Empire remodel.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Material	Price / sq ft	Durability	Maintenance	Heat Tolerance	Best For
Granite	$45 – $120	Excellent	Seal yearly	Very high	Busy kitchens, bold statements
Quartz	$55 – $140	Outstanding	None required	Moderate (use trivets)	Low-maintenance homes, modern design
Marble	$60 – $180	Good (softer)	Seal every 6 months	High	Bathrooms, baking stations, show kitchens

Prices include material and standard fabrication for the Greater Los Angeles & Inland Empire markets. Installation quoted separately.

Natural, rugged beauty

Granite

$45 – $120 / sq ft

Granite is a 100% natural stone quarried from the earth — no two slabs are alike. It's incredibly hard and resists scratches and heat, making it ideal for busy kitchens.

Maintenance: Reseal once per year. Clean with pH-neutral stone cleaner.

Durability: Excellent scratch and heat resistance. Can chip on sharp impacts.

Pros

✓Unique natural patterns
✓High heat tolerance
✓Adds resale value

Cons

—Porous — requires sealing
—Heavy — needs sturdy cabinets
—Limited color consistency

Engineered for modern living

Quartz

$55 – $140 / sq ft

Quartz countertops are engineered from crushed quartz crystal mixed with resin and pigments. The result is a non-porous, ultra-durable surface with consistent color and pattern.

Maintenance: Virtually zero — just soap and water.

Durability: Outstanding scratch resistance. Avoid excessive heat (always use trivets).

Pros

✓Non-porous & hygienic
✓No sealing ever
✓Wide color range
✓Uniform appearance

Cons

—Moderate heat sensitivity
—Less 'organic' character
—Resin can discolor in direct sun

Timeless luxury

Marble

$60 – $180 / sq ft

Marble has been the signature of luxury design for centuries. Its distinctive veining and soft, luminous surface make it the top choice for statement bathrooms and elegant kitchens.

Maintenance: Seal every 6 months. Wipe acidic spills immediately.

Durability: Softer than granite/quartz — will develop a patina over time.

Pros

✓Unmatched elegance
✓Naturally cool — great for baking
✓Increases home value

Cons

—Prone to etching & staining
—Higher maintenance
—Premium price point

What Homeowners in Greater LA Pay

Budget Range$45 – $75 / sq ft

Standard slabs, basic edges, straightforward layouts.

Granite (Level 1), select Quartz lines

Mid-Range$75 – $120 / sq ft

Premium slabs, custom edges, undermount sink cutouts.

Granite (Level 2-3), Quartz (designer collections), Marble (Carrara)

High-End$120 – $180 / sq ft

Exotic stones, waterfall edges, full backsplashes.

Exotic Granite, Calacatta Marble, Porcelain ultra-compact

Installation Add-On+$800 – $3,500

Removal, plumbing reconnect, tile backsplash.

Depends on scope & kitchen size

These ranges reflect material + fabrication for a typical kitchen (40–55 sq ft of countertop) in the Greater Los Angeles, Inland Empire, and San Bernardino County markets. Every project is templated on-site for a precise fit — no guesswork.

Which Stone Is Right for You?

You cook daily and want zero maintenance

Quartz — wipe it down and move on.

You want a one-of-a-kind kitchen with natural character

Granite — every slab is unique.

You're designing a luxury bathroom or statement island

Marble — nothing else looks like it.

You have young kids and need durability above all

Quartz or Granite — both handle heavy use.

You love to bake and need a cool work surface

Marble — stays naturally cool for dough and pastry.

Next Step

Get a Free, On-Site Estimate

We measure, template, and quote your project in person — no obligation. Serving homeowners across Greater Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and San Bernardino County.

Call 626-498-4409 →Request a Quote