Granite stays in good shape with a yearly reseal against oil, wine and everyday marks, a small job that's easy to keep on top of. Quartz needs nothing more than warm soapy water and a cloth to stay looking new. Busy households and commercial kitchens often prefer quartz for that lower maintenance, while other customers stick with granite simply because they prefer the natural stone finish. Either option should easily outlast the kitchen it's fitted into, with the right basic care.

