With granite, a yearly reseal is all it takes to keep oil, wine and everyday spills from leaving marks, and it's a quick job once you know how. Quartz skips that step entirely, staying low maintenance with just warm water and a cloth. If you're running a busy household or a commercial kitchen, that difference can matter, though plenty of people still choose granite for the natural finish alone. Either option should easily outlast the kitchen it's fitted into, with the right basic care.

