Thinking about giving your kitchen or bathroom a serious glow-up? For many Orlando homeowners, new countertops are where the transformation really starts. The right surface changes how your space looks, feels, and even how easy it is to live with day to day.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about quartz and granite countertops in Orlando —costs, pros and cons, design ideas, maintenance, and the best ways to shop locally—so you can make confident decisions before you sign a single contract.
Quartz vs. Granite: Quick Overview
Before we go deep on pricing, design, and maintenance, it helps to understand what you’re actually choosing between.
What Is Granite?
Granite is a natural stone quarried from the earth, cut into slabs, and polished. Each slab is completely unique, with its own veining, mineral patterns, and movement. If you love natural variation and one-of-a-kind character, granite countertops Orlando are a strong contender.
Key traits of granite:
- 100% natural stone
- Highly heat resistant
- Needs periodic sealing to protect against stains
- Wide range of colors and patterns, from subtle to dramatic
- Great choice for both indoor and some outdoor kitchens
What Is Quartz?
Quartz countertops are engineered stone. They’re made from ground natural quartz mixed with resins and pigments, then molded into slabs under heat and pressure. The result is a very durable, non-porous surface.
Key traits of quartz:
- Engineered stone (around 90–95% ground quartz + resins)
- Non-porous and highly stain resistant
- No sealing required
- Available in very consistent colors and patterns
- Great for busy kitchens and bathrooms that need easy upkeep
If you want the look of marble without the drama of marble-level maintenance, quartz countertops Orlando are often the go-to.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
Quartz is wildly popular in both kitchen countertops Orlando and bathroom countertops Orlando projects because it delivers a modern look with minimal hassle. Still, no material is perfect.
Pros of Quartz
- Low maintenance: No sealing, no special stone cleaners required. Just wipe with mild soap and water.
- Stain resistant: Because quartz is non-porous, it resists stains from coffee, wine, juice, and everyday spills.
- Consistent look: Great if you want a clean, uniform style or are trying to match multiple slabs on a big island and perimeter.
- Huge variety of styles: From solid whites and charcoals to marble-look veining and concrete styles, there’s a quartz for almost any design vision.
- Durable and hard: Resists chipping and scratching under normal household use.
Cons of Quartz
- Not as heat tolerant as granite: You should use trivets and hot pads—setting a red-hot pan directly on quartz can cause discoloration or cracking.
- Not ideal for direct sun: In outdoor or sun-soaked spaces, UV exposure can cause some quartz colors to fade or yellow over time.
- Less natural variation: If you love dramatic, wild stone movement, quartz’s more controlled patterns may feel too uniform.
- Price: High-end designer quartz can cost as much as (or more than) premium granite.
Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops
Granite countertops Orlando remain a classic choice for homeowners who want a high-end natural look that can handle serious cooking.
Pros of Granite
- 100% natural beauty: No two slabs are alike. The veining, mineral flecks, and color variations give real depth and character.
- Excellent heat resistance: You can place hot pots or pans briefly on granite without the same risk you’d have with quartz. (Trivets are still smart for long-term protection.)
- Great for outdoor kitchens: Many granites hold up well to sun exposure, making them popular in Florida outdoor living spaces.
- Strong resale appeal: Buyers often see granite as a premium upgrade, which can help your home stand out.
- Very durable: With proper care and sealing, granite can last decades.
Cons of Granite
- Needs sealing: Most granite should be sealed periodically (often once per year, depending on the stone and sealer) to reduce staining.
- More natural variation: Colors and patterns can vary from slab to slab, so you’ll need to choose your exact pieces in person.
- Can chip at edges: Sharp corners are more vulnerable; a rounded or eased edge helps.
- Slightly more maintenance: You’ll want to avoid harsh chemicals and wipe up oils and dyes promptly.
Cost of Quartz and Granite Countertops in Orlando, FL
Let’s talk money—the part no remodel can escape.
Actual quotes will depend on your specific kitchen or bath layout, but here’s what Orlando homeowners can typically expect for quartz and granite countertops in Orlando FL (installed pricing, including fabrication and basic installation):
Typical Price Ranges per Square Foot
These are ballpark numbers based on recent Florida pricing:
- Granite countertops
- Budget / entry-level: around $40–$70 per square foot installed
- Mid-range: around $70–$100 per square foot
- Premium / exotic: $100–$200+ per square foot
- Quartz countertops
- Budget / value lines: around $50–$80 per square foot installed
- Mid-range: around $80–$120 per square foot
- High-end designer brands or ultra-thick slabs: $120–$150+ per square foot
In many Orlando projects, total installed costs for both granite and quartz often land somewhere in the $60–$100 per square foot range for standard options.
What That Means for a Typical Orlando Kitchen
A lot of standard kitchens in Orlando have 50–70 square feet of countertop surface.
- At $75 per square foot, a 60-square-foot kitchen would run about $4,500 installed.
- At $95 per square foot, the same kitchen would be closer to $5,700 installed.
Bathrooms are usually much smaller—often 5–15 square feet per vanity—so even premium materials can be surprisingly affordable there.
Factors That Affect Your Countertop Price
Why do quotes vary so much from one company (and one slab) to another? Key factors include:
- Material level or “grade” (standard vs exotic stone; entry-level vs premium quartz collections)
- Color and pattern popularity (rare or heavily veined slabs cost more)
- Slab thickness (2 cm vs 3 cm)
- Edge profile (simple eased edge is usually included; ornate edges add cost)
- Backsplash choice (4-inch matching stone Splash vs full-height stone backsplash)
- Cutouts for sinks, cooktops, faucets, and accessories
- Complexity of layout (curves, angles, large islands, seams)
- Tear-out and disposal of your old countertops
- Plumbing and appliance work (often quoted separately)
The best strategy: get at least two to three detailed quotes from reputable local fabricators so you’re comparing apples to apples.
Design Ideas and Popular Styles in Orlando Kitchens and Baths
Orlando homes range from new builds in master-planned communities to mid-century ranches and townhomes. The good news: both quartz and granite can flex to fit almost any style.
Popular Looks for Kitchen Countertops in Orlando
- Bright and airy coastal vibes
- White shaker cabinets + white or soft gray marble-look quartz
- Light wood or LVP flooring for an open, beachy feel
- Brushed nickel, chrome, or champagne bronze hardware
- Modern minimalist
- Flat-front cabinets in white, black, or warm wood tones
- Solid white, concrete-look, or subtle-veined quartz countertops
- Waterfall island edges for a sleek, clean slab look
- Warm traditional or transitional
- Cream or off-white cabinets paired with medium-tone natural granite
- Decorative edge profiles (ogee, half bullnose) for a more classic feel
- Tumbled tile or subway tile backsplashes in warm neutrals
- High-contrast drama
- Dark navy or black cabinets + bright white quartz
- Or white cabinets with deep, moody granite like Black Pearl or Ubatuba
- Matte black hardware and fixtures
Bathroom Countertop Styles in Orlando
Because bathrooms use smaller slabs, this is a great place to splurge.
- Spa-inspired baths: Soft white or beige quartz with subtle veining, paired with light wood or white vanities and matte black or brushed gold fixtures.
- Bold powder rooms: Dark, dramatic granite with lots of movement, paired with a vessel sink and statement mirror.
- Family-friendly vanities: Mid-tone quartz that hides toothpaste splatters and water spots, with an integrated or undermount sink for easy wipe-down.
Color Tips for Central Florida Light
Orlando gets strong natural light for much of the year. A few design tips:
- In very bright rooms, busy granite can look slightly more subdued—great if you want movement without overpowering the room.
- In shadier kitchens, light quartz or lighter granites help bounce light and keep the space from feeling cave-like.
- If you have bold floors or backsplashes, consider a calmer countertop to balance the room (and vice versa).
Maintenance and Durability in Florida’s Climate
Both quartz and granite can handle everyday Orlando life very well when properly cared for. The main differences show up in sealing, stain resistance, and how they respond to heat and sun.
Caring for Quartz Countertops
- Daily cleaning: Mild dish soap and water on a soft cloth or sponge are usually all you need.
- Stain resistance: Non-porous, so spills sit on the surface rather than soaking in. Wipe up strong dyes (like red wine or turmeric) quickly.
- Heat: Use trivets and hot pads. Brief contact with moderately hot dishes is usually fine, but scorching pans direct from the stove or oven are a no-go.
- Chemicals: Avoid harsh chemicals, paint strippers, drain cleaners, and highly abrasive cleaners.
- Sun exposure: In indoor kitchens with standard windows, most homeowners never notice fading. For fully outdoor kitchens with Florida sun, granite is generally the safer choice.
Caring for Granite Countertops
- Sealing: Most granites in Orlando will do well with sealing about every 1–2 years (some dense stones can go longer). Many fabricators will seal the stone upon installation and explain how to check when it needs it again.
- Daily cleaning: Use a stone-safe cleaner or mild dish soap and water.
- Stain prevention: Wipe up oils, wine, and acidic liquids promptly, especially on lighter or more porous stones.
- Heat: Granite is very heat tolerant; still, trivets are smart to protect your sealer and finish.
- Chips and repairs: Small edge chips can often be repaired by a stone pro, so you’re not doomed if a pan or heavy dish hits the edge wrong.
With routine care, both materials can easily last decades, even in busy households.
Where to Buy and Install Countertops Locally in Orlando, FL
You have plenty of options for granite countertops Orlando and quartz countertops Orlando—from slab showrooms to full-service fabricators that handle everything from design to installation.
Here are several types of places Orlando homeowners often start with (always check current reviews, licensing, and warranties):
- Stone fabricators and installers
These companies usually keep slabs in stock, cut them to fit your kitchen, and install them. Local examples include companies like Stone World, Stone Spirit, EdStone, Allstone, Southern Stoneworks, Granite Empire, and similar firms around the metro area. - Dedicated slab showrooms
Showrooms such as large granite and marble warehouses or design centers let you walk the yard, tag a specific slab, and then work with their recommended fabricator or your own contractor. - Kitchen and bath design studios
Many full-service remodelers partner with local stone shops and can coordinate cabinetry, kitchen countertops Orlando, and bathroom countertops Orlando together as a single project.
When you visit showrooms:
- Bring cabinet door samples or paint swatches.
- Take photos of your current space.
- Ask to see full slabs, not just small samples.
- Request written estimates that include material, fabrication, installation, tear-out, and any extras.
Simple Step-by-Step Process to Replace Your Countertops
If you’re just starting out, here’s a straightforward roadmap:
- Set your budget and priorities. Decide what matters most: look, durability, low maintenance, or resale value. This often narrows you toward either granite or quartz.
- Collect inspiration. Save photos from Pinterest, Instagram, or remodel sites so you can show fabricators the style you’re aiming for.
- Visit showrooms. See slabs in person—natural and artificial lighting can change how they look compared to photos.
- Get multiple quotes. Aim for at least two or three quotes with the same material and similar scope.
- Schedule templating. Once you choose a fabricator, they’ll come to your home to create a precise template of your space.
- Fabrication. Your slabs are cut, polished, and prepared in the shop.
- Installation day. Old tops come out, new ones go in—many projects finish in a single day for standard kitchens.
- Final sealing and inspection. Granite is sealed (if required), seams are checked, and you do a walkthrough with the installer.
How to Choose Between Quartz and Granite: A Quick Decision Guide
If you’re still on the fence, use this quick gut-check:
- Choose quartz if:
- You want low-maintenance, no-sealing countertops.
- You like a clean, consistent, or marble-look style.
- Your kitchen is busy and you’d rather wipe than worry.
- Choose granite if:
- You love the character and uniqueness of natural stone.
- You’re planning an outdoor kitchen or sun-drenched space.
- You don’t mind sealing periodically in exchange for a one-of-a-kind look.
There’s no universally “better” choice—only what’s better for your home, your habits, and your budget.
FAQ: Quartz and Granite Countertops in Orlando, FL
1. Is quartz or granite better for Orlando kitchens?
Both perform well in Orlando. Quartz is the easier, lower-maintenance choice (no sealing, very stain resistant), which makes it popular with busy families. Granite shines if you want natural stone, better tolerance to high heat, or you’re considering a partially outdoor or very sunny space.
2. How much do quartz and granite countertops cost in Orlando?
Most Orlando projects land somewhere between $60 and $100 per square foot installed for standard options. Entry-level materials and simple layouts can fall below that; premium exotic granite or high-end designer quartz can climb over $120–$150 per square foot. The total cost depends on your material choice, slab level, edge profiles, and layout complexity.
3. How long does installation usually take?
Once you’ve approved the quote and your slabs are selected, many Orlando fabricators can measure, fabricate, and install within about one to two weeks, depending on how busy they are. The actual installation in your home typically takes one day for a standard kitchen, plus plumbing reconnections as needed.
4. Do I need to seal quartz or granite?
- Quartz: No sealing required. It’s non-porous from the factory.
- Granite: Most granite needs sealing every 1–2 years, though some very dense stones can go longer. Your installer can tell you the recommended schedule and show you a simple water-drop test to check when resealing is needed.
5. Can I use quartz or granite outdoors in Orlando?
- Granite: Many granites are suitable for outdoor kitchens, as long as you choose a stone rated for exterior use and seal it properly.
- Quartz: Generally not recommended for fully outdoor countertops in Florida’s intense sun. UV exposure can cause some quartz colors to fade, yellow, or warp over time.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to quartz or granite countertops is one of the most visible—and valuable—changes you can make in your Orlando home. Whether you’re dreaming of a bright, coastal kitchen, a sleek modern space, or a spa-like bathroom retreat, both materials can deliver a beautiful, durable surface that works hard for years.
Take your time, visit a few local showrooms, and run the numbers. Once you stand in front of the slab that feels like “your” kitchen or bath, the choice between quartz and granite usually becomes surprisingly clear.
