Quartz (engineered stone) has overtaken granite as the premium kitchen counter of choice — non-porous, stain-resistant, low-maintenance. But brands vary hugely in quality and price. Here's the honest India brand guide with real 2026 numbers.
Quartz is ~90% natural quartz crystal + ~10% resin binder. Unlike granite (porous, needs sealing) or marble (soft, stains), quartz is non-porous — it never needs sealing, resists stains from turmeric/oil/acids, and won't harbour bacteria. For a busy Indian kitchen with masala, oil, and acidic ingredients, it's the most practical premium surface.
| Brand | Origin | Tier | ₹/sq ft installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caesarstone | Israel | Premium import | ₹450-900 |
| Silestone | Spain | Premium import | ₹500-1,000 |
| Pokarna Quantra | India | Premium domestic | ₹350-650 |
| Kalinga Stone | India | Mid-premium | ₹280-550 |
| Asian Granito (AGL) | India | Mid | ₹250-450 |
| Factor | Quartz | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Porosity | Non-porous (no sealing) | Porous (needs sealing) |
| Stain resistance | Excellent | Good if sealed |
| Heat resistance | Use trivet (>150°C scorches) | Excellent |
| Look consistency | Uniform, designed | Natural variation |
| Cost/sq ft | ₹250-1,000 | ₹180-600 |
Quartz is the smart premium counter for Indian kitchens — non-porous, stain-proof, zero-sealing. Pokarna Quantra (Indian) offers the best value-to-quality at ₹350-650/sq ft; Caesarstone/Silestone (imported) are the prestige choices at ₹450-1,000. Granite remains a fine, cheaper, more heat-tolerant alternative if you prefer natural stone.
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