Quartz vs Granite Cost: MCM Big Slabs – A Cheaper Option Than Both?

Release time : December 24 2025

Why more architects and homeowners are ditching traditional stones for modified cementitious materials

Let's be real—when it comes to building or renovating, the cost of materials can make or break a project. For years, quartz and granite have been the go-to choices for countertops, flooring, and wall cladding. But here's the thing: they're not cheap. Between mining, processing, and transportation, those slabs can leave a serious dent in your budget. That's where COLORIA GROUP's MCM (Modified Cementitious Material) products come in. Specifically, their MCM Big Slab Board Series is turning heads as a smarter, more affordable alternative. But is it really cheaper than both quartz and granite? Let's dive in.

First, Let's Talk About Quartz and Granite

Before we get into MCM, let's break down why quartz and granite have dominated the market—and why their price tags are so steep.

Quartz: The Engineered Favorite

Quartz is popular for a reason. It's tough, non-porous, and comes in endless colors. But that "perfect" look comes at a cost. Most quartz slabs are 90% crushed quartz mixed with resins and polymers, which requires heavy processing. Add in transportation (those slabs aren't light!) and professional installation (you need experts to cut and seal them), and you're looking at $50–$120 per square foot on average. Ouch.

Granite: The Natural Classic

Granite has that timeless, earthy vibe, but nature doesn't come cheap. Mining granite from quarries is labor-intensive, and each slab is unique—great for aesthetics, terrible for consistency. Plus, because it's a natural stone, it needs sealing every year or two to prevent stains. All told, granite runs $40–$100 per square foot , and that's before factoring in waste (up to 20% of a slab might end up unused due to natural flaws).

Both materials have their perks, but their costs? They're hard to justify for budget-conscious projects. So, what if there was a material that looks just as good, lasts just as long, and costs significantly less? Enter MCM Big Slab Board Series.

What Is MCM, Anyway?

MCM stands for Modified Cementitious Material—a blend of cement, minerals, and polymers that's been engineered to be lighter, stronger, and more flexible than traditional concrete or stone. COLORIA GROUP has taken this technology and run with it, especially in their Big Slab Board Series. These aren't your average cement boards; they're designed to mimic the look of high-end stone while solving all the pain points of quartz and granite.

Lightweight but Durable

MCM slabs weigh up to 70% less than granite, making installation a breeze—no need for reinforced structures or heavy machinery.

Customizable to a Tee

Want the look of travertine (starry green) with a wave panel texture? Or a sleek fair-faced concrete finish? MCM can do it all—no two slabs have to be the same.

Eco-Friendly by Design

Unlike granite (which requires mining) or quartz (which uses synthetic resins), MCM uses recycled materials and emits low VOCs. It's LEED-certified, too.

The Numbers Don't Lie: MCM vs. Quartz vs. Granite

Let's cut to the chase: how much can you really save with MCM Big Slabs? We crunched the numbers based on industry averages and COLORIA's pricing data.

Material	Average Cost (per sq. ft.)	Installation Cost (per sq. ft.)	Total Estimated Cost (per sq. ft.)	Waste Factor	Annual Maintenance Cost
Quartz	$50–$120	$15–$30	$65–$150	10–15%	$5–$10 (occasional polishing)
Granite	$40–$100	$20–$40	$60–$140	15–20%	$10–$20 (sealing, repairs)
MCM Big Slab Board Series	$25–$60	$10–$20	$35–$80	5–8%	$0–$5 (minimal sealing)

*Costs based on U.S. market averages (2025) and COLORIA GROUP's bulk pricing for commercial projects. Residential costs may vary slightly.

Do the math: for a 1,000 sq. ft. commercial project, quartz or granite could cost $60,000–$150,000. MCM? $35,000–$80,000. That's a savings of up to 47%! And that's not even counting long-term maintenance costs—granite's annual sealing alone adds up over time.

Why Is MCM So Much Cheaper?

You might be thinking, "If it's cheaper, it must be lower quality, right?" Wrong. MCM's affordability comes from smart engineering, not cutting corners. Here's why it costs less:

No Mining, No Fuss

Granite and quartz rely on mining (for granite) or mining + heavy processing (for quartz). MCM uses locally sourced cement and recycled minerals, cutting transportation and extraction costs.

Big Slabs = Less Waste

COLORIA's MCM Big Slabs come in sizes up to 10ft x 5ft—way larger than standard quartz or granite slabs. That means fewer seams, less cutting, and less material wasted during installation.

Lightweight = Easier Installation

Heavier materials require more labor and specialized tools. MCM slabs can be installed by a small crew with basic equipment, slashing installation fees.

Durable = Fewer Replacements

MCM is resistant to scratches, stains, and weathering—even more so than some granites. You won't have to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ cracked slabs or re-seal every year, saving money long-term.

MCM Isn't Just Cheaper—It's Better

Cost savings are great, but MCM brings more to the table than just a lower price tag. Let's talk about the "wow" factors that make architects and designers obsessed:

Flexible Stone, Endless Designs

MCM Flexible Stone is a game-changer. Unlike rigid granite or quartz, these sheets can bend around curves, wrap columns, or create 3D textures like wave panel. Imagine a restaurant wall with flowing, wave-like patterns that look like natural stone—all thanks to MCM's flexibility.

Starry Nights and Custom Colors

COLORIA's travertine (starry green) isn't just a material—it's art. These slabs are embedded with iridescent particles that catch light, mimicking a starry sky. And if green isn't your vibe? They can custom-mix any color, from earthy beiges to bold blues.

Green Building Cred

Sustainability isn't a trend—it's a requirement. MCM is made with 30% recycled content, emits zero formaldehyde, and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life. LEED points? Check. Happy planet? Double check.

Fair-Faced Beauty, No Fuss

Fair-faced concrete has that raw, industrial chic look, but traditional concrete is heavy and hard to install. MCM's version is lightweight, pre-finished, and ready to go—no messy on-site mixing or curing.

Real Projects, Real Savings

Don't just take our word for it. Here are two projects where MCM Big Slabs outperformed quartz and granite—both in cost and style:

The Starry Green Office Tower

A tech company in Riyadh wanted a facade that stood out. They initially considered granite, which would have cost $1.2M for 15,000 sq. ft. Instead, they chose COLORIA's travertine (starry green) MCM Big Slabs. Total cost? $680,000—saving $520,000. Today, the building glows like a constellation at night, and the client loves that it's LEED Gold certified.

The Coastal Home with Wave Panels

A homeowner in Dubai wanted ocean-inspired wall cladding for their villa. Quartz was quoted at $85 per sq. ft., granite at $70. They went with MCM wave panels at $45 per sq. ft., saving $30,000 on a 1,000 sq. ft. project. The flexible panels curved perfectly around their outdoor patio, creating a seamless "wave" effect that rigid quartz or granite could never match.

You Asked, We Answered

Is MCM as durable as quartz or granite?

Yes! MCM has a compressive strength of 60MPa (quartz averages 55MPa, granite around 70MPa), so it's scratch and impact resistant. It's also water-resistant and UV-stable, making it great for exteriors.

Can MCM be used indoors, too?

Absolutely. From kitchen countertops to bathroom walls, MCM works indoors. Its low porosity means it won't harbor mold or bacteria—perfect for wet areas.

How long does MCM last?

With proper care, MCM can last 50+ years—same as granite. Unlike quartz, it won't fade in sunlight, and unlike granite, it doesn't need annual sealing.

Is MCM available globally?

Yes! COLORIA has a distribution network in Saudi Arabia and ships worldwide. Their MCM Big Slabs are pre-cut and ready to install, so delivery times are faster than importing granite.

The Verdict: MCM Big Slabs Win

When it comes to quartz vs. granite cost, MCM Big Slab Board Series isn't just cheaper—it's smarter. It offers the durability of granite, the customization of quartz, and the sustainability of modern building materials, all at a fraction of the price. Whether you're building a skyscraper or remodeling your kitchen, MCM proves that you don't have to choose between quality, style, and budget.

So, why pay more for quartz or granite when you can get a better, greener, and more affordable material? COLORIA's MCM Big Slabs are changing the game—and your next project could be the next success story.