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Advice for Homeownerswhite kitchens

Is Quartz Sexier than Granite?

By 05/23/2010January 26th, 202196 Comments

Two years ago I invited two designer friends–both were kitchen designers–to a holiday party in my home. One of my good clients (who was about to renovate her kitchen) also attended with her husband and during the course of the evening, they individually asked each designer which countertop material each preferred.

The first one (who worked with clients in a high end residential neighborhood) said quartz was the most current material to use. The second designer (who lived 1/2 an hour away in a suburb of Vancouver) said Granite was the countertop of choice.

So which one is better (or sexier) for your home? Read on to find out:

Credit

1. What are your neighbors doing?

This is the one time where it’s okay to try to keep up with the ‘Jones’. If everyone is installing quartz countertops, then you should consider doing the same because it means potential buyers are looking for quartz as it is generally a higher end look because it’s cleaner looking – some people think clean is sexy.

2. Quartz will also give your kitchen or bath a more contemporary feel which is a look I prefer:

Credit

3. Do you like pattern and texture?

Some love the look of granite because they love the multi-coloured, textured look. While others think it just looks blotchy. In general a more countrified kitchen works with granite. I prefer quartz because I like a cleaner more consistent look and it’s easier to control that the colour works with everything else you’ve chosen for your kitchen.  

4. Granite is also a good choice for wood stained cabinetry because you can pick up the colour of the wood by choosing a granite with similar warm tones like these images below:

House Beautiful

 

Source

 

For a great article on more countertop choices and an analysis of each one, click here.

Which one do you prefer and why, I would love to hear your opinion!
If you would like your home to fill you with happiness every time you walk in, contact me for on-line or in-person consultations.

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96 Comments

  • Laurie - Little Blue Chairs says:

    I wish I was at the point of actually making this decision, but I am far from it. However, I am tired of granite. I would either go with quartz or wood/butcher block.

  • Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says:

    I do like the white Quartz in the first picture, however, I do like granite better, if I were to do my own kitchen again. I live in the suburbs so maybe that has something to do with it. : )

  • Ivy Lane says:

    It's such a hard choice…really a matter of preference..don't you think? .. I have granite in my kitchen…and love the earthy, natural tones..it looks different throughout the day when the light changes… quartz is also so beautiful and natural…. I am glad the granite was already here when I bought this house!! 🙂

  • Ivy Lane says:

    actually…. marble!!! ohhhh la la… I love marble!

  • Melissa @ Veranda Interiors says:

    I have to say both!! There are a few stones that are stunning with beautiful movement and vains that you can not get in quartz.
    I use both materials but I find my traditional clients go to the granite side where my younger more modern clients go straight to the quartz samples I have. Maybe it is just an age thing. 😉

  • micah @ the yellow front door says:

    We have quartz countertops and I LOVE them. We started out looking at granite, but like you said, the patterns are so bold and I wanted a more sleek look. And it doesn't need to be sealed which is a bonus!

  • Tara says:

    We have quartz and we love it! Of course, I do have to agree with the previous post and say that I actually love the look of marble. I hear that marble is tougher to maintain, though.

  • Donna says:

    Maria, I didn't even have to bat an eye..I knew exactly what my choice would be and you probably know it too…Granite of course! Gosh, I adore texture! That's why I quilt and weave and knit…I love to 'feel' my art.

    And I'm not at all surprised that you like the quartz! :o) I feel like we are the country mouse and city mouse every time we visit-Ha!

    By the way, that was another superb link to a great website about the different kinds of counter tops. What a lesson on good options! I never would have known there were so many choices!

    I like a lot of them, including the butcher block…but I don't want high maintenance. I have too much to do to spend time worrying about a surface. The same goes for concrete. I knew you could do floors with it, and several friends are doing that to their new homes as we speak, but I cannot fathom doing it on a counter top. Every day you teach us something new..and I am again, amazed!

  • Donna says:

    Maria, I have to add that I had to giggle about the certain kind of carpet the lady mentioned in your last post that made her want to..well..you know what I mean… :o)

    Sounds like a great idea for a dark wood, English/ Victorian style bedroom.. I know someone who would like that very much! Tee-hee!

  • Mona Thompson says:

    I recently built my own home and the countertop choice was one of the hardest. I really wanted limestone, but in the end the maintenance issue won out. I looked at both quartz and granite and found a beautiful granite that worked with everything else I was doing the best. I will be posting pictures soon.

  • Squeak says:

    Marble!

    There is no other choice for me.

  • pve design says:

    I have chosen white "glassos" quartz, which I know I will love. I think granite has it's place but I love the sleek look of quartz.
    pve

  • two Excited nests says:

    Well, you know what we chose – quartz! The maintenance was a huge factor, but the biggest factor was the neutrality of the quartz over the granite. The granite just seemed too busy for my taste, and I really wanted a white, or "light" kitchen feel.

  • Lacey from Weekends at Home says:

    I am totally team quartz!

  • Smile, Emily says:

    Definitely quartz for the reasons you already listed. It has a cleaner look. Also, to me it seems fresher and more modern. Granite has been popular for at least 10 years, and I think it's time to go. It makes a kitchen look too dated to me.
    Great post, as usual!

  • Vanessa@decor happy says:

    Quartz for its low maintenance and clean look. For my own home, I would choose marble – know it's not the most practical but love the look.

  • Vanessa@decor happy says:

    One more thing. I find a lot of clients have never heard of quartz and once I explain the benefits and show some samples, they are definitely sold.

  • Dale says:

    I like the finer grain look of quartz, however having lived with both granite and quartz, I do prefer the granite. Despite what people say, white quartz DOES stain, and it stains very easily. I know, I lived with it, tried very hard to be careful with it, but some stains can be permanent, and that looks way worse than blotchy stone.

  • Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says:

    I want quartz!! I love the way it looks and the easy maintenance!

  • Catherine [email protected] says:

    I had granite way back when and loved it then but my tastes have changed and I can't imagine going back. Granite looks either dated and busy, or too formal and sparkly. So I have to say I'm lovin' the quartz! We just put in a beautiful Silastone in my sister's kitchen that I am in love with. If I could put in any counter I wanted I might choose concrete. I've been looking at some concrete counters online and some are really beautiful.

  • Maria Killam says:

    I'm loving all these comments with everyone's personal experience! Thank you!!
    x
    Maria

  • Charlene Austin says:

    I am in the middle of a renovation (some pics on my blog but we aren't quite at the cabinet installation stage yet). I chose "Cambria Whitehall 0120" QUARTZ and I know I will love it. I wanted white, white, white! I wanted a really clean look and went looking for the whitest quartz I could find. I'm not a fan of granite myself but I've seen some beautiful granite installations. I think it's all about preference.

  • Pamela Terry and Edward says:

    I have to admit, I really loathe most granites. Quartz, however, is lovely in so many different situations and doesn't tend to dominate the design as granite almost always does. At least, to me.

  • jes says:

    I think that granite is becoming dated. When I see granite it immediately takes me back to the late 90s. When I remodel my 1950s ranch home in the near future I am thinking either quartz or concrete. Both offer a sleek contemporary look that I want.

  • Linda@ Lime in the Coconut says:

    …I must say, sometimes looking at the weft and weave of our granite, I just stop…and am amazed that this is a piece of the earth millions of years in the making…and while each movement waves and swirls across the counter…something happened somewhere.

    But. I can be weird that way.

  • Anonymous says:

    I love solid black granite with no flecks. The patterns in lighter granite are too busy for me. I have not idea if I like polished or honed better. On the one hand, I like the beauty of the polished granite. On the other hand, the honed granite is less noticeable and will probably be less dated in a few decades.

    I hope to install large (like 18"x24") granite tiles myself to save money.

    I don't like the sparkly flecks in quartz. They seem kind of not natural.

  • Elecat says:

    Quartz! Though, to be honest, I wish I could afford either one…… I have to settle for laminex. In saying that, obviously I can't afford a colour consultant either but I REALLY wish I could….. do you know how many whites there are? My head's spinning! lol. 🙂

  • chanteusevca says:

    After looking at various granites for a few years now while planning our kitchen reno, I thought maybe a black absolute honed granite in one area and a carrera marble on the island. But with all the beautiful quartz materials available now, I am reconsidering quartz as the material of choice. I want a cleaner, more contemporary/traditional look and I think quartz fills the bill on that note. The granites were always too busy and I could never find one I truly liked as much as I like quartz.

  • unique unique design says:

    I'm not a big fan of granite (with the exception of honed black granite). It has too much going on.I have seen quartz countertops I love. They, also, have honed choices. I really like the idea of mixing materials, tho, like carrera marble and concrete or quartz. I'm trying to decide between these for my own kitchen.Loved hearing the different opinions on this.
    marcie

  • guylaine rondeau says:

    you know… i’m not 100% sure i get the complete differences between quartz and granite, or even marble. but, if i get the gist of it, it’s mostly in the texture.

    personally i ‘visually’ love both textured and non-textured counter tops, depending on the kitchen and its other elements.

    however i cannot tell you how many times i have leaned on someone’s textured counter (probably granite) and got myself stuck with some food residuals — an absolute annoyance!

    so the bottom line, being a rather clean-freak, is that i would never want a textured counter. i simply like to see the dirt when it’s there.

  • guylaine rondeau says:

    ps. those first two kitchens simply make me weak at the knees…

  • heather @ what's blooming this week says:

    I really don't like sticking to trends and prefer to go with classics when talking about my kitchen. So my first thought was granite all the way. But your comment about it being blotchy hit home – granite can be so busy looking. So I guess it's quartz – sleeker, more modern, simpler looking.

  • Rachel H says:

    Quartz was a for sure on my instant reaction…but the person who posted that it stains badly…makes me wonder!
    Hmmm. We have marble tiles..and I would say DONT DO TILE! Grout is SOO annoying. I would do solid Carrera Marble when I redo it…

  • Becca says:

    I, like others above, wish that I were making this decision now! But it'll be another couple of years for me… Anyway, I am all about the rustic and countrified – my dream kitchen would definitely have to have granite worktops, a big range oven and dogs to trip over while carrying heavy Le Creuset casseroles. *sigh*

  • RLG says:

    No brainer. Quartz is maintenance free. Granite is supposed to be sealed regularly, which most people don't realize (or do). Quartz doesn't stain, scratch or scorch. Some brands are even anti-microbial. I can't wait to use it (my personal fav is Raven from Caesarstone). xoxo

  • Balsamo Antiques and Interior Design says:

    QUARTZ
    no brainer

  • Marm says:

    I love granite but usually prefer less patterned types unless the kitchen is very earthy/rustic. It's hard to beat Mother Nature when it comes to beauty.

  • AB HOME Interiors says:

    I've been doing both for so many years that it is hard for me to have a preference. I've never personally had quartz or marble, only granite. I love how easy and maintenance free granite is but I'm getting a little bored of it. But most clients that I work with don't see and work with it everyday so it is a luxury, and exciting to get it.

  • Tracey @ My House of Giggles says:

    I have to go with Quartz, if I were picking between the two…..but white/light grey marble would be my first choice. I've appraised about 8000 homes and a lot of those had granite countertops….and honestly, I'm just plain sick of seeing it! It just feels very dated these days. A few years ago, every single new "cookie-cutter" home had granite counters, and they became so mainstream. I'm not trying to sound all snobby here, but I think granite really dates your kitchen in a way. I can see how people that love texture would love granite, and in that case, I say go for it 🙂 It's not worth not having a kitchen that you love simply because it might not be "in style". But if you're thinking of it as a selling feature, I wouldn't go with granite.

  • Tracey @ My House of Giggles says:

    ps….granite is known to grow mold, which scares me.

  • Susan says:

    Quartz gets my vote everytime. I love it. I have it in my kitchen and recommend it in all of my projects.

  • In the Tweeds says:

    Honestly, I find granite to be a little cheesy and very much the status quo these days…and you can never tell when it's dirty! A friend recently did her countertops in quartz (Zodiaq in Antique Pearl) and I am absolutely in love! They are so crisp and clean.

  • Nichole@40daysof says:

    I like my granite in the kitchen, even though it came with the house. But… I'm going to use quartz in my bathroom renovations. And if I was re-doing the kitchen right now I would pick quartz again. I think it's the next big thing along with re-cycled glass. But my home is too traditional to pull off recycled glass.

  • Chelsea@ThisFreshFossil says:

    Wow, what a great question!

    I'm not sure what we would've gone with. When we did our countertops a couple months ago, we couldn't afford anything besides laminate. But we didn't really like the look of laminate. So we DIY black granite tiles. We LOVE the granite – we like it much better than laminate countertops. It's not textured or splotchy (like most granites, I think), and is very easy to keep clean (we have tiny grout lines). Apparently it also doesn't need to be sealed regularly? Not sure (it depends on who you ask, apparently), but the grout does either way.

    If we had had the money, we might've gone with the quartz, because I like the more steamlined contemporary look, and if the maintenance is easier than granite then that's even better. But I love our new granite – so I'm not complaining. 🙂

    ~Chelsea

  • Between you, me and the Fencepost says:

    I saw a kitchen once that looked like the counters were concrete it was a clean beautiful look that I loved.

  • Jen @ Bloggers Abode says:

    I'd do Quartz or concrete. Granite is too busy for my taste these days. My dream options would be a mix. A cool wood on the island (zebra-tiger) and the solid surface on the other counter areas.

  • Steph says:

    Great post. I LOVE talking about countertops!
    Okay, so I'm in the stone industry and I have to look at this stuff everyday. My vote? Marble or limestone!
    Though I do have granite in my kitchen. 🙂
    It's funny to hear people say all granite is one thing or another. And that all quartz is one thing or another.
    There are SO MANY granite & quartz colors out there! There are definitely modern/ contemporary looking granites….some look surprisingly like marble!
    A lot of times quartz mimics granite. So there are a a lot of blotchy quartz colors that don't look contemporary at all.
    Anyway, it's fun to read about people's experiences and opinions.
    Thanks for the fun post today! As always, I adore your blog.
    -Steph
    http://www.granitegurus.com

  • beyondbeige says:

    Funny this was posted today :0
    I spent the weekend obsessing over which color of quartz I'm going to select for my countertops! So glad I'm hip to the current vibe!
    Seriously, we have been livng in a home with granite that does not match the stone tile work. Its blotchy and very Home Depot ugly. Here in the Southwest everybody has granite.. So over it.
    I feel the need for cool and clean.

  • Marie Brady says:

    Granite has been so overdone, I'm tired of it unless it's something really unique!

  • Lazy Gardens says:

    "Quartz" is not natural quartz. It is a synthetic material: quartz granules in a resin matrix.

    Granite can be dramatic or very plain, a stainable PITA to care for or durable enough for laboratory countertops. It depends what variety you pick.

    I'm going to have mesquite butcherblock and stained mesquite wood cabinets. (cover your eyes, Maria, it's going to have enough wood to qualify as a man-cave/Eddy Bauer lodge)

  • Jane says:

    I have been looking at both of these surfaces for the past few months…redoing the kitchen in the fall. I have chosen quartz for the clean lines. Most of the granite I have found it too busy for my eye.
    Jane (Artfully graced)

  • carol@The Design Pages says:

    I think it's true that the suburbanites are loving the granite and the urbanites are leaning more towards the quartz these days. As a designer I love both but I have to admit that I am in awe of the natural beauty of granite. This came from the earth..shockingly beautiful!

  • Debra Phillips says:

    QUARTZ!!!

    when granite was everywhere at home depot (big box super DIY center) i thought ugghhh.
    and never cared for that really shiny look.

    at home….honed limestone
    debra

  • Naomi@ThirteenandSouth says:

    Yes, Yes. Deal with this question all the time. What is interesting to me is that I work in a wealthy suburb just outside Philadelphia and it seems people are holding tightly onto granite.

    I prefer clean restraint, but once my clients see colorful, pretty patterns of granite, they don't seem to appreciate clean design.

  • home before dark says:

    I really dislike all of that pattern that granite puts into a kitchen. I like form to follow function in what is to me a very functional room: I prefer stainless, butcher block and soapstone. But to answer the question I prefer quartz to granite; subtle texture over wild and crazy; honed to shiny.

  • mustang says:

    Personally, I am tired of granite and the speckled look. That being said, I have quartz that looks like granite (not my choosing). If I were redoing my kitchen, I would choose a solid-colored quartz.

  • Wendy says:

    Wow, 56 comments? Guess you hit a nerve! I figure there is so much other stuff to warm up/mess up a kitchen, that the counters should be as sleek as possible. Toasters, coffee pots, towels, knife blocks you name it. Granite can be beautiful stone, but adds a lot of eye distraction. Wood + granite = 90s. Paint + white marble = 2000s. But is also from older, grand houses in 10s, 20, 30s, 40s. Timeless.

  • mrsben says:

    Definitely Quartz, more so for its durability and maintenance. Also because it is man made it can be duplicated and matched if desired.
    Not to insult those who have Granite as I totally agree it is one of Natures most beautiful products; but somehow I just relate it to Headstones.
    -Brenda-

  • Teamdaub says:

    Between granite and quartz, I prefer the look of Quartz, but when replacing my countertops last year I chose a custom concrete and recycled glass product (http://dexindustries.com/materials/dexterra). While I was motivated to make the most environmentally friendly choice possible (since I was replacing laminate that was in excellent condition, just old and ugly), I must say that I've really fallen in love with these countertops!

  • The Shiny Pebble says:

    this is the funniest thing… i first heard of quartz in the kitchen two days ago, and now this… there is a revolution in the making

  • Susan S says:

    I prefer quartz for range of color ad consistency.

    Susan S

  • Kim says:

    We live in Argentina where granite is the countertop of choice. Period. Back in the mid 20th century formica was popular but by the 70s, granite was back in its rightful place as king of the countertops. My husband swears he could play hide and seek on the kitchen counter and nobody would find him. LOL It's a mottled black/white/gray and we do lose stuff on it all the time. When we buy or build our own place, I'll go for a more subtle color combo.

    Not sure quartz is even available except to the really, really wealthy. Definitely not an option in our area.

  • traci zeller designs says:

    My own kitchen (done 7.5 years ago) has granite, and I still love it – although I still wish I could have had it honed instead of polished (too expensive at the time). I just did Calacatta Gold marble countertops in a client's home and they are *exquisite*!!

  • Ideezine says:

    Maria,

    Variety is the spice of life! When working with clients I want them to know all the facts and decide accordingly. Cost, durability, maintenence personality of material, temperature of environment, color variations with lighting and cabinetry, and personal preference of feel in the room.

    It's all good and there's something to love about all of it!

    Bette

    Maria Thank You for your comments you are so right Mom's should live forever and they do. Their wings are white while they're here and become gold when they cross over.

  • rb says:

    I remodeled my smallish kitchen in my very traditional 1909 crafstman home. None of the historically accurate countertop materials (wood, linoleum, tile) were easy care enough for me, but granite felt too of a certain time (not 1909) and too busy for the size of my space. So I went with a manufactured stone that is very solid colored – in my case, almost black, with creamy white cabinets – and I've been very happy with it. It doesn't call attention to itself as granite would, but it's hard wearing and doesn't look in the least out of place.

  • Anonymous says:

    Quartz is sexier than granite. And recycled countertops are sexier than tearing down mountains in India, China, Africa, S. America, etc. with the later two continents importing some granites containing uranium which emit hundreds of times normal background levels of radiation. There's nothing sexy about cancer. Microban in some quartz countertops contains carcinogenic chemicals. Not to mention, what is really in your stone countertop sealer? Choose your esthetic elements wisely.

  • Kiran says:

    Quartz…It has a cleaner look. 🙂

    http://www.genuineelegance.blogspot.com

  • Color and Style says:

    They're both great materials as far as durability and maintenance is concerned. I make the choice based on the job, what works better in a particular style, with other colors and materials.

  • yoli says:

    I'm so torn between granite and quartz. I too find granite busy but i heard that quartz does stain and scratch. That is the only thing holding me back. Has anyone noticed this problem.

  • Lisa says:

    Would you be able to tell me what colour the cabinets are in the second kitchen photo? Thanks

  • Maria Killam says:

    HI Lisa,
    I would say probably something like BM Ivory White.
    Maria

  • Anonymous says:

    It's ALL ABOUT QUARTZ. We (DIY) just put quartz (Rushmore by MSI {*) photo doesn't do it justice!)countertops in our boathouse and it is gorgeous, durable and did I say gorgeous?!?! franki

  • Anonymous says:

    I prefer quartz because you can have some fun with the backsplash with less risk of ending up with a kitchen that is too busy.

    Granite seems dated and old ladyish. I think one day it'll be like harvest gold laminate. People will see it and say, "What were they thinking??" Sure, my quartz will be dated one day, but I think it'll seem dated long after granite has run its course.

  • Paula VH says:

    Here in North Carolina a house must pass a radon inspection before it may sell. Our last house had to have $1500 remediation device installed in the basement. When i asked the installer what caused the radon, his answer was the granite in the ground. After some research, I learned that there is some radon emitted from granite countertops. Much of it is dissapated by opening & closing exterior doors etc. But for me, no more granite, thanks!

  • Keri says:

    Why hasn’t anybody mentioned Soapstone? I am totally over the granite look, but this blog piqued my interest in Quartz….

  • Linda says:

    I am with you Keri on the Soapstone but it is much more expensive then granite or quartz. Though, what I love about soapstone is it does not need any harsh sealers only mineral oil. Also, you can put hot pans or pots on it with no fear of cracking. Granite or quartz can crack. Soapstone can take the heat and because of this it is used in cookware. You can buy griddles, pots, and pizza stones. As for granite or quartz I do like both and it really depends on the whole look/design. Though, with the mircoban do your homework, there have been some concerns with it. Another note between granite and quartz to consider is the slab size. Quartz slabs are smaller and you may need to buy 2 slabs and have left overs. Where with granite slabs they can be much larger and can sometimes you can get a whole kitchen done with one slab. Your designer or fabricator should be able to advise you as to how many slabs you will need and what is best for you.

    Maria, love your website. Excellent information.

  • Debbi in Texas says:

    I hate granite but honed is preferred over the shiny kind; quartz honed is better; but I love slate best

  • Rosie says:

    I bought my granite countertops in NJ and I love them! I will never install a different type of stone unless maybe marble. I bought my home with laminate countertops that were in terrible condition. The laminate was raised in spots and cracked in others – was not taken care of. The Granite is durable an so easy to clean not too mention BEAUTIFUL!

  • Franki says:

    We started out with quartz in the boathouse…that would be a true test…it IS SEXIER and FUN and hard working and I will most certainly use it in the cottage remodel!! franki

  • Felicia says:

    Quartz by far.. With Granite, you can walk in someone else home and probably see you kitchen. I just bought a slab of Revolution Quartzite. And I’ll be willing to bet. My kitchen will be a One of Kind. That Slab is BEAUTIFUL.

  • summgardner says:

    OK…for all those that love marble (I do!) there is now a quartz that looks just like carrerra marble without all the bother, yellowing, staining and chipping. It is made by Stilestone and is called “Lyra.” I put a piece up against a 12 x 12 carrera marble tile and could not tell the difference. Even the Tile store owner and his wife and my contractor couldn’t. Just did my beach house kitchen over using this quartz with white cabinets. Love it! I also have a real marble vanity and a granite vanity, all look great but among all, I love the quartz. No staining, no yellowing, no sealing.

  • Judy says:

    I have granite which my husband was desperate for. I was very worried about it, knowing that it would be very busy. Needless to say we ended the granite. Although it does look very nice, we have it as a splash back as well and we received many compliments. If I had of had my way I would of gone for the quartz simply because it is more neutral.

  • Sybil says:

    We are in the process of making this decision right now for our new white kitchen and after walking through aisles and aisles of granite slabs I have determined that I just don’t care for granite. I only saw one possibility but didn’t even love that one. Most are just too busy for me. Quartz it will be in a neutral pattern. I’m not saying the granite is not beautiful, just not something I want to look at day after day.

  • Michelle says:

    I frefer quartz, as well…BUT, in my neck of the woods, granite still reigns.

    I just put Kasmir White granite in a high-end residential application here with a ‘New Yorker’ elongated white subway tile backsplash (no inset or patterned design above the range), whte cabinetry, glass pulls and lots of chandies! The island has a black walnut top and all the flooring throughout is Brazilian Cherry.

    It looks cozy yet CLEAN. And yes, all the appliances are brushed stainless…the old Wolfies and Sub Zero stayed, as well…the client still loved them and they are in great condition!

    I have said it for years, and I agree with Maria, you will never regret a white kitchen! 🙂

  • Juanita says:

    There is a quartz manufacturer that you don’t talk about, and they have covered the best of both products. Cambria quartz has patterns that resemble granite, if that is the look you are after. But also have the whitest white on the market. They are worth a look.

  • Diane says:

    One thing I don’t like about granite (maybe applies to quartz too) is how cold it is. My husband was wanting to replace our maple butcher block island with granite. I love wood counters, though not the standard maple butcher block. So, in compromise fashion, he ran heat wires (like the kind to keep your pipes from freezing) under the granite I selected. We have a switch to turn it off and on and it’s the only way I’d agree to that cold stone in our home. It is bossy and 10 years later, I’d like to remove it and do a neutral quartz.

  • CeCe says:

    I prefer quartz over most granite. Only a very few slabs of granite have I loved. I was leaning toward quartz when we remodeled our kitchen, but concrete won out. When we re-do the pantry, it will either be wood or metal on the countertops.
    I enjoy your posts; you are doing a great service educating people about undertones.

  • Jo says:

    I don’t care for most granites as I usually find them too busy, too bossy, not a fan of many of the colors/patterns (not a gold/yellow fan at all). I do like the granites that run in the white family (white springs, alaska white, etc) and love jet mist. Jet mist is a great alternative to soapstone if you like the look but not necessarily the care-worn patina soapstone develops. Stone enhancer deepens the veining pattern in the jet mist, very pretty!

    Quartz is nice but not quite enough pattern for me but it does allow a busier back splash if that’s the route you like. What I do not like about quartz is that it is more contemporary. To get a full bullnose (I personally prefer that edge) costs some bucks because quartz is so hard.

  • Shari Eklund says:

    So is Corian completely out now?

    • Maria Killam says:

      I don’t think it’s out. It’s not as cold as stone. Maria

      • Shari Eklund says:

        No, it’s not. And it’s smooth like ‘buttah’. 🙂 The reason I chose it over granite is because I absolutely detest seams and Corian doesn’t need them. The integrated Corian sink also sold me on it. It looks sleek. And any scratches can just be buffed out. It was a no-brainer for me!

  • Maddie says:

    Granite gets spotty. I had Quartz before and don’t remember it being spotty.

  • Mary says:

    i have used soapstone in two kitchen and a bathroom remodel. Absolutely love it. Nuanced. Quiet. Elegant.

    • Carol Primeau says:

      I love my granite counters with my white cabinets and medium dark wood floors. I choose a stone with a lot of white in it. I adore the natural movement in the stone. It’s important to let your counters be the star and keep everything else very simple when choosing granite. Also, I feel most of these comments are geared toward the more mass produced granite with gold and not some of the more expensive choices. I really didn’t want a man materiel. Quartz is a cleaner, less busy look but not what I wanted.

  • Lisa says:

    I think both can be a great choice depending on the kitchen. We just built a home and this was a big decision for us. I originally wanted quartz because I felt that granite was too busy, but then my cabinets turned out to be more cream colored than off-white and non of the quartz colors looked right. They looked to bland, and I wanted something that would make the kitchen pop. So we went with delicates cream granite. It’s busy but we really like it. I think the quartz we originally wanted would have been too sterile and boring.

  • Elaine Allison says:

    I really like the fresh, clean look of quartz. But when I redo my kitchen, which is ready for a redo, I will chose granite.
    The reasons have nothing to do with how it looks actually. My understanding from research that I have done is that granite is a much greener and eco friendly product. As well, it is apparently much easier to repair any chips or scratches on granite, whilst nearly impossible on quartz. I will look for the simplest, cleanest looking granite that I can find, sourced here in Canada.
    That will be my contribution to a cleaner, greener Canada.

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