Picking Your Countertop Material

Granite or Quartz?? Which is best for countertops? Which is least expensive?

These are questions I get a lot. My 100% honest answer, whichever one YOU like the BEST!

Granite and quartz both offer two totally different looks. Granite tends to be more of a busier look with higher contrast/variation. Whereas quartz usually has a more consistent look. So really it comes down to your own taste. Some of us are naturally attracted to calmer, monochromatic, less contrast spaces. Some of us love high contrast!

I believe HGTV has scared a lot of consumers from going with granite due to fear of upkeep. This is not true, granite upkeep is not difficult. Granite sealer is a simple spray that you spray on and wipe off. You can do this once a year to be on the safe side. Granite is a natural stone rock that does absorb moisture, so you do have to be careful to not let things spill on your granite if it’s not sealed to avoid stains.

Quartz is a man made product that was presented to the market to be scratch resistant. That is something I don't truly believe is true. I have had some people say they have had theirs scratched, so I always warn them to use cutting boards, etc. A lot of clients that are drawn to the quartz look are usually after that more real marble look. As we all know, real marble is a pretty soft natural stone and known to have staining and scratching issues.

Another product on the market that seems to be growing in popularity and offers that natural stone marble look, but with additional durability, is quartzite. Quartzite is another natural stone material, but denser than granite, and has the more subtle marbling movement to it.

This is probably one of my favorite options right now! I love that clients can get that on-trend, subtle movement, and coloring... while still being a TRUE natural stone! I feel like going with a really natural stone adds a level of sophistication, classy and timeless feel to the home!

All countertop materials on the market have a perfect time, place, and use for them! The most important tip to use as a guide when trying to figure out which one works best for you, is the one that you will enjoy looking at the most!

-Sara Fink