Selecting Granite & Quartz for a Designer Kitchen

Natural stone has always been a remodeling favorite. With such a large variety of colors, movement and natural variation, it’s always a showstopper. Granite consists of quartz, feldspar and mica making it very hard. Over years of heating and cooling within the earth, beautiful veins, patterns and colors are created. This gorgeous stone is cut from quarries worldwide and has many benefits.

This surface is incredibly hard with a rating of 6 - 7 on the MOHs scale of hardness. For comparison's sake, diamonds are a 10 on the scale. That makes granite harder than most other natural stones. Because of this rating, it's scratch resistant and very resilient against daily wear and tear. If you prefer an easy countertop to care for, granite is also heat resistant, stain resistant and naturally anti-microbial making it a cleaner surface to work with.

Quartz countertops are a man-made product that’s become wildly popular in the past few decades. Chic designs, impressive durability and variety have made this a top pick. This countertop is unique because it’s made of 93% natural quartz rock and 7% resin. The resin is mixed with a variety of colors and sparkling pigments to create the look we all love.

Because the entire manufacturing process is controlled from start to finish, the quartz rock is evenly distributed. This means quartz has virtually no weak spots and is also non-porous. Those are great benefits for anyone looking for a beautiful and durable countertop. For reference, quartz has a 7 rating on the Mohs scale of hardness, putting it right alongside granite.

Granite and quartz are very similar in many ways. It can be hard to decide which surface is the right choice. They are both stain resistant, heat resistant and scratch resistant, so how do you choose? If the pros and cons weren’t enough to help you decide, here are 3 ways to know which countertop is right for you.

1. Personal Taste

Whether you know it or not, everyone has a personal preference. Do you find yourself at ease around natural materials? Or do you enjoy the structured style of man-made materials and designs? This is one easy way to eliminate an option.

Granite can be unpredictable and random. Even if you have seen 20 samples of the same granite, larger slabs could include colors you’ve never seen before. Granite colors and patterns can even start changing over time as the quarries dig further into the earth.

On the other hand, quartz countertops will never differ from the sample. What you see is what you get every single time. Some quartz fabricators still allow you to view slabs ahead of time, but since the patterns are designed, the consistency and colors won’t change much.

2. Your Design Style

Have you scoured through Pinterest looking at remodels yet? Finding your design style is an important detail that can help you choose colors and materials with ease. If this is your first time figuring this out, start paying attention to colors and patterns that attract your eye.

When you’re at a restaurant, do you enjoy the bright and fresh colors of the local cafe? Or do you prefer darker, moody tones often found in chic and trendy steakhouses? Many interior design styles use specific countertops and other materials to create the aesthetic.

For instance, contemporary kitchens often use quartz because it can have a minimal appearance. Traditional kitchens tend to use more natural stone like granite because they embody more decorative details and rich colors. Once you find your design style, it will be that much easier to choose your countertop.

3. Top Kitchen Uses

Although granite and quartz don’t vary much in durability, consider how your kitchen will be used. Do you have a large family, enjoy entertaining a lot or like to cook often? This could dictate which material might be best.

Both materials are anti-microbial, scratch resistant and heat resistant. However, since quartz is made with resin, it is slightly more susceptible to heat damage. That means it’s best to avoid placing hot pans on your work surface. If that’s a negative, then granite countertops might be the right choice for you.