Granite or Quartz?

[Peazoup]

Would love to get opinions on which is best - granite or quartz for a kitchen counter and why one is better than the other. Thanks for any input.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Would love to get opinions on which is best - granite or quartz for a kitchen counter and why one is better than the other. Thanks for any input.

If it’s economics, granite is a little cheaper. Aesthetically, not much difference.
Granite is porous and absorbs while quartz is not but is more durable. IMO, its a toss up

[gatorbill1]

Definitely quartz. Does not absorb so you can wipe up spills pretty easy. Granite absorbs and could be a problem with spills.

[jlejsek@sbcglobal.net]

Would love to get opinions on which is best - granite or quartz for a kitchen counter and why one is better than the other. Thanks for any input.

Quartz is more expensive but does not have to be sealed. It can look a bit monocramatic. Granite has to be sealed regurly but is very durable. I would base my desicion on what pateern colors you like better. I would look at both and tgen decide what you like better. Remember, if you select granite, you will need to select your slabs because the granre can look different from the sample they show you so be sure they allow you to "tag" your slabs.

[retiredguy123]

Quartz is in, Granite is out.

[Dusty_Star]

Granite. Granite is sealed to eliminate the absorption. Quartz is harming the workers who fabricate it into countertops. Some jurisdictions are considering bans due to health risks. Also quartz can crack if exposed to sudden temperature changes (think hot pots), or heavy objects and sharp edges.

"Quartz countertops linked to deadly lung disease in workers who fabricate the material... demand for quartz countertops has increased workers' exposure to silica dust, a chemical compound that causes lung damage."

Quartz countertops linked to deadly lung disease in workers (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/quartz-countertops-deadly-lung-disease-workers-rcna95959)

Causes of Cracking in Quartz Countertops | Granite Guy (https://graniteguyinc.com/causes-of-cracking-in-quartz-countertops/#:~:text=Even%20though%20quartz%20is%20a,crack%2C% 20although%20it%20is%20uncommon).

[Shipping up to Boston]

Granite. Granite is sealed to eliminate the absorption. Quartz is harming the workers who fabricate it into countertops. Some jurisdictions are considering bans due to health risks. Also quartz can crack if exposed to sudden temperature changes (think hot pots), or heavy objects and sharp edges.

"Quartz countertops linked to deadly lung disease in workers who fabricate the material... demand for quartz countertops has increased workers' exposure to silica dust, a chemical compound that causes lung damage."

Quartz countertops linked to deadly lung disease in workers (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/quartz-countertops-deadly-lung-disease-workers-rcna95959)

Causes of Cracking in Quartz Countertops | Granite Guy (https://graniteguyinc.com/causes-of-cracking-in-quartz-countertops/#:~:text=Even%20though%20quartz%20is%20a,crack%2C% 20although%20it%20is%20uncommon).

Since trace amounts of radon are associated with granite as well...and also can be a contributor to lung disease....is your post a lesser of two evils or an environmental justice statement?

[Stu from NYC]

Quartz is much more user friendly and what we recently put in

[Two Bills]

I once knocked a glass onto the edge of our granite worktop.
Worktop chipped, glass did not break.
We have quartz now. Much easier to clean and maintain, and still in one piece.

[Cupcake57]

Would love to get opinions on which is best - granite or quartz for a kitchen counter and why one is better than the other. Thanks for any input.

Quartz for sure, for both esthetic and functional reasons. Granite choices are usually darker, busier patterns and more dated, design wise. I like the more uniform look of quartz. And I guess I'm lazy and don't want the worry of marking granite if I don't take care of it. Have fun with your new kitchen.

[bmcgowan13]

Also quartz can crack if exposed to sudden temperature changes (think hot pots), or heavy objects and sharp edges..

Agreed. Ours did. I always thought quartz would "take any heat" but I put a hot frying pan naked (no pad or trivet) on our countertop by the stove (my bad) and about 15 minutes we heard what sounded like a gunshot.

There was a hairline crack in our beautiful quartz countertop. You cannot see it due to the marbling/pattern...but you can feel it with a fingernail.

My bad...I should have used basic precautions to prevent this. We did not replace the top--you cannot see the crack but if we ever replace the top I'm sure it will reveal.

Either way--use caution...Quartz will crack...

[Stu from NYC]

Agreed. Ours did. I always thought quartz would "take any heat" but I put a hot frying pan naked (no pad or trivet) on our countertop by the stove (my bad) and about 15 minutes we heard what sounded like a gunshot.

There was a hairline crack in our beautiful quartz countertop. You cannot see it due to the marbling/pattern...but you can feel it with a fingernail.

My bad...I should have used basic precautions to prevent this. We did not replace the top--you cannot see the crack but if we ever replace the top I'm sure it will reveal.

Either way--use caution...Quartz will crack...

Ultimate Granite cautioned us about putting hot things directly on the surface.

[Topspinmo]

I have diamond plated countertops for all you that want to keep up with jones.:ho:

[Sherkugawa]

Would love to get opinions on which is best - granite or quartz for a kitchen counter and why one is better than the other. Thanks for any input.

They are both good. You can put a hot pan on granite but not quartz.

[villageuser]

Neither. Go Quartzite. That is a natural stone, better than Granite. First, it’s beautiful. Second, I’ve had mine over 3 years. It got the initial sealing when they put it in, and other than the normal wiping it down when something gets dropped on it, I have done nothing else to it, and I’ve been told by the installers, who I double-checked with this year, that I probably wouldn’t have to for more years to come. Quartzite is stain resistant, and will not burn, etch, or scratch. I have both Taj Majal and Vanilla in my house. A little more expensive than the other options, but I have no regrets.

[MandoMan]

Neither. Go Quartzite. That is a natural stone, better than Granite. First, it’s beautiful. Second, I’ve had mine over 3 years. It got the initial sealing when they put it in, and other than the normal wiping it down when something gets dropped on it, I have done nothing else to it, and I’ve been told by the installers, who I double-checked with this year, that I probably wouldn’t have to for more years to come. Quartzite is stain resistant, and will not burn, etch, or scratch. I have both Taj Majal and Vanilla in my house. A little more expensive than the other options, but I have no regrets.

I lived in the Appalachian mountains of Pennsylvania on a property with quartzite being much more abundant than dirt. I built retaining walls out of quartzite blocks that littered the surface. Essentially, it was once sand that was heated so hot that some of the silica in the sand turned into quartz crystals. It’s soft enough that it can be cut with a circular saw. (Not with my blades, please!) There are places with so much quartzite that it can be mined in big blocks and sliced into slabs. The problem is that it is porous—water and stains will filter into it. What gets sold for counters is treated with oils or waxes that make up about ten percent of the volume.

By contrast, so called “quartz” countertops are made of quartz gravel, marble chips, glass, and industrial waste of various sorts mixed with a polymer binder of some sort and treated with heat. It is then sliced and polished. It has natural material in it, but much of it is made in chemical plants. It can be made in various forms, some of them quite festive, and often it doesn’t look much like stone.

Granite countertops are made of slabs of granite. If you walk through the stone yard of a countertop shop, you will see that there are a lot of really beautiful and exotic possibilities available to those who want their counters to be really striking. Most people choose what is cheapest and most consistent, of course.

One I love that I haven’t seen mentioned here is soapstone. (It doesn’t lather, but it has a sort of soapy, greasy feel to it.) Soapstone is mostly made of steatite, which is mostly talc, mined in big blocks, then sliced. I know there’s a big mine in Virginia. It’s a medium to dark grey. I had a two ton Tulikivi wood stove made of it, and it held the heat of the fire for hours, gradually heating the house. It’s also good for handmade farmhouse-type sinks.

I’m pleased that my home on The Villages has nice Formica countertops. Easy to clean. Much less expensive. Looks nice to me. Stone? Who am I trying to impress?

[westernrider75]

Would love to get opinions on which is best - granite or quartz for a kitchen counter and why one is better than the other. Thanks for any input.

We went with quartzite, which is part of the materials that quartz is made out of. Our pattern is “quieter” than most granite patterns but more interesting than most quartz, IMO. I also like very shiny countertops so that was a factor.

[Veracity]

Quartz is in, Granite is out.

Granite makes a kitchen look dated.
Like it or not, quartz and quartzite are the latest trends in kitchen design and will currently provide you with the best resale value.

[gwenhwalker@yahoo.com]

I chose granite for a natural look vs man made with quartz

[Starfire]

Try TerraStone from Central Florida Kitchen & Bath Surfaces Inc, 2800 SE 62nd St, Ocala, FL 34480

Go spend a day checking out your options. Looks like Granite at 1/3 the cost (2 years ago).
They also do Granite, and Quartz if that is your choice.
TerraStone color and pattern is completely customizable.

[LeRoySmith]

We have granite up north and quartz here.

Granite is heat tolerant which I really like, its stain resistant which I like, its ugly (very wild pattern).

Quartz isn't as heat tolerant so I have to be really careful since I'm now in the habit of putting hot pots on it. Quartz will stain, a coffee cup ring or even worse a red Kool-Aid stain are hard to get off (we have almost white quartz). It looks very nice when its all clean, slick and pristine.

I'd pick Granite and try to get the least wild pattern I could find.

[margaretmattson]

IMO, Granite goes well with darker cabinets and quartz goes well with lighter cabinets.

[DonnaNi4os]

My personal opinion is that I prefer the look of granite. While quartz is thought to be impervious to heat and stains it is not. My son has an icemaker and must put a pad under it because the heat can and will damage the quartz. If granite is sealed you will not have a problem with stains. Yes is can chip if something smashes it but quartz can also be damaged. Quartz is pricier so I say it’s a personal preference.

[virtue51]

Quartz -- no maintenance

[Santiagogirl]

It appears to received relatively little press, but manufactured stone (quartz) countertops were recently banned in Australia. (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.aiha.org/news/240104-australias-new-engineered-stone-ban-to-begin-in-july%23:~:text%3DAustralia%2520is%2520set%2520to%2 520become,and%2520safety%2520ministers%2520on%2520 Dec.&ved=2ahUKEwipqaiMtOeFAxXMfTABHd3TAS4QFnoECBMQBQ&usg=AOvVaw3TzCEqhOH9PWx8drs5LYMg). The people working this material can be exposed to extremely dangerous dust, which can destroy the lungs in a relatively short period of time, resulting in lung transplantation or even death. California recently put in place rules to protect workers in this industry, which generally involves small shops and often employees who do not speak English or realize the risks. There are a number of established reports of workers dying in the United States in this industry, typically at a young age. Natural stone is a little less dangerous, but still can cause the same health effects. I plan to use less fashionable materials in my upcoming remodel project. It is not worth killing somebody for a pretty kitchen.

[airstreamingypsy]

Granite is so passé and ugly. Soapstone if you can afford it, or quartz.

[Susan1717]

100% quartzite! It’s a natural stone and beautiful. Be careful with any and never put a hot pan directly on them. Never leave red wine or sauce spills sit on them either.

[kendi]

Would love to get opinions on which is best - granite or quartz for a kitchen counter and why one is better than the other. Thanks for any input.

Personally if I’d choose granite if there’s a color I like because it’s a natural material. People make a big deal about it needing to be sealed but they never check to see what that actually entails . It’s simply spraying and rubbing the sealant into the granite As easy as wiping with a wet rag.

Didn’t know about the health hazards of manufacturing quartz as mentioned by a previous post but now that I do I’d definitely stay away from it.

[Shipping up to Boston]

It appears to received relatively little press, but manufactured stone (quartz) countertops were recently banned in Australia. (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.aiha.org/news/240104-australias-new-engineered-stone-ban-to-begin-in-july%23:~:text%3DAustralia%2520is%2520set%2520to%2 520become,and%2520safety%2520ministers%2520on%2520 Dec.&ved=2ahUKEwipqaiMtOeFAxXMfTABHd3TAS4QFnoECBMQBQ&usg=AOvVaw3TzCEqhOH9PWx8drs5LYMg). The people working this material can be exposed to extremely dangerous dust, which can destroy the lungs in a relatively short period of time, resulting in lung transplantation or even death. California recently put in place rules to protect workers in this industry, which generally involves small shops and often employees who do not speak English or realize the risks. There are a number of established reports of workers dying in the United States in this industry, typically at a young age. Natural stone is a little less dangerous, but still can cause the same health effects. I plan to use less fashionable materials in my upcoming remodel project. It is not worth killing somebody for a pretty kitchen.

If we’re basing our choices on fear and conscience .....then butcher block.....oh wait, now salmonella enters the equation! :rolleyes:

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Our preferences from our research, cost not being a factor until purchase time

Quartzite: best for all conditions, heat included
install next to oven / stove for hot pan usage

Granite: look long, far and wide for the pattern matching, and yes, there is some maintenance, but you are also retired and clean house regularly as well. so you add a chore to the house kleening every 6 months without much effort.
downside is if you take lots of tiny pills, you can lose them in the veining

Quartz: best near sink, dishwasher, and not adjacent to the stove as heat can damage the epoxy
if next to stove, use glass hot plate protectors for removing dishes from stove top to kountertop
Use glass top stove cleaner for any stains, ie, keep the counter kleen at all times

good luck and please lettuce know what you picked?

grammer and spelling expert guy

[Packer Fan]

Quartz is more expensive but does not have to be sealed. It can look a bit monocramatic. Granite has to be sealed regurly but is very durable. I would base my desicion on what pateern colors you like better. I would look at both and tgen decide what you like better. Remember, if you select granite, you will need to select your slabs because the granre can look different from the sample they show you so be sure they allow you to "tag" your slabs.

Quartz is FAR from monochromatic - see below- and I have had both and Granite is a pain - don't put hot pots on it, don't spill. Quartz is just about indestructible. Go with the quartz - BTW, This is Cabria, top of the line, and the difference from High end quartz was not that much. Burns Woodworking did it, love them.

[wamley]

Had both in our Kitchen. First we had Granite which is a natural stone and can stain if you don't treat it properly. Quartz doesn't stain its basically a thick piece of glass that is simple to keep clean, but can be scrathed it you have a sharp enough knife. If you cut on a board you will not have problems.

[Packer Fan]

You know, the real issue is that whatever counter you have, after you pay, you will use a pad on the counter. Spills are accidents and will happen. Granite stains and quartz does not from my experience. But I was warned no hot pots on Granite, my Cambria installer said nothing would touch it. We still use a pad... Too big an investment not to. It looks AWESOME though.

[Stu from NYC]

Our preferences from our research, cost not being a factor until purchase time

Quartzite: best for all conditions, heat included
install next to oven / stove for hot pan usage

Granite: look long, far and wide for the pattern matching, and yes, there is some maintenance, but you are also retired and clean house regularly as well. so you add a chore to the house kleening every 6 months without much effort.
downside is if you take lots of tiny pills, you can lose them in the veining

Quartz: best near sink, dishwasher, and not adjacent to the stove as heat can damage the epoxy
if next to stove, use glass hot plate protectors for removing dishes from stove top to kountertop
Use glass top stove cleaner for any stains, ie, keep the counter kleen at all times

good luck and please lettuce know what you picked?

grammer and spelling expert guy

We have a white cutting board that hides all the time.

What kind of lettuce, romaine or iceberg? Inquiring minds want to know

[skippy05]

You must have a non busy almost white countertop in order that you can choose a really nice backspkash tile which is more busy. This is most cost effective with quartz and expensive done in granite. Only high end granite is available in least busy patterns while quartz meets that goal so much more affordablely.

[jimjamuser]

Would love to get opinions on which is best - granite or quartz for a kitchen counter and why one is better than the other. Thanks for any input.
Quartz is better because granite can chip.

[Randall55]

Quartz is FAR from monochromatic - see below- and I have had both and Granite is a pain - don't put hot pots on it, don't spill. Quartz is just about indestructible. Go with the quartz - BTW, This is Cabria, top of the line, and the difference from High end quartz was not that much. Burns Woodworking did it, love them.
You have it backwards. Granite is real stone whereas quartz is manmade and contains resin. You have to be careful with heat on Quartz. Nothing above 300 degrees because of the resin. A sharp knife can scratch quartz. Both will stain if you are not careful.

Quartz or Granite? It is merely a design choice. Some options are very similar that it is difficult to distinguish one from the other with the naked eye. Quartz is engineered to look like real stone and mimics granite or marble.

Granite is never outdated. It is the color of cabinets. A few years ago, oak, maple, and cherry cabinets were in demand. Now, lighter cabinets are the preference. Black cabinets are also desirable. Whichever you choose, design fads come and go. Quartz may be the IT product now but will not remain that way.

Most likely, the Developer uses quartz because he has found a cheap source and primarily uses the same color in all spec homes to keep the cost down. IMO, this makes EVERY new home look identical. Not a good thing in the resale market. Buyers will have an option to look for the cheapest home.

[Pixelpups]

I hate the white quartz countertops currently in our preowned home. I had a lovely veined granite countertop in my old home. So it comes down to preferences. I’m constantly scrubbing my white countertop to keep it from looking dirty; even water leaves stains. The rounded corners on the island are no longer shiny. Berry juice, red drinks, even tea: scrub, scrub, scrub. Once we fix the floors and closets, cabinets and a friendly granite countertop are next!

[nn0wheremann]

Would love to get opinions on which is best - granite or quartz for a kitchen counter and why one is better than the other. Thanks for any input.
Formica

[Stu from NYC]

Formica

Not if you ever want to sell your home

[LeRoySmith]

Formica

Think back to when you were a kid, plywood with sheet vinyl glued to it was the counters I grew up with and they were great, when forimca came along we thought we were fancy.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Think back to when you were a kid, plywood with sheet vinyl glued to it was the counters I grew up with and they were great, when forimca came along we thought we were fancy.

Yup....still in use. I scale fish on them.

[LeRoySmith]

Yup....still in use. I scale fish on them.

you gotta be kidding

when we got our first formica counter tops my dad took the old counters and made a fish cleaning station out of them, we even kept the old sink installed and ran a garden hose to the faucet

We arent kin are we, dad!?

[Shipping up to Boston]

you gotta be kidding

when we got our first formica counter tops my dad took the old counters and made a fish cleaning station out of them, we even kept the old sink installed and ran a garden hose to the faucet

We arent kin are we, dad!?

You know youre a redneck if.....

[OpusX1]

Protect Your Quartz Countertops: Hot Pot Do’s and Don’ts
Written by Melissa H.Fenton in Bed Runners & Scarves
No, a hot pot should not be placed directly on quartz countertops. Quartz countertops are not heat-resistant and may crack or discolor if exposed to high temperatures.

Quartz countertops are a popular choice for kitchens due to their durability and low maintenance characteristics. However, it is important to note that they are not entirely heat resistant. While quartz countertops can withstand moderate heat from everyday use, they may crack or discolor if exposed to high temperatures.

Therefore, it is not recommended to place a hot pot or a pan directly on the quartz countertop. Instead, use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from heat damage. Taking care of your quartz countertop properly can increase its lifespan and maintain its aesthetic appeal.

Sizzling pots of savory broth and thinly sliced meats – hot pot is the ultimate comfort food. But setting up your hot pot at home can be tricky. Granite countertops are beautiful, but their polished surfaces aren’t exactly designed for steaming, bubbling hot pots. So can you put your hot pot directly on granite?

The short answer is yes, you can use a hot pot on granite countertops. Granite is an extremely durable natural stone that can withstand exposure to heat. However, there are a few precautions you should take to avoid damaging your countertops when using a hot pot.

Place a trivet or hot pads under the hot pot to prevent direct contact with the granite. The extreme heat from the boiling broth can potentially cause cracks or discoloration on the surface. A trivet helps distribute the heat. You can also use folded kitchen towels in a pinch. In addition, be sure to avoid dragging the hot pot across the granite, as scratches can occur.

With some care taken to protect your countertops, you can safely enjoy hot pot on your granite surfaces. Just be mindful of using trivets and avoiding any harsh scraping. Follow these tips and your granite will hold up beautifully for many hot pot meals to come.

Now that you know it’s possible, get ready to gather your ingredients and fire up a flavorful, steaming hot pot tonight!

[coffeebean]

Would love to get opinions on which is best - granite or quartz for a kitchen counter and why one is better than the other. Thanks for any input.

Quartz was my preferred counter tops for our kitchen, baths and laundry room. I wanted maintenance free surfaces. I would always be concerned when the countertop would need to be sealed. I just didn't want that worry, especially in the kitchen.

[coffeebean]

It appears to received relatively little press, but manufactured stone (quartz) countertops were recently banned in Australia. (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.aiha.org/news/240104-australias-new-engineered-stone-ban-to-begin-in-july%23:~:text%3DAustralia%2520is%2520set%2520to%2 520become,and%2520safety%2520ministers%2520on%2520 Dec.&ved=2ahUKEwipqaiMtOeFAxXMfTABHd3TAS4QFnoECBMQBQ&usg=AOvVaw3TzCEqhOH9PWx8drs5LYMg). The people working this material can be exposed to extremely dangerous dust, which can destroy the lungs in a relatively short period of time, resulting in lung transplantation or even death. California recently put in place rules to protect workers in this industry, which generally involves small shops and often employees who do not speak English or realize the risks. There are a number of established reports of workers dying in the United States in this industry, typically at a young age. Natural stone is a little less dangerous, but still can cause the same health effects. I plan to use less fashionable materials in my upcoming remodel project. It is not worth killing somebody for a pretty kitchen.

Aren't there particulate respirators that quartz fabricators can use to protect their lungs?

[thelegges]

Aren't there particulate respirators that quartz fabricators can use to protect their lungs?

Yes there are respirators, but two thing come into play

Quality of product and hours of use.

Bigger problems improperly worn or fit.

Even in a medical facility Have seen TB transmission from patient to staff using a TB and procedure mask. Was it improper fit…No everyone has extensive fit test (hood test with jumping Jax while spraying horrid spay if it leaks you taste it).

It was defective mask.

[retiredguy123]

Quartz was my preferred counter tops for our kitchen, baths and laundry room. I wanted maintenance free surfaces. I would always be concerned when the countertop would need to be sealed. I just didn't want that worry, especially in the kitchen.
I agree with Quartz as a better choice over Granite, especially because has a more modern appearance. But, regarding the sealing of Granite, it is recommended annually, but I doubt that many people who have Granite actually comply with the recommendation.

[coffeebean]

Yes there are respirators, but two thing come into play

Quality of product and hours of use.

Bigger problems improperly worn or fit.

Even in a medical facility Have seen TB transmission from patient to staff using a TB and procedure mask. Was it improper fit…No everyone has extensive fit test (hood test with jumping Jax while spraying horrid spay if it leaks you taste it).

It was defective mask.
Makes sense. Thanks.