This question comes up quite often when we are working with clients on a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project as well as new construction interior design planning.  There seems to be some misconceptions about these two different surfaces, so I thought I would share some general information about the features of each so that you can determine which is the best fit for your new home or remodeling project.

Granite is a natural stone material that requires very little processing. It is typically available from slabs which are initially cut from huge blocks of granite in the earth that have formed over millions of years.  Although it is a very hard surface, it can break or chip if heavy objects are dropped on it (I recently chipped my own granite counter top when a coffee mug hit the edge around the sink!).

Because it is a natural product, you should not expect it to be uniform in appearance.  It is also porous, so you will need to be prepared to seal it on a yearly basis.  It seems to be the product that most people are familiar with, but there are other options that work.



Quartz  is one of the hardest materials on earth. It is just as strong as granite but more flexible.  It is the most durable of the countertop selections and is available in a wide variety of colors and styles with a more uniform appearance.  Unlike natural stone, quartz slabs are engineered.  The primary ingredient (@93%) is ground quartz which is combined with polyester resin to bind it and pigments for coloring.  It is stain, heat and scratch resistant.  It is also non-porous, so no sealing/re-sealing is needed.