Quartz VS Granite Kitchen Countertops

Here's the deal I worked for many years for a countertop manufacturer/installer. The company worked with all forms of quartz products, solid surface, soapstone, limestone, marble, etc. But they really specialized in granite countertops. Just so you know, I have a lot of professional experience here.

As you probably know the basic difference is that granite is natural stone taken right out of the earth, polished, and cut into slabs. Quartz products are made of real stone also, but in combination with manmade products, so you get the hardness and beauty of real stone, with the consistency and durability of manmade products (kind of the best of both worlds).

And here's the deal - granite is really trendy right now, but I would never put it in my home (for countertops). It is a delicate surface that is susceptable to heat damage, acidic damage, and is fragile.

What does that mean?

-If you drop a heavy glass jar (for example), or put weight on a large overhang, your granite can crack/fissure/break fairly easily. Making it not ideal for high-traffic areas.

-If you use the wrong type of cleaner (usually those containing ammonia), you will etch the finish of your countertops, creating dull-looking spots.

-If you forget to use a trivet and have a hot pan/griddle/grill on your countertops, you will leave a permanent mark (moreso than say with laminate tops).

-You also have to periodically reseal granite tops to maintain their finish

-If you do create damage, it is very costly to bring in someone to repair it. And in most cases they have to patch in a new piece of granite to replace the damaged piece. And since this is natural stone with unique coloring and features in every batch, guess what? Patched in pieces almost never match up with the original stuff.

-Will always have visible seams

Plus the stuff is expensive! Generally a fair bit moreso than most Quartz products (although that can vary based on what color group you choose from.)

-Much more durable, and is virtually maintenance-free.

-Generally more affordable

-Seams should be much less visible than with granite (if installed by good people)

-In the event a replacement piece is ever needed, you have a much better chance of matching up color/pattern since it is partially man-made.

-And it is BEAUTIFUL material, don't let anyone tell you granite is better looking. Not true. Granite's just really in right now. And it won't always be.

Cambria is a wonderful product, it was one of the lines my company carried (also Silestone and FormicaStone), and we always got wonderful customer feedback about it. Rarely ever had any complaints relating to the product, usage, or look of it. So I'd say you've probably made a wonderful choice!

I hope you enjoy your new tops, and if you have any questions please feel free to message me.