When potential customers walk into our showroom, they come in with questions about countertops. Often, they have done some research, but they are still confused about what the difference is between quartz and granite. Different websites will give you conflicting information depending on who wrote the article.
If you happened to look on a quartz website, they might give information pertaining to granite that may not be completely accurate because they are, after all, representing quartz countertops, and they wouldn’t really like you to purchase granite.
We feel that educating consumers is the best way for them to make a decision. We just want them to buy their new countertops from us, be it granite or quartz! So here is my take on the difference.

1. Granite is a natural product from the earth. Quartz is a man-made product made from 93% crushed quartz mixed with 7% resin making it a very durable product.

2. Granite is porous, quartz is non-porous making quartz more stain resistant. I say resistant because I have seen stains on quartz, however the stain was removed by a cleanser type product. Granite is sealed, making it stain resistant as well. There are 15 year sealants available making granite maintenance free.

3. Both products will most likely have a visible seam. Because quartz is typically more uniform, the seams may seem less visible than granite seams.

4. We notice that all the quartz colors will fade when exposed to direct sun over time. Some granite colors will fade more than others.

5. When working with samples of granite, the slabs may be very different from the sample. Quartz samples will be almost identical to the slab.

6. Pricing for quartz countertops is more expensive than granite. I find this to be a surprise to people more than anything else. I think that since quartz is a man made product people expect it to be less expensive.

Hopefully this helps folks out there understand the difference between the two products so you can make an informed decision.

A common misconception is that marble countertops are really porous, stain easily and are a pain to keep clean. This is not true. Cleaning marble is simple once you learn the right way to do it. While marble counters require increased sensitivity compared to grainte or quartz, there is no reason a marble counter can’t maintain its luster as long as any other surface.

The biggest thing to remember is that marble is sensitive to acidic and oily substances. Items like juice, wine, and coffee can stain or “etch” the surface. Etching is basically dulling of the polish.This can occur whether the marble is sealed or not. Be sure to wipe up spills immediately to avoid permanent stains. It is also a good idea to use coasters underneath these items to catch spills.

If there is a spill, don’t panic. Accidents happen. Clean your marble countertop with a soft damp cloth or sponge using warm water. Use mild soap if necessary. Avoid common household cleaners that contain harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals can cloud the surface of the marble. There are special cleaning products that you can buy for especially tough stains.

When it comes to marble bathroom countertops, there are additional precautions that need to be taken to ensure a long, healthy life. Hair products, toothpaste, perfumes, colognes, nail products, creams, lotions and potions can all damage the surface or the marble, leaving an etch or unsightly ring. Protect your countertop by placing these products on a decorative tray.

It is important to note, that over time stains and etches will appear, regardless of how meticulous you take care for it. This doesn’t mean your countertop is ruined. A few etches here and there adds character to the marble. The key is to make sure the counter doesn’t get overrun with so much character, that the natural beauty of the marble gets overshadowed.