Looking to change my kitchen countertops

soapstone baw

Sealed Joshua Tree ftw

Quartz is the new Granite. Because its man made they can mimic natural stones such as Carrera Marble and other more exotic stone. Being that its man made, its obviously cheaper right....Ha! Nope! They are very proud of their Quartz and because its currently the "in" product, you can find high end granites and some marbles for a similar price.

Full disclosure, we have Porcelain and Quartz in the kitchen and marble and in the baths. I honestly have no preference, they all are very durable.

Granite can withstand hot pots and pans while quartz can't. And I think nicks can be fixed in granite and not quartz. We just had granite installed. Now i'm left to do the back-splash and refinish the cabinets since i'm a cheap arse.

What is the difference between Quartz and Granite

granite is stone that must be occasionally sealed and can stain, it is a natural stone

marble stains even easier then granite and should be avoided for that reason

quartz is waterproof and does not need to be sealed, ever, quartz itself is a natural stone but quartz counter tops are a made made glass like surface that can often contain recycled glass as well as quartz in it for decorative patterns.

both can be chipped or cracked but if you want the most durable you go with granite, if you want the most maint free you go with quartz

Quartzite is the right answer. It can withstand hot pots like granite and is harder.
Quartz- man made with stone and resin
Quartzite- solid stone

stained concrete

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Quartzite is the right answer.

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I second quartzite.

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Quartzite is the right answer

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Granite often contains quartzite as well as other types of stone . In fact, some of the harder granite tend to contain more quartzite and require little or no sealing (I'd still advise sealing it). Sealing is primarily to eliminate etching due to acids like lemon juice or vinegar.

Quartzite and granite counter tops are probably better long term investments, as the are unlikely to fall out of favor from a style point of view. Quartz counter tops are man made composites that typically used crushed quartz and other minerals. These are partially in favor now because the can be produced from reclaimed materials and are considered "sustainable" and less impactful on the environment.

I have St Cecilia granite and no regrets, though I was unaware at the time that quartzite was a possibility. Roman Ogee on the edge with travertine backsplash.