by Jules
How do I choose between granite or quartz counters?
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I have been told so many things about both ,which is the one that will last for years to come.we will have young kids and elderly people using the area where the counters are in the kitchen
Suggested Project Book
Once a year seal the counter then once a week clean with cleaner and polish for granit that’s it
Two years ago I had quartz countertops installed in my kitchen. They are heat resistant, don’t stain, bacteria resistant and no annual sealing required. I recommend quartz
With children and elderly, there will be spills, drips and drops, quartz is my vote. It is stain resistant and requires no maintenance. Here are some sites that compare the two side by side for you.
I am not a fan of granite, unless you go to a stoneyard and choose your own slab, the stuff they sell in all the big box stores is just not my style, but that's just me.
https://sebringdesignbuild.com/pros-and-cons-of-quartz-vs-granite-countertops-the-complete-rundown/
https://www.consumerreports.org/kitchen-countertops/quartz-vs-granite-kitchen-countertop-which-material-is-better/
https://www.hgtv.com/design-blog/design/granite-vs-quartz-is-one-better-than-the-other
Go with the quartz, and have them round all edges, for safety.
With children or an inexperienced adult, if any lemon/orange/lime, etc. juices, tomato juice or sauce, or vinegar is dripped on granite, it can be "etched", damaging the finish.
Further, in some areas of the U.S., hard water can adversely affect granite.
Quartz! Other than stainless steel, quartz is the only other material approved for commercial use. I bake a lot. Not the neatest of bakers. Some how I spilled red food coloring paste on my quartz countertop. I didn't notice for at least a day. I wiped with a damp paper towel. Absolutely no food dye left after 1 wipe!
I have a rustic lodge style design so my counter tops are a mixture of butcherblock and leathered granite.
The granite fabrication style is also called "honed", "flamed", "fired", or "antiqued". I love the rough, pitted, low sheen appearance. You can't damage the finish because it has already been distressed .
My only concern with any hard counter surface is the increased likelihood of breaking glassware and dinnerware -- especially with both young and old hands in the kitchen. That's why I incorporated butcherblock in strategic areas for use as landing areas for fragile materials.