Granite: The All-Natural Beauty
Granite has been the go-to countertop material for ages. It’s literally pulled from the earth, meaning each slab has its own personality. Think of it as nature’s fingerprint on your kitchen countertops.
How Does It Look?
- Pure Elegance: Granite offers natural colors, from deep blacks to soft creams, so your kitchen countertops look modern, elegant, and functional.
- Storytelling: Patterns like swirls, specks, or veins tell stories that have been millions of years in the making.
Personal Branding: Perfect for those who crave something one-of-a-kind in their space.
How Does It Hold Up?
- Heat-resistant: You can put your hot pan down, and granite won’t flinch.
- Scratch-resistant: A sharp knife won’t harm it, but be kind to the edges because they can chip.
- Sealing required: Granite’s porous, so it needs sealing once a year to stay stain-free. A little maintenance, but nothing too heavy.
What’s the Price Tag?
- Basic granite starts at around $40 per square foot.
- Exotic pieces can climb to $200 per square foot.
- Remember that granite’s uniqueness might come with a bigger price tag, but its natural beauty lasts.
Granite Pros & Cons: What You Need To Know
Pros:
- Each slab is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece
- Resists heat and scratches like no other
- Adds a classic, natural element to your kitchen
Cons:
- Needs a little TLC with regular sealing
- Prone to chipping if you’re not careful with the edges
- Since it’s porous, it’s not entirely immune to staining without sealing
Quartz: Engineered for Perfection
Appearance
Quartz’s look is more predictable than granite, but that can be a good thing if you want a consistent, clean finish.
- Color & Brightness: Comes in just about any color you can dream up, from bright whites to deep blues.
- Design: Quartz’s patterns are created, so you won’t get the unpredictable swirls or veins that come with granite.
- Practical Usage: Sleek and modern, it’s perfect for kitchens that stay sharp and contemporary.
Durability
- Stain-resistant: Quartz is non-porous, which means it doesn’t absorb liquids, and you’ll never need to seal it.
- Chip-resistant: It can handle everyday use without showing much wear.
- Heat-sensitive: Here’s the catch—it’s not as heat-resistant as granite. So, those hot pans? Use a trivet. Don’t test quartz’s limits too much.
What Will It Cost?
- Prices typically range between $50 and $150 per square foot.
- Because it’s engineered, quartz doesn’t fluctuate as wildly in price as granite does.
Quartz Pros & Cons: What to Consider
Although engineered for perfection, quartz also has advantages and disadvantages you should know before you decide to use it for your kitchen countertop:
Pros:
- Virtually maintenance-free—no sealing, ever
- Stands up to stains and scratches without a fuss
- Available in a rainbow of colors with a clean, polished look
Cons:
- Not as heat-resistant, so be cautious with hot pots and pans
- Lacks the wild, unpredictable charm of natural stone
- The upfront cost might sting a bit, though the easy care is worth it for many
Which One Is Right for Your Kitchen?
Both granite and quartz are excellent choices. It all boils down to what you care about most: using your kitchen remodel to create a space that works for you. Here are the two main things that should assist you in making the decision:
- Granite will probably win your heart if you love the idea of natural, unique beauty and don’t mind putting in a little extra effort with yearly sealing.
- If you’re more into low-maintenance, polished perfection, with a consistent look and a bit of modern flair, quartz is your match made in countertop heaven.
When you’re ready to pick out those kitchen countertops, why do it alone? At SemBro Design & Supply, we’ve remodeled over 500 kitchens. We’re not new to this game. With a fully in-house crew of more than 50 skilled workers, we’re hands-on from start to finish, helping you choose.
Frequently Used Kitchen Counter Styles
Granite and quartz can both represent premium countertop materials, but your design choices will elevate your kitchen from standard to exceptional. Here are some current trends that are making waves in kitchen design.
Waterfall Countertops
Choose waterfall countertops for a contemporary and sleek style. Rather than ending at the cabinets’ edge, the countertop overlaps the sides, highlighting your space and creating a smooth movement and a strong impression. Adding an architectural touch to your kitchen is possible with this trend using both granite and quartz.
Mixed Materials
Bold Colors and Patterns
White and gray remain key options, but bold colors and distinctive patterns are now returning to prominence. Kitchen countertops can now be a focal point within your kitchen remodel by welcoming options like deep blues and earthy greens.
Granite is a great option if you are after charming patterns and natural vibrancy. You may also wish to go with quartz in a vibrant solid hue to create a uniform appearance.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing between granite and quartz can seem daunting, but you don’t have to make this decision alone. With over 500 kitchen remodels under our belt, our experienced team at SemBro is equipped to walk you through every step of the process.
Both materials offer unique benefits, but the best choice for your kitchen depends on what you value most in a countertop. Do you cherish the natural, one-of-a-kind beauty of granite, or do you prioritize the uniform, low-maintenance resilience of quartz? Let us help you transform your kitchen into a space that combines beauty and functionality, making it perfect for both daily use and special occasions.
