Choosing your countertop is arguably one of the most important decisions you’ll make in renovating or designing your kitchen. Your countertops need to be able to hold up to everyday wear and tear, and you’ll want something that’s beautiful and in keeping with your overall kitchen design, as well. There are many different options to consider, with quartz vs granite being among the most popular. Both stones come in a wide variety of colors with varying degrees of veining and speckling available, and both are durable and impressive—but there are differences. Here are some tips to help you decide which is best for your lifestyle, budget, and tastes:

Photo Credit | Coats Homes & Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

Granite is a natural stone, while quartz is engineered

One point to consider is that granite is a natural stone, while quartz is engineered—which explains many of the differences between the two materials. Because granite is naturally occurring, each slab is a bit different. Many people consider this one of granite’s assets, as it can be exciting to see the beautiful variation from slab to slab. At Sky Marble and Granite in Sterling, VA, you can even hand-pick the slab or slabs of your choice. The veining that is a natural feature of granite is hard to replicate in engineered stone, and the irregularities in granite’s pattern contribute to its sense of uniqueness and luxury. However, if you prefer a consistent pattern or edgier, more modern look, quartz might be the best choice due to its regularity and its availability in more unusual and artificial colors.

Both granite and quartz are resistant to chemicals, scratching, and heat

Both granite and quartz are resistant to chemicals, scratching, and heat. Either stone can host many years of family meals and dinner parties while retaining its original beauty, but granite is still a bit harder-wearing than quartz. Quartz can be damaged by extreme heat, so care should be taken with very hot pots and pans and heat-producing tools, such as hair straighteners. Granite, on the other hand, can take the heat.

Photo Credit | Sky Marble and Granite

Heat-Resistant

While granite is more heat-resistant than quartz, it does require a bit more upkeep. Granite is a porous stone, which means that it needs to be sealed and regularly resealed. It’s still relatively low-maintenance, but quartz is virtually no maintenance. As a non-porous stone, it doesn’t need sealing—just regular cleaning will suffice to keep it in excellent condition for many years.

Both granite and quartz also offer the opportunity to choose from different edge styles and to incorporate unique and attractive features such as undermount sinks or full-height backsplashes. Waterfall edges, for example, are a beautiful design feature that allows you to really show off a stone you love—whether it’s granite or quartz.

Ultimately, both granite and quartz are top-quality products that will look beautiful and function well in your kitchen, bathroom, or whatever other space you may have in mind, but each does have its pros and cons. If you’re still unsure as to which is best for your upcoming project, don’t hesitate to seek out the support of our designers at Sky Marble and Granite in Sterling, VA. Our team can help you select just the right stone to turn your kitchen ideas into reality.

Design By Classic Marble & Stone  

Marble Look Quartz Countertops with Gray Large Vein

This Eat-in Kitchen by Classic Marble & Stone features an amazing combination of “Marvel” Quartz Countertop and subway tile grey backsplash. The white cabinetry and dark hard wood floor make this traditional kitchen look extremely cozy and warm.

 Design By SSC Countertops 

Cream Color Quartz Countertops

Inside this L shaped transitional kitchen in Vancouver, the beautiful Cleamshell colored Quartz countertop by SSC Countertops is what attracts the most attention. The medium tone wood floor, white cabinetry and light toned backsplash complete the amazing color palette.

 Design By SSC Countertops 

Modern Kitchen with White Quartz Countertop

Between the walls of this minimal kitchen, style is the key word. The straight lines of the cabinetry were perfectly executed to match the white quartz countertop by SSC Countertops.

Design By In the Deets 

Clean Quartz Countertops

Thinking about a Contemporary space? This kitchen is a perfect showcase for it! The ceramic subway tiles in shades of grey are a perfect combination for the White quartz countertop by In the Deets. The dark wood floor stands out inside an all-white space.

Design By In the Deets 

Contemporary Quartz Kitchen Countertops

This Farmhouse kitchen proves that a pop of color is always welcome. The beautiful island base in Hale Navy Island by Benjamin Moore is the perfect match for the Quartz Countertop by In The Deets. The golden details of the pendant lights and cabinet pulls bring elegance into the space.

 Design By Pickell Architecture 

Farmhouse style kitchen countertops

Elegance abounds inside this Classical kitchen in New York. Stainless Steel appliances represent an amazing industrial touch, while the white subway tile backsplash are classical but always in style. The white marble like quartz countertop by Pickell Architecture definitely is the cherry on top of the cake.

 Design By AK Construction Enterprises Inc

Dark Gray Kitchen Countertop with White Quartz Island 

This modern farmhouse is a perfect combination of styles: light colors, modern materials and a practical and eye catching Statuario Quartz Countertop by AK Construction Enterprises. The light pendants and stainless-steel appliances brings the modernity into this space.

 Design By Urban Kitchens

European Style Quartz Countertops

A mix between light and dark colors wonderfully marries in this amazing space. The white cabinetry has a minimal style into it, no pulls, and straight lines. The Calcutta quartz countertop by Urban Kitchens brings class into an already elegant space.

The process of manufacturing combines 95 of ground quartz (one of the hardest minerals on Earth) and small amounts of glass or metallic flecks which creates the variety you see in beautiful countertops.

The style of your ambient is irrelevant: quartz countertops come in a variety of shades and you will find one that matches perfectly your space.

Design By Jodie Carter Design 

Black Quartz Table

This Contemporary space designed by Jodie Carter Design features a beautiful combination of black, white and grey materials. The designer decided to overdo it with black quartz countertop, making the space eye catching, beautiful and practical.

 Design By Cabinet City

Black Quartz with White Quartz Island

Glossy subway tiles are not the only material that catches the attention inside this space, the Designers at Cabinet City didn’t spare ideas when creating this U-shaped kitchen with a beautiful White Quartz island.

 Design By Redstart Construction, Inc. 

Black Quartz Countertops with Chevron Backsplash

This luxurious transitional kitchen by Red Start Construction shows modernity and a great choice of materials. The combination of dark wood, stainless steel appliances, Backsplash in chevron pattern and soapstone countertop works perfectly within the ambience.

Design By Schmidt Barnet – Kitchens & Interior Solutions 

Contemporary Black Countertops Design 

It is easy to keep focus on only one material inside this Contemporary Industrial kitchen design by Schmidt Kitchens London. The amazing black quartz countertop makes a huge statement in this space, the concrete floor and stainless-steel appliances brings attention to the industrial elements of the kitchen, while the wood details creates a cozy environment.

Design By Tiny Monster Design 

Black Quartz Countertops with Floating Shelves 

This kitchen in San Francisco designed by Tiny Monster Design features matte black appliances, undermount sink, a white geometric backsplash and a beautiful quartzite countertop. This kitchen shows that no matter what’s the size of the space, with the right choice of materials you can always have a great outcome.

 Design By WK Quantum Quartz 

Black Quartz Countertop with White Side Bench 

This stunning quartz countertop is the star of this kitchen in Australia, designed by WK. The minimal kitchen also features wood floor, glossy white cabinetry and lots of natural light coming from the skylight.

 Design By VOILÀ

Black Quartz with Gold Lighting

If your style is Modern-Scandinavian, this kitchen is perfect for you! Designed by VOILÀ, the yellow light brings coziness into the space, and the bold choice of materials couldn’t fit better. The glass backsplash matches perfectly the quartz countertop, the color of appliances gives the space a modern vibe.

 Design By Studio Snaidero Dc Metro 

Black Quartz with Subway Glass Backsplash

Inside this minimal space created by DC Metro you’ll find a variety of materials that complement each other. The black and glossy quartz countertop makes a huge statement, almost making the kitchen shine, which together with the white flat-panel cabinets, and glass backsplash make this modern space complete.

 Design By Bailey London Interior Design & Build 

Black Quartz Countertop with White Quartz

In this bachelor style apartment designed by Bailey London Interior Design & Build, Caeserstone London grey quartz island is one of the most eye-catching parts of the space. Combined with the matte black cabinets, this small space looks spacious and classy.

Design By Manhattan Cabinets Inc 

Black Quartz Countertops with Metal Mosaic Backsplash

Inside this elegant kitchen design by Manhattan Cabinets the first thing you’ll notice is the Silestone “Eternal Marquina” countertop, the black material with big splashes of white is the perfect combination for this stunning black and white predominant space.

Design By Cosentino North America 

Black Quartz Countertops Silestone Eternal Collection 

Concrete backsplash, touches of light wood, pendant lights and an amazing Silestone countertop create this gorgeous Scandinavian kitchen made by Cosentino. The materials complement each other beautifully, while the open space and wood ceiling makes the space look very comfortable.