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Hello, all, hopefully a simple question. At some point in the future, I'm hoping to replace my current kitchen countertops with either quartz or granite, and I'd also like to add a tile backsplash. It's not in the budget to do both at the same time, so my question is, would it be best to do the countertop first, then the backsplash, or would it not matter?
You need countertops. You DON’T need a backsplash. I mean, it’s nice to have, but no one NEEDS one. I had nothing but wallpaper on the walls in my kitchen for 20 years.
If you are planning on a material on the walls other than paint or wallpaper, then you certainly want to wait until the counters are in. For one thing, tiles should be placed on the wall with a slight expansion gap above the counters. I’d not want to risk screwing up that measurement. Do the counters first. Wait on the backsplash.
Also you’ll have a much better idea of possible backsplash colors once you get those counters in.
Counters first. The counter is the main ingredient. The backsplash is the accessory.
Are your cabinets in good shape? If not you do cabinets first, the n counters, then backsplash. Don't put expensive counters on top of old junky cabinets.
We used Silestone everywhere and did a partial backsplash that didn't add that much more money. For behind the range, we had him cut the backsplash into a arch that reaches up higher than the rest of the backsplash. I think it looks nice, gives an accent to the cooking area and we have no complaints.
So...quartz or granite? I read someone's post that there's NO WAY she'd ever use quartz. But others say granite is a bit out now, if you follow trends. I really don't care if it's a composite, really, I just want to sell this house.
So...quartz or granite? I read someone's post that there's NO WAY she'd ever use quartz. But others say granite is a bit out now, if you follow trends. I really don't care if it's a composite, really, I just want to sell this house.
Granite is not “out”. It’s less expensive than it used to be as there are so many more options now. Personally, my first choice would be a true quartzite, but quartzite is tricky. If you know little about it, then avoid it. There is a ton of material being sold as quartzite that is in fact a calcite/dolomite stone, which is far more of a marble and will have marble tendencies. Most folks don’t want such high maintenance stone on their kitchen counters.
“Quartz” = engineered quartz. While it is structurally harder than granite, (meaning that you can have slightly greater unsupported overhangs, for example) it is certainly not impervious to chipping, and it is much less heat-resistant than granite. Neither is heat proof. Granite must be sealed, quartz does not. Both can stain, but you really have to work at it to do so. Quartz offers a ton of gorgeous colors and patterns, with more coming out every day it seems. Granite is natural stone, so the various types are fairly well known. Most granite has the little spotty patterns, and I think people are more tired of that look, however there are some gorgeous granites to be found. Of course those were the more pricey ones.
Personally I would only choose a granite if I could find one that was not the more common lower level granites. I think those are actually very unappealing.
Last edited by ChessieMom; 03-13-2018 at 09:01 AM..
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