Granite vs quartz (stainless steel, price, build, slab)
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Quartzitie, is hands down the best stone! It has the beauty of marble and is harder that granite. I have used White Rhino and Taj Mahal quartzite in 2 houses! Once you use Quartzite, quartz isn't even an option.
You can't even look at pictures of it, no camera can capture the true depth of the stone. I always explain it like looking into a glacier and seeing the cracks inside the stone.
Well, lets not forget the issue of edge bleed and staining. There have been a TON of problems in that area. If you wind up with a fabricator that does not know about this issue and is not trained to deal with it, then you may wind up sorely disappointed. (Just google "quartzite edge bleed" and you will see what I mean).
Also, the fact that many slab yards do not correctly label their slabs and many folks wind up with a stone that is mostly marble and then they have those maintenance issues (which is fine if that is what you were wanting but if you want quartzite you are not looking for something that etches). I wanted no cream or ivory or brown tones at ALL in my counters, so quartzite was out for me. Taj Majal is a great choice, but it would not work for me due to the color. And White Rhino IS a marble - not a quartzite. If you had no maintenance issues then you were lucky.
I have leathered steel gray granite. It has a more rustic appearance than polished granite so if you're looking for a formal look, I wouldn't get this. It has a casual or rustic look. The positive is that the steel gray granite is fairly monotone and doesn't have the polka dot appearance that a lot of the other colored granites have. I have no issues with it. I don't set hot pots directly on it though, I use trivets.
If you are into trends, it does seem that the plainer quartz counters are more in favor lately.
In our last home, I replaced the formica which had served us well for about 10 years or so, with a dark busy granite. It was a dream to live with and was bulletproof.
In our new to us home, I just replaced similar formica with a quartzite. I much prefer the randomness and natural beauty of stone. Quartzite is super durable and supposed to be harder than granite.
It's stunning. If I could figure out how to post a photo of it (of my own) I would.
I really love Silestone. We remodeled our kitchen our last house and got a deal on sale with a Silestone that kind of matched our terrazzo floors. No stains ever, easy to wipe clean and before I knew better, even set hot pots on it with no issues at all! We are getting ready to remodel the old kitchen in our current home and I will be getting Silestone without a doubt!!! Worth every dime, IMO.
Watch out for those hot pots!
"As with any natural stone, certain exposure to heat may cause cracks due to thermal shock. Although Silestone is extremely scratch and heat resistant, we recommend protecting your Silestone surface by using a hot pad or trivet for extreme heat protection. Hot pans, pots or small electrical appliances should not be used directly on top of your Silestone surface as this can cause scorching, dull areas and cracks. Do not use crock pots, electric skillets or griddles directly on your Silestone surface. Additionally it is recommended that a cutting board be used to protect the stone & surface from scratch."
"As with any natural stone, certain exposure to heat may cause cracks due to thermal shock. Although Silestone is extremely scratch and heat resistant, we recommend protecting your Silestone surface by using a hot pad or trivet for extreme heat protection. Hot pans, pots or small electrical appliances should not be used directly on top of your Silestone surface as this can cause scorching, dull areas and cracks. Do not use crock pots, electric skillets or griddles directly on your Silestone surface. Additionally it is recommended that a cutting board be used to protect the stone & surface from scratch."
Crockpots are not an issue. I have had quartz counters for 3 years now and always use my crockpot directly on the counter. If you have one that has a bottom that gets super hot, then you probably need to get a new one!! There are no kitchen appliances that I have that require a heat pad under them. Silestone is using that as a CYA, so I get it, but the reality is, appliances just don't get that hot on the bottom. Or at least, properly working ones!!
I also don't like the dated blotchiness of granite, loved marble and quartzite but not the staining and upkeep. Went with Silestone Pietra this time and love it.
Not all granite is 'blotchy' nowadays, there are plenty of high-end options. Being a custom builder, I would rarely see quartz chosen as a counter surface. I think because as a man-made material, it is considered less 'cool' than the natural surfaces. Quartzite is a natural option of course. I think quartz is a passing fad myself, although having said that, we did use quartz in one of our own properties.....the missus wanted something super clean looking. So white quartz it was. Looks nice but the lack of grain makes me lose interest.....
Not all granite is 'blotchy' nowadays, there are plenty of high-end options. Being a custom builder, I would rarely see quartz chosen as a counter surface. I think because as a man-made material, it is considered less 'cool' than the natural surfaces.
If this is in Cali- that doesn’t surprise me!
Over the years I’ve noticed here on C-D and trade publications there is a definitive selection bias throughout different parts of the country. Which tells me one thing- it’s an influenced choice that comes from marketing services and the almighty dollar. It should really be- availability, cost, and a good interior designer or decorator that knows how to listen to its client.
If this is in Cali- that doesn’t surprise me!
Over the years I’ve noticed here on C-D and trade publications there is a definitive selection bias throughout different parts of the country. Which tells me one thing- it’s an influenced choice that comes from marketing services and the almighty dollar. It should really be- availability, cost, and a good interior designer or decorator that knows how to listen to its client.
What does "Cali" have to do with it?!
Yeah, I live in California.
We have a zillion places within 10 miles where I can buy every possible stone slab god or man ever created. Every price level. My choices aren't limited to a half-dozen monochrome quartz slabs or a half-dozen vomit-blotch granites from Home Creepo.
I've seen a huge variety in kitchens as a result. More than anywhere else I've lived/visited. This includes other choices like stainless, concrete, zinc, tile, etc.
If that's meant to be a silly dig about CA, I think you got it wrong.
Last edited by KemBro71; 02-15-2021 at 01:06 PM..
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