Are you sure they are talking about Quartz? Because Quartz is as durable if not more than granite.

Yes! I am beginning to think they just don't want to deal with it. I have never before heard any of the things they were saying about it.

I have silestone - the only thing they are telling you that sounds accurate is the heat resistance. You can't put a hot pot down on quartz. You shouldn't have issues with staining or chipping. I get some scuffs around the sink where pots or the grates from the range hit it and I got one stain that is very faded from coffee. But otherwise everything including coffee comes out with 409.

Btw have you seen Lyra on a large scale? I cancelled my order and went with plain white after I did. Personally I didn't find it to be a realistic replica of marble if that's what you want (at least not 2 years ago). I think there are other quartz options that could give a more authentic look.

That information you received from the dealer is not correct. Quartz is fabulous...I have all three, granite, marble and quartz and quartz wins hands down. It is easier to install than granite because it is more flexible.

Go quartz!

I totally Agree with Judy G.Design.

Try to scratch a quartz sample ( with permission). It'll scratch. Try the same with granite... Granite is the 2nd hardest substance on the planet... I think fake made to look like real is tacky and sub-par.

I have Quartz. It's never stained, I set hot pots on it all the time. Had it for 8 years now.

I installed Silestone quartz in my kitchen 12 years ago. There is one tiny chip from a bottle that got knocked out of an upper cabinet, other than that it looks brand new. And I put hot pots down on it frequently. Love it.

Quartz all the way. Granite is so over!

I use both granite and quarts in many of my projects. It's truly a matter of taste and what the function of the space is. But here are a few facts about both products.

Granite is a natural stone, therefore it has inherent flaws and imperfection that add to the beauty (if you like that) or take away from the beauty if you don't. Quartz is engineered so it is the same thoroughout..

Quartz will stain less. Red wine can stain granite if not sealed properly. Quartz does not need initial or continuous sealing. You will not find striations just waiting to possible crack open (due to resin used in manufacturing).

In regard to your question about Lyra- another engineered countertop material. It is made of quartz and flexible resins -gives it better impact resistance and more forgiving installation options. It is very durable.

Hope this helps.

I almost wonder if they meant quartzite?
my profile pic is my LG rococo quartz countertop, I think it's a fabulous marble mimic.

I have new Cambria Quartz just over a year old. Love it.

I love my Quartz Silestone so much I just got the Lyra installed yesterday in our beach condo. Never had a problem with the Blanco.

Look for another vendor. They are out there. Also, most of the makeovers on HGTV use Quartz.

Thank you, JudyG Designs. I am preparing to start shopping for new counters. Our 1982 home, purchased just one year ago, has lovely old Formica (!) and I am SO ready! After 30 years as a Realtor, just retired, I am always thinking "resale value" so I can't help thinking that granite may be the material that will "date" a home within a few years. Since granite and quartz are both good products, I'm starting to think quartz may have the edge. (We had a fabulous slab of granite installed in our California house that was sealed once, and in 8 years, never had an issue. No cracks, stains, easy to maintain --- had granite in the bathrooms too. So I disagree already with the comments about how difficult it is to maintain!) My only hang-up with quartz, from what I have read and heard, is the question of hot pans. My husband is the cook, and if I have to constantly worry that he may burn the counter, then that's a problem. He says now that he will be careful, if we get quartz, but....! Never had to worry with granite. Do you consider this to be a major problem? If a hot pot is set down on the quartz counter, will it leave a burn mark that is impossible to remove? Also, another question: we have very nice wood cabinetry and trim throughout the house (Midwest home). Would it be criminal to paint the kitchen cabinetry a cream color, or should I leave the natural wood? It's in good condition. Do you see any trend in a return to wood (medium oak, not light) in the kitchen? Thank you for your advice!!

as far as hot pans burning quartz, don't know what it takes to cause damage... i have a clear trivet next to the cooktop that pans get set on to. i have accidentally gotten the corner of a pasta pot against the edge of the sink and it hasnt made a mark on the quartz, but i'm a careful cook.

now that i'm home i can post a larger photo of my quartz counter...

That is a beautiful counter, nnigrt!! I'm definitely going to look into quartz!

kansasred, I am doing staging for a high end realtor here on the Cape. I see houses with all sorts of hard surfaces. My personal opinion, for my own home, is quartz. Today, I finished up a job and the counters were granite and so gorgeous. Soft and beachy and well, did I say gorgeous? I have also been in homes where the granite pattern overwhelms the kitchen and just is a turn off. Nothing looks good on it, particularly a plate full of food. It is all a matter of choosing something tasteful. I bet whatever you choose will be perfect.

I agree that some granite has way too much motion --- it is distracting, cluttered looking and unappealing to me. I had Venetian Gold, I believe is the color, in a soft rusty color, and it was stunning --- a huge slab of it. But haven't been able to locate it here in Tulsa. I am leaning toward quartz now --- and will start seriously looking very soon. Thank you for your advice!!!

I've had Silestone Quartz for 12 years with no chips nor any other problems. Today I brought home this Silestone sample of Helix.

I have Caesarstone Raven in my kitchen--it's very subdued and nice looking, but it has a lot of chips in it, especially around the sink. Also water marks around the drainboard that I cannot remove. I've never put hot pots on it but that is because the resins and polymers (i.e., plastics) can melt if heated.

No surface is perfect or indestructible, but granite is definitely one of the hardest stones around. Honed Jet Mist is beautiful and impervious to stains--it looks like soapstone without the maintenance issues. Light colored granites can also stain and none of them really look like marble--they are very speckly. Natural quartzite (not engineered quartz) is very hard and durable and comes in many light colors that can resemble marble.

Bottom line--do more research and visit more stone yards. The people you are speaking to seem to have an unfounded bias against quartz.

Go Quartz. I have Cambria and really like/love it. Have you thought about taking to another countertop specialist? I too think you were told the wrong information on Quartz.
I have New Quay & Torquay... Love it!

The negatives I've read/heard about quartz are from homeowners who have it, and the complaint I've heard is the potential for burns from hot pots. Other than that, I have heard good things. I do understand cost is a little higher. I have had granite and loved it, with no staining, no chips, no need for constant maintenance (as some people say). In fact, I have heard more negative about granite than quartz, and usually from people who have never lived with it! Our granite was sealed when installed, and never again, and after 9 years it is still drop-dead gorgeous. Had a huge radius bar, a large garden window, full backsplashes; can't quote the exact square footage, but it is a big kitchen and there is a lot of granite. Have it in both bathrooms too (different colors). This was our personal residence in California, which is now leased out since we moved to another state. Frankly, I don't think you can beat granite! However, I have been looking at quartz as an alternative because it has enjoyed a very long period of popularity, and it is about time for a new trend. After 30 years as a Realtor, I know that at some point, it will be looked at as passe no matter how great it is! Concrete is too edgy (and it's also expensive) for our current location, but if/when we sell this house, I don't want to have spent a lot on something that will "date" it. I believe quartz is probably the material that will be the most desirable. If all other things are equal, other than heat-resistance, then I may want to consider it. Durability and beauty seem to be pretty similar. Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to explain.... Thank you! :)

Here is a great article with pros and cons on all materials:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chooosing-kitchen-countertops-147495

I have Cambria quartz in the Canterbury pattern, and just love it. From the literature I received when it was installed, the only potential problem with hot pans is the possible rapid change of temperature when a hot pan is placed on a cold countertop. This could, but usually doesn't, cause cracking. It will not cause a burn mark. I've put hot pans on my Cambria, but only for a very short time as I was rearranging pots on the stove, and nothing has harmed it at all. My Cambria is an absolute dream to maintain. All I use for cleaning it is diluted Dove dish wash soap in a spray bottle. I'd buy this top again in a heartbeat.

I think we are so fortunate to have such a variety of counter top options available that provide such a vast array of different
looks! Yes, each have their own strengths and maybe a few weaknesses which should be taken into consideration but as far as

considering re-sell value and potential dated look (almost everything will look dated at some point in time in the future!)...dismiss! Go with the option that you love for it is you who will be looking at it everyday. I happen to love the variations and textures of natural rock so I went with a honed/textured antique brown granite.

Good advice, thanks! Your counters are gorgeous!!

Krrki

I have Caesarstone Frosty Carina, and have never had a problem with scratches, burns or stains. Much better than granite!

I've heard pro and cons for each. I think if you had a good experience with granite and you like the pattern, you should go for it. My friend had chipping around the sink and pitting with Quartz ....I guess it depends where it is made how strong it is.

I have done Quartz on my last 20 jobs and have NEVER had a problem! All my clients love the product and have never had a problem.

I am in the same situation. I have had granite for 10 years and it is perfect no problems at all.. put hot pots if need be occasionally etc.. no chips cracks stains etc.. I am wanting quartz because it is more modern looking in my new kitchen but as a cook I am so afraid of getting it burnt by hot pot or being afraid that something is going to happen to it. It is so expensive either way that its hard to be sure.

I am a kitchen and bath designer and in my experience quartz is the best counter you can buy in terms of durability and stain resistance. No supplier will ever tell you to cut or put hot pots on any type of counter top but I have done both and not had an issue. Quartz tops are 93% quartz and 7% resins which act as a binder. Resins have a melting point of about 300 degrees so it is feasible that you may not want to risk the hot pot. I urge my clients to get a sample if possible and do their own testing on it at home to see if a material stains, etches or burns. I have never seen any of that happen with quartz. In addition you can get just about any look you're after with quartz. Quartzite is a totally different material. I have written about the differences here.

http://artfulkitchens.net/2017/05/11/quartz-vs-quartzite/

I performed stain tests on a light granite, dark granite and Quartz. The Light granite did the worst, but The Quartz actually stained as well. Quartz is better but not as stain proof that some people claim.

I was never a fan of granite, but when we were shopping for new kitchen countertops I found this granite and fell in love with it! I had it honed, the salesman advised against it, but I insisted. I absolutely love it!

Beautiful counters! I have both quartz and granite in my home and both are nice, but granite feels and looks more luxurious.

Thrifty Tani-thanks for sharing the stain test! Do you happen to know if both of the surfaces had been sealed or not?

My pleasure! Both granite slabs were sealed. The quartz countertop was not.

Thank you!

It's really lovely! I think it all comes down to what you love. In terms of performance, granite and quartz are not that different except that the granite needs to be sealed.