Quartz Countertops Or Granite Countertops

High quality countertop surfaces made from quartz or granite, can offer a dramatic statement to virtually any room. If your considering an update to your kitchen counters, bath vanities or bar tops, your bound to stumble upon quartz or granite countertops. These popular countertop surfaces are not only about the most desirable options, they are also your most durable options. I hope the contents of this article help sift through the conflicting opinions as to which surface is truly better for your home.



Granite countertops are made up from two of the hardest minerals found on earth “ quartz & feldspar”. Because of these two minerals, granite countertops offer outstanding durability. The resistance to scratching is largely dependent upon the hardness of the minerals that actually make up the stone. In most granite rocks, the primary minerals quartz and feldspar, account for about 90 % of the granite rock itself. Both quartz and feldspar rate between a 6 and 7 on the Moh’s scale. Unlike any man made material, polished granite offers depth, clarity and movement. Hundreds of granite colors are available in thousands of variations. Many popular granite colors are consistent, but not all. In fact, close to 50% of the granite slabs sold are stones that are considered “exotic granites”. These granite colors tend to offer the most variation and movement within the slab. Countertops made from granite are resistant to heat, scratching, staining and chips. In the unlikely event that your granite gets a scratch, stain or chip, it can be repaired by a local stone fabricator. Granite can be used for both indoor and outdoor use.



Quartz countertops are also known as “Engineered Stone” countertops. These countertops are also made from one of the hardest minerals on earth “quartz”. With quartz representing approximately 96% of the engineered stone, these countertops are also very durable and can be similar in nature to granite. Quartz countertops have a wide selection of colors available including the look of marble, limestone and concrete, but much more durable. Quartz countertops also offer colors that mother nature does not offer on a consistent bases within a slab. One of the key benefits of engineered stone countertops is the level of variation a customer could expect. The samples you see are pretty much what you should expect upon delivery. Quartz countertops offer resistance against scratching, staining and chipping. Quartz countertops can be used in most indoor applications but cannot be used exterior.
Unfortunately, the marketing departments of some of the engineered stone choices or “quartz countertop” manufacturers, seem to use some very questionable tactics to promote their products. As a supplier, fabricator and installer of both quartz countertops and granite countertops, I feel that depending on your application requirements, one product will have a slight advantage, possibly even more appropriate. I do not want to imply that any one surface is better than the other. The fact is, both quartz and granite surfaces are very durable and offer more than most consumers will ever need.

Cost Of Granite Countertops

The cost of granite countertops is actually based on many different variables other than square footage. Sure the square footage of the actual granite countertop itself is taken into consideration, but so are the lay-out options, complexity of shapes, granite color selection, quality grade of the granite stone itself, customer requirements, edge detail, seam location, quantity and type of cut-outs, rod reinforcement, how many holes are drilled, geographical location of the project, stone thickness and those variables will just get you started.

When considering the price of granite countertops, it is popular for granite fabricators to offer a base level category of granite colors. Typically this category is the most competitively priced granite for countertops that the fabricator offers. The base level category can have significant differences from one fabricator to another. Depending on the stone fabricator, these choices of granite colors may or may not be popular granite selections. Some granite companies will offer cheap low cost granite that is not exactly appealing or popular, as a way to lure customers into the door. Other fabricators are very efficient in the way they process granite and can offer discount granite countertops with great value including popular granite colors and choices. Some fabricators import containers of granite directly from overseas and others will only purchase granite from local distributors in various quantities. The way the fabricator elects to purchase and process granite slabs will impact the cost of granite countertops.

Over the years I have given the analogy that purchasing granite is similar to purchasing a diamond. Although I don’t know as much about diamonds as I do granite, I know enough to say that all diamonds of equal size are not the same price. I believe that the cut and clarity of a diamond reflects a great deal of it’s pricing. So, when shopping for granite countertops, pay particular attention to the amount of depth, clarity and movement within the granite slabs or granite samples. Stone fabricators can save money if they purchase granite slabs that have unsightly marks, excessive fissures, short lengths and lack of depth or clarity. These factors will effect the cost of granite countertops.

Pre-fabricated granite countertops are typically more affordable than custom fabricated granite countertops. Although countertops with per-fabricated edges are cheap and readily available to the professional and non-professional installer, they are usually limited on colors, shapes, sizes, edge profiles and capabilities. Customers requirements might effect whether or not the counters should be custom fabricated and this will effect the pricing of granite countertops.

It is typical for marble and granite suppliers to offer stone slabs in both 2 and 3 cm thickness, but not in all colors. When a granite color is available in a 2 cm slab, it is usually lesser expensive than 3 cm slabs. Keep in mind that the 3 cm thickness usually offers better structural strength and is also a standard for most stone fabricators and suppliers.

Supreme Surface, Inc. has three Indiana locations including Columbus, Greenwood and Indianapolis, Indiana. Each Design Studio location offers granite countertops, natural stone tile showers and custom marble and travertine floors. Learn more visit www.supremesurface.com

Granite Countertops And natural Stone Floors

If your considering a kitchen renovation or remodeling project, chances are that your considering granite countertopsand natural stone floors, or a tile backsplash. A granite countertop is now more affordable than ever before. Visit one of our natural stone design studio locations in Columbus, Indianapolis and Greenwood, Indiana. When customers come into one of our design studio locations, they will have more than a hundred granite colors to choose from. Most of the marble and granite samples are large remnant pieces of granite slabs. We also have a full selection of popular quartz samples for counter tops, the best looking tumbled stone tiles for a backsplash and travertine floors.

Since 1996, Supreme Surface has been one of Indiana's top stone fabricators for marble and granite counters, design, supply and installation. We have our own quality installers (no sub-contractors) for flooring, countertops, Kitchen renovation and bathroom remodeling projects. For more information visit www.supremesurface.com