Time for a Kitchen Makeover?: Choosing Between Granite, Quartz, and Porcelain Countertops

Stone countertops have been on trend for the whole twenty-first century, so far. And they won't be going away any time soon. After all, one of the key draws of stone is its durability. A stone countertop, properly maintained, can last a lifetime, and beyond. 

Choosing the perfect countertop for your kitchen or bathroom can be a daunting task. With so many materials, colors, and styles available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. At Select Stone Service we work with two stone countertop options (granite and quartz) as well as one man-made material (porcelain). 

Each material offers unique advantages and considerations. To help you make an informed decision, we at Select Stone Service have compiled this helpful guide.

Affordable Granite Countertops

As our Stone Fabrication page also indicates, Granite is a natural stone formed from magma that cooled slowly underground. Its unique patterns and colors make each granite slab one-of-a-kind. Granite is incredibly durable, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant, making it an ideal choice for busy households. 

From the Quarry to Your Home

Granite blocks are extracted from quarries by a process that involves drilling and controlled explosions. Large blocks of granite are removed from the quarry and transported to fabrication facilities. There, the blocks of stone are cut into slabs using specialized saws. 

Eventually, as part of the stone fabrication process, the granite slabs undergo a polishing process to enhance their natural beauty and create a smooth surface. Then the fabricated slabs are inspected for quality and, finally, cut to the desired size and shape for installation as countertops. 

Colors of granite range from white and light browns to black. Patterns vary from small, relatively uniform dots to wavy lines and larger, pebble-looking spots. The patterns are formed by the minerals that make up granite slabs. Because the minerals in the magma cool at uneven rates and aren't mixed evenly (a magma chamber isn't a chef's kitchen after all), there's always variety in how large individual minerals are based on how long the components take to crystallize and cool. 

Main Pros of Granite:

1. Unique beauty. No two granite slabs are identical, ensuring a one-of-a-kind look.
2. Durability. Resistant to heat, scratches, and stains.
3. High value. Can increase your home's resale value.

Main Cons of Granite:

1. Porous. Requires sealing to prevent stains. If the sealant is compromised by extremely heavy wear and tear, you may also need to do periodic resealing.
2. Potential for cracking. Although rare, granite can crack under extreme stress.
3. Higher cost. Generally more expensive than quartz or porcelain.

Engineered Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are what's called 'engineered stone,' combining natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments. This process creates a uniform, non-porous surface that is incredibly durable (due to the hardness of quartz crystals) and low maintenance. Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, offering endless design possibilities.

Designed for Perfection

To create quartz countertops, natural quartz crystals are mined from the earth. It's a very common mineral and is easier to obtain than slabs of granite or marble. The crystals are combined with resins and pigments to create a uniform material. 

The mixture is then poured into molds and subjected to high pressure and heat to form solid, extremely hard slabs. These slabs undergo a finishing process, including polishing, to achieve the desired appearance. Quartz countertops offer a consistent look, superior durability, and easier maintenance compared to natural stone.

Main Pros of Quartz:

• Non-porous. Resistant to stains, bacteria, and mold.
• High durability. Scratch- and heat-resistant.
• Low maintenance. Easy to clean and care for.
• Consistent appearance. Offers a uniform look throughout the countertop.

Main Cons of Quartz:

• Less natural look. While beautiful, quartz lacks the natural variation of granite.
• Potential for heat damage. Although heat-resistant, extreme heat can damage the surface due to the use of resins.
• Higher cost. Typically more expensive than porcelain.

Man-Made Countertop Material: Porcelain

Porcelain countertops are made from clay that is fired at high temperatures to create a dense, non-porous surface. Known for their sleek, modern appearance, porcelain countertops are a lightweight and highly durable surface type that is resistant to stains, scratches, and heat.

The Art of Firing

Porcelain countertops begin as clay soil, which is carefully mixed and shaped into large slabs. These slabs are then fired in high-temperature kilns, a process that transforms the clay into a hard, non-porous, and glass-like material (porcelain). Once cooled, the porcelain slabs undergo polishing and finishing to create a smooth, elegant surface. 

Porcelain countertops are renowned for their modern aesthetic appeal, exceptional durability, affordability, and low maintenance requirements. 

Pros of Porcelain:

• Non-porous. Extremely resistant to stains, bacteria, and mold.
• High durability. Scratch-, heat-, and chip-resistant.
• Low maintenance. Easy to clean and care for.
• Modern aesthetic. Offers a clean, contemporary look.

Cons of Porcelain:

• Less forgiving to impact. While highly durable, porcelain can chip if subjected to heavy impact.
• Potential for cracking. Similar to granite, although less common.
• Cold to the touch. Porcelain can feel cooler than granite or quartz. In warmer climates, this can be an advantage, but in areas with significant cold seasons, preferences may change.

Choosing the Right Countertop Material

The ideal countertop for you depends on your lifestyle, design preferences, and budget. Consider the following factors:

• Appearance. Do you prefer the organic look of granite, the uniform elegance of quartz, or the modern sophistication of porcelain? Does a certain type of countertop match the rest of your kitchen or bathroom? 

• Durability. How important is resistance to scratches, stains, and heat? Or, consider how much cooking and baking you do. Someone who cooks a lot will probably be dealing with more hot pans, knives, and liquids (like oils) that could spill. A cook might prefer a porcelain or sealed granite countertop over quartz. 

• Maintenance. Are you willing to invest time in routinely polishing and sealing your countertop?

• Budget. Determine your overall budget for the countertop project. Do you want to allot a larger portion of your construction or remodel budget for a heavy, natural stone counter? Or would you rather spend on other features and have a lighter, porcelain counter? 

Select Stone Service is here to help you choose the perfect countertop for your home. Our experienced team can guide you through the selection process, provide expert installation, and offer ongoing care advice. Visit our showroom to explore a wide range of granite, quartz, and porcelain options.

Remember: The best way to decide which countertop is right for you is to see the materials in person. Visit our showroom to compare colors, patterns, and textures. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision.

You can contact Select Stone Service today at (208) 800-4904 or online for a free quote, as well as visit our showroom to look at stone samples. We work in western Idaho from Caldwell and Boise.