Choosing between granite or quartz? Here’s how to decide.

When choosing the best stone material for your kitchen, two options dominate the conversation: granite and quartz. Each has its unique features, and both claim the crown for durability and beauty. But which one has the edge for your house?

We at Stone Concepts Corporation take pride in aiding thousands of clients in and around Madison, Middleton, and Dane County in picking the right countertop material for their homes. In this article, we are going to analyze granite or quartz countertops, and hopefully assist you in making an informed decision keeping in mind your lifestyle, budget, and design aspirations.

What Are Granite Countertops?

Granite is a 100% natural stone that was created by volcanic activity and is mined directly from quarries worldwide. At Stone Concepts, we import only the finest quality granite and polish our granite in-house using CNC technology to expose its natural colors and patterns.

Features of Granite:

• Natural Beauty: There is no slab that is the same.
• Heat Resistance: Can handle hot pots and pans without worry.
• Scratch Resistance: Tough enough for everyday wear and tear.
• Longevity: When cared for properly, granite can last decades.
• Eco-Friendly: No chemicals or additives; only natural stone.

What Are Quartz Countertops?

A quartz countertop is an engineered stone that typically consists of 90-95% crushed natural quartz crystals, resins and pigments. Quartz is engineered as a non-porous, homogeneous surface option for the modern kitchen and bath.

Benefits of Quartz:

• Appearance: Ideal for seamless contemporary designs.
• Stain Resistant: Non porous, and will resist stains and spills and mold.
• Maintenance: No sealing necessary.
• Choice of color: Available in many styles and finishes.
• Durability: Extremely resistant to everyday wear.

Appearance: Natural or Consistent

• Granite: Offers a unique look with bold organic patterns, varied color, and distinct veins. Best for homeowners interested in an authentically rustic or opulent appeal.
• Quartz: Offers a sleek modern aesthetic with a wider selection of colors and finishes than granite. Best for those who prefer uniform color and clean lines.
  those who prefer uniform color and clean lines.
• Winner: Tie – depends on your personal design preferences.

Durability & Maintenance

• Granite: Resists scratches and heat better than most materials, which is useful in a busy kitchen. However, being a porous natural stone, granite demands sealing after every 1-2 years to ward off stains and moisture absorption. Surface cleaning needs to be done with a pH neutral detergent, or else, damage will be done to the granite’s surface.
• Quartz: Offers better stain and moisture resistance than granite, but is less heat-resistant. Does not require a seal; quartz is non-porous, resistant to moisture, bacteria, and stains. Maintenance is simple with soap and water, but quartz is not entirely heat-resistant, so providing shields with trivets is suggested.
• Winner: Quartz – Modern and busy kitchens better benefit from quartz due to its resistance to stains and lower-maintenance than granite.

Heat Resistance & Natural Aesthetics

• Granite: With regard to heat resistance, granite is far superior. You can place hot pots and pans directly on the countertop without any worry of damaging the countertop – a real bonus for cooks and entertainers. Granite has great veining and color unique to each piece, creating a unique, natural look.
• Quartz: Quartz is consistently beautiful, but it is not tolerant of thermal shock. To avoid cracking, always use a trivet or heat pad when placing hot cookware on quartz.
• Winner: Granite’s unique beauty and high heat resistance make it ideal for homeowners who value performance and natural elegance.

Price: What’s the cost?

Both materials have a range of prices depending on the slab, thickness, and complexity of the installation.

• Granite: Often slightly more affordable for basic stones, but exotic slabs can be pricey.
• Quartz: Price is usually more consistent, but higher priced depending on brand and design.
• Winner: Tie – depends on your chosen color, style, and project scope.

At Stone Concepts, we try to bring you the best value by displaying full slabs from our Middleton showroom, offering financing, and even stone remnants for smaller projects.

Which is Correct For You: Granite or Quartz?

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you want a natural and unique look? → Go with Granite.
• Do you want a modern and uniform look? → Go with Quartz.
• Do you want the easier everyday maintenance? → Quartz is easier.
• Want to place hot pots directly on your counters? → Granite is more heat-tolerant.
• Do you need small pieces on a budget? → Ask about granite and quartz remnants.

Why Choose Stone Concepts?

We’re not just countertop fabricators – we’re your local experts in stone selection, design, and installation across Madison, Middleton, Verona, Sun Prairie, and beyond.

With over 30 years of experience, our team provides:

• One-on-one design consultations
• Full slab view in our showroom
• Laser-accurate measurements
• Perfect CNC fabrication
• Professional installation
• 5-10 year protection plans
• Eco-friendly removal and disposal services

Are You Ready to Get Started?

At Stone Concepts, we believe that your countertops should be both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re considering granite or quartz, our team will guide you through every step – from stone selection to professional installation.

• 📍 Visit Us in Middleton, WI
• 📞 Call Us at ( 608-820-1111 )

Change your kitchen today with the best stone material cut, polished and installed by the pros!