Countertop guide
Quartz vs granite vs marble: choosing a kitchen countertop
For most busy kitchens, quartz is the easiest to live with. It doesn't need sealing, resists stains, and comes in marble looks like Calacatta and Carrara. Granite handles heat better and every slab is unique. Real marble is beautiful but etches and stains. Quartzite gives a natural-stone look with more toughness than marble.
At a glance
| Quartz | Granite | Marble | Quartzite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Engineered: crushed quartz bound with resin | Natural stone | Natural stone | Natural stone (metamorphic sandstone) |
| Stains | Very resistant; non-porous | Resists stains when sealed | Stains easily (wine, oil, coffee) | Resists stains when sealed |
| Sealing | Not needed | Periodically | Regularly | Periodically |
| Etching from lemon, vinegar, wine | No | Rarely | Yes, dulls the surface | Usually no (check the slab) |
| Heat | Use trivets; resin can scorch | Handles heat well | Handles heat, but use trivets | Handles heat well |
| Looks | Consistent; marble looks without the upkeep | Each slab unique; speckled to veined | Classic veining, soft glow | Marble-like veining |
| Outdoor use | Not recommended (sun can fade resin) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Quartz
Quartz is the most popular kitchen countertop for good reasons: you don't seal it, spills wipe up, and the colors are consistent from slab to slab. Today's quartz convincingly copies marble, from bright Calacatta (bold veins on white) to softer Carrara (fine grey veining), plus gold-veined looks.
Our showroom slabs include Calacatta and Carrara looks like HDV011HY Calacatta, HD027 Calacatta Grey and F178 Colorado Carrara, gold veining like Fantasy Gold and HD045 Royal Gold, and darker slabs like HD040 Blackish Calacatta. See them all on the products page.
Care: soap and water or a non-abrasive cleaner. Use trivets for hot pans and a cutting board for knives.
Granite
Natural granite is hard, heat-resistant and unique. It ranges from speckled to dramatically veined. It needs sealing from time to time; a simple test is to drip water on it. If it darkens within a few minutes, it's time to reseal.
Marble
Nothing looks quite like real marble, but it's softer and reacts with acids. Lemon juice, vinegar, wine and tomato sauce can etch dull spots, and oils can stain. Some people love the patina; if you'd rather keep it pristine, choose a marble-look quartz.
Quartzite
Not to be confused with quartz. Quartzite is a natural stone that often looks like marble but is much harder. It still needs sealing. Ask about each slab, because some stones sold as quartzite behave more like marble.
Practical details
- Thickness: slabs commonly come in 2 cm and 3 cm. 3 cm looks more substantial and usually doesn't need a built-up edge.
- Edges: an eased (slightly softened square) edge is the modern default. Bevels and bullnose edges look more traditional.
- Overhang: counters typically overhang the cabinet front by about 1 to 1.5 inches. For seating at a 36-inch-high island, plan about 15 inches of knee space (12 inches at a 42-inch bar).
- Seams: long runs and L-shapes need seams. Ask where they'll go; veined slabs look best when seams follow the veining.
- Waterfall ends: the slab continues down the side of an island to the floor. Dramatic with veined quartz.
- Backsplash: a full-height slab backsplash in the same quartz is clean and easy to wipe; tile adds texture and color.
Questions
Is quartz better than granite?
For everyday ease, usually yes: quartz doesn't need sealing and resists stains. Granite handles heat better and each slab is one of a kind. Both are durable.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No. Quartz is non-porous, so it never needs sealing.
Can I put a hot pan on quartz?
Use a trivet. The resin in quartz can discolor or crack from sudden high heat.
What is the difference between Calacatta and Carrara?
Both are marble looks. Calacatta has a brighter white background with bolder, more dramatic veins; Carrara has a greyer background with finer, softer veining.
What countertop goes with white shaker cabinets?
Almost anything. Calacatta and Carrara quartz keep it bright and classic; gold-veined slabs like Fantasy Gold add warmth; a dark slab adds contrast. See matching cabinets, countertops and flooring.