The answer to this question lies in personal preference, your budget, and availability. Quartz, Natural Stone, and solid surface all have unique characteristics. Each is available in a variety of colors and designs which we can assist you in selecting the ideal surfaces for your project.

Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on Earth. Quartz countertops are a man-made material containing approx. 90% or more quartz minerals mixed with polymers and colorfast pigments. Quartz countertops are known for their beauty, low maintenance and durability.

Granite is a naturally occurring material which is used for making countertops durable, attractive, and long-lasting. It’s an igneous rock typically composed of quartz, feldspar, and sometimes traces of mica, and other minerals. Its mineral composition can give granite many different colorations. Since granite is an igneous rock, it’s formed by the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth’s surface, making it one of the most abundant materials on the planet.

Solid surface countertops are a type of countertop manufactured of natural elements, resins, and pigments. It is a durable non-porous surface which can be installed for nearly seamless countertops. Solid surface counters can be made of acrylic, polyester, or a combination of both. Solid surface sinks can be used for a seamless sink application.

Mild soap and water are sufficient for cleaning. Routine cleaning should be done with warm water and a sponge or microfiber towel. There are also special cleaners available with a neutral PH to clean you counter surface. This helps prevent the buildup of mineral deposits from hard water.  Stay away from using any type of abrasive cleansing pad as this could dull the surface. For best results, wipe, don’t scrub, rinse with water, and buff dry so the finish looks its best.

Additionally, avoid any cleaners with a high PH as well as cleaners with bleach. The best way to make sure your countertops stay stain free is to ensure you clean up all spills as quickly as possible.

All surfaces can be damaged by force, and none is chip-proof. Objects hitting edges, particularly at sinks or dishwashers, may cause chips. A sink contour is prone to chipping in its lifetime. Quartz and granite are scratch resistant; however, no stone surface is scratch proof, and you should always use a cutting board and not cut directly on any counter surface. Solid surface while not as resistant to scratching can often be repaired or refinished. Surface markings are more visible on monotone designs or dark colors than multicolored or lighter surfaces. Ask about our chip minimizer for your sink contour to lessen the possibility of chips on your granite or quartz sink opening.

Quartz and granite surfaces while resistant to heat can be damaged by sudden and/or rapid changes of temperature, as well as direct and/or sustained heating of the top. This also applies to solid surface counters. Your counter may not withstand the direct transfer of heat from pots and pans and other cooking units such as electric frying pans and griddles, air fryers, slow cookers, roaster ovens, and heat lamps. Therefore, the use of a solid trivet is always recommended to prevent heating the product.

Granite and other natural stones such as marble and quartzite are porous surfaces. Their resistance to staining is dependent on the color, type of stone and the amount of time it remains on the surface. For this reason, it is best to clean up spills right away. Since natural stones have a porous surface, they will require sealing to maintain their stain resistant qualities. We seal your natural stone counters at the time that they are installed. Regular sealing is required to preserve the natural beaty and to maintain your stone counters. Quartz and solid surface counters are non-porous, do not require sealing and highly resistant to staining. Spills should still be cleaned up immediately.

Since granite is a naturally occurring material, it is prone to fissures (hairline cracks) at the surface of the material. This occurs while the stone is still within the earth and is caused by heating and cooling that takes place. Fissures are normal and an inherent characteristic of natural stone.

The main difference in the two is that quartz is a man-made, engineered material, while granite comes right out of the earth. This means that there is a larger variance in the price of granite because the price of each stone is based on how rare it is, where it comes from etc. More common granite colors can be more cost efficient than quartz.

Quartz is a manmade material, but there is still a range of pricing which is reflected from colors that are monotone or sandier looking to colors that mimic natural stone movement. The closer you get to looking like a natural stone the more costly quartz becomes.

We are a family-owned business located in Jacksonville Florida for over 50 years. We service Home Stores, large residential and custom builders. In addition, we have a specialized commercial department and an expert sales staff and showroom to assist you with your home project. We also offer custom design for your cabinetry needs. Our shop consists of state-of-the art equipment and tooling, with highly trained personnel to expertly execute your project to exceed your expectations.