Three of the most popular types of kitchen counter materials—solid surface, quartz, and slab granite—look alike and have many of the same properties. The stone-like appearance and homogeneous composition found in granite are engineered into solid surface and quartz countertops.
One of the top alternatives to granite countertops is marble due to its timeless design and various patterns. The best part about marble is that it is more affordable than granite. The price of this material per square foot can be between $40 and $100.
Quartz countertops are one of the best alternatives to granite counters in terms of durability, aesthetic appeal, functionality, and versatility.
Liquid granite, which can also be known as synthetic granite, isn't stone at all. The term is used for a particular type of extra-strong concrete developed by Sheffield Hallam University, and also for a technique for pouring and decorating concrete to make it look like granite.
Granite and quartzite have very similar performance statistics; both are resistant to heat, chemicals, and scratches. Because quartzite is a fairly new stone on the market that often resembles marble, there have been some instances of mislabeling.
Biotite and/or hornblende constitute the dark minerals. Because of its coloring, it is often confused with granite, but whereas granite contains more than 20% quartz, quartz monzonite is only 5–20% quartz. Rock with less than five percent quartz is classified as monzonite.
To identify granite, do a scratch test. Take a knife blade, and try scratching the surface (in an inconspicuous place). If it's hard to scratch, then it's likely to be granite (or some type of igneous rock). If you are able to scratch the stone it is either marble or limestone.
While some natural granite or marble stones can be even in colour, there should be slight variations in the veins and texture, and these 'imperfections' are key for spotting genuine stone. Fake or engineered stone will commonly have repeating patterns and identically even colouring throughout.
What is Fake Granite? Fake granite is just what it sounds like – countertops that are made to imitate the beauty of the natural stone. Many countertop surfaces can be made to have the look of granite, from engineered stone to laminate to countertops that are even painted to have a granite look.
Porcelain countertops, concrete, recycled glass, and laminate are some of the more popular man-made countertop choices that are not stone. When speaking of man-made “stone,” more often than not people are referring to quartz countertops. Quartz can also be referred to as engineered stone.
If you don't want to replace your countertops with granite, consider quartz, quartzite, marble, concrete, or the many other options from which homeowners can choose.
One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme.
Bottom Line. Both granite and quartz are high-end countertop materials that add real estate value to a home. Granite appeals to people who like all-natural materials, while quartz offers easier maintenance and slightly better durability.
Granodiorite is very similar to granite. It has less of the potassium variety of feldspar, more of the sodium feldspar (plagioclase).
Three of the most popular types of kitchen counter materials—solid surface, quartz, and slab granite—look alike and have many of the same properties. The stone-like appearance and homogeneous composition found in granite are engineered into solid surface and quartz countertops.
Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project. In this article, we'll look at the differences between natural granite stone and engineered quartz stone and the factors that affect pricing so you can determine which material is best for your design project.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
Ceramic and porcelain tile are among the most affordable varieties and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic granite and other stone. Natural stone tiles are pricier than ceramic but are much more affordable than slab granite or marble.
Everything from white granite and black granite countertops to granite slabs has fallen out of style. The second reason granite countertops have lost their appeal is that the preference for light, simple kitchens has replaced the trend of dark, warm kitchens. Designers quit wanting “movement” and instead wanted peace.
Nowadays, laminate countertops 'rock' because not only are they super durable – they look like the real thing! Quartz, granite, marble, soapstone – you name it, laminate has come a long way in its effort to look like the real thing while staying SUPER budget-friendly!
Look at the Seam
With a manmade countertop, there will be almost no shift in the flow of the pattern between the slabs at the seam. With granite, there will be a noticeable change in the pattern from one slab to the other at the seam.
Tap the Granite's Surface
Real granite produces a ringing sound when tapped. Gently use a spoon to tap a granite countertop. Fake granite countertops produce click sounds. The click sounds are mostly dull and small.
On the other hand, quartz is bound in resin, which means it doesn't have the same crystalline structure or fissures found in granite. This gives quartz a much smoother texture. It should also be noted that quartz that is more polished or glossier is a result of finely ground quartz.
Corian® panels are branded on the underside and edge with a serial number and DuPont™ logo. After the material has been worked, it can be difficult to find these markings, though every original product is accompanied by documentation demonstrating its authenticity.