Beauty is subjective, making this a classic design debate. Granite is ideal if you prefer organic, one-of-a-kind natural stone. Quartz is better if you favor sleek, consistent, and modern designs.
Quartz can be slightly lower in price than granite but the costs are considered similar. Both are considered luxury materials that cost more than other countertop materials.
Granite’s decline in popularity largely stems from shifting design trends. The heavily patterned, multi-colored granites popular in the early 2000s now look dated to modern homeowners. Furthermore, the rise of uniform, low-maintenance alternatives like quartz has pushed granite out of the design spotlight.
We have compiled a list of our top-selling and most popular kitchen countertops over the past year.
Quartz countertops are highly durable and non-porous, but they have key drawbacks: limited heat resistance, vulnerability to UV damage making them strictly for indoor use, and a man-made look that lacks the organic veining of natural stone. They also require professional installation due to their weight.
Yes, using Clorox wipes on quartz countertops can cause damage. While a single wipe-up in an emergency likely won't cause immediate harm, relying on them regularly can break down the polymer resin binder in the quartz, leading to dullness, a loss of shine, and discoloration over time.
While quartz is one of the most popular countertop materials, many homeowners dislike it because of its vulnerability to heat, tendency to show smudges, artificial appearance, and recent safety and environmental concerns.
These factors influence countertop selection just as much as appearance.
Dark floors pair particularly well with lighter countertops in large kitchens, where there is enough natural light to prevent the space from feeling heavy. Charcoal tiles, dark-stained engineered wood, or concrete-effect porcelain are often used to create a strong architectural base.
Any Shade of Granite
Interior designer Danielle Davis encourages clients to veer away from granite in any shade, which she says will read as an early 2000s look that is no longer in vogue. Granite comes in shades ranging from gray to red to blue to green and beyond.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on granite. Because it is a mild, pH-balanced detergent, it is an excellent and safe choice for everyday cleaning.
The healthiest countertops prioritize non-toxic, non-porous, and zero-VOC materials. Top choices include natural stone (like granite and quartzite), stainless steel, and solid wood (butcher block). These do not off-gas harmful chemicals and naturally resist bacterial growth when properly maintained.
In fact, the average cost of quartz puts it somewhere right in the middle of countertop prices. Most quartz countertops cost anywhere from $90 to $185 per square foot. That's much higher than a laminate counter ($20 to $60 per square foot) or a tile countertop ($25 to $90 per square foot).
Yes, you can use vinegar on quartz countertops, but it must be equal parts vinegar and water. Diluting the vinegar helps minimize the acidity, reducing the risk of dulling the surface or breaking down the resin in quartz. Use the solution sparingly and wipe the area afterward with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
You can quickly tell if your countertop is quartz or granite by examining its pattern and consistency. Granite is a natural stone with unique, unpredictable veining and flecks, meaning no two areas look identical. Quartz is engineered; it has a more uniform, deliberate pattern.
The biggest countertop trend of 2026 is bold, expressive stone. Natural stone and high-end quartz with dramatic veining and organic movement are becoming focal points rather than background elements. These surfaces add visual interest, anchor the kitchen design, and bring a sense of artistry to the space.
Some brands of quartz countertops may contain chemicals. On the other hand, granite is an all-natural, biodegradable material.
If you want the lowest maintenance countertop, Quartz and Porcelain are your top choices. Both are completely non-porous, highly resistant to stains, and never require sealing.
Granite is not out of style in 2026, but the aesthetic has completely shifted. Heavily speckled or busy beige, orange, and gold tones are dated, while modern renovations feature neutral palettes, marble-like veining, and matte, leathered, or honed finishes.
Beige, taupe, and "mushroom" neutrals are officially replacing the cool, sterile grays of the last decade. Designers are leaning into warm khakis, sandy beiges, creamy whites, and earthy tones that add a cozy, comforting energy to spaces.
The biggest trend for 2026 is the use of countertops as statement pieces. Deep Veining and Rich Movement: Homeowners are turning toward natural stone and high-end quartz surfaces that feature dramatic, sweeping veins and organic movement. Think marble and quartzite with rich colors that feel luxurious and grounded.
Yes, using Clorox wipes on quartz countertops can cause damage. While a single wipe-up in an emergency likely won't cause immediate harm, relying on them regularly can break down the polymer resin binder in the quartz, leading to dullness, a loss of shine, and discoloration over time.
Quartz is not going out of style overall, but its design applications are evolving. While it remains a durable, practical, and highly sought-after countertop choice, design trends have shifted away from certain manufactured looks in favor of more natural aesthetics and increased sustainability.
Yes, you can safely put a hot cup of coffee on a quartz countertop. A freshly brewed cup of coffee typically sits between 140∘F and 180∘F (60∘C and 82∘C), which is well below the threshold where quartz resins begin to be damaged (usually around 150∘F to 300∘F depending on the brand).