Why Quartz Is Surpassing Granite In Popularity

Alright, let’s talk countertops. If you’re like us, you’ve probably spent more time than you’d care to admit scrolling through pictures of stunning kitchens and bathrooms, dreaming about your next project. And for the longest time, granite was the undisputed king of that dream. It was the go-to for luxury, the symbol of a high-end kitchen. But have you noticed something lately? A subtle shift in the force? Suddenly, everyone and their cousin is choosing quartz. It’s not just a trend; it’s a full-blown revolution in surface materials.

So, what gives? Why is quartz rapidly becoming the new favorite, leaving granite looking a bit, well, last decade? As a remodeling company that’s tackled everything from a simple bathroom remodeling project to a massive whole house remodeling endeavor here in Denver, we’ve had a front-row seat to this change. At Verified Builders, we’ve installed miles of both materials, and we’ve got some thoughts. Let’s break it down, friend to friend.

The Lowdown on What Quartz Actually Is

First, a quick science lesson—don’t worry, we’ll keep it painless. Unlike granite, which is 100% a natural stone quarried from the earth, quartz is an engineered product. Now, hold on, “engineered” doesn’t mean fake or cheap. IMO, it means better, smarter, and more reliable.

Quartz countertops are typically about 90-95% ground-up natural quartz crystals—one of the hardest minerals on the planet. The remaining 5-10% is a polymer resin binder and pigments. This manufacturing process is the secret sauce that gives quartz all its superstar qualities. It’s like building a superhero in a lab; you take the best natural material and then remove its weaknesses.

Head-to-Head: Why Quartz is Winning the Popularity Contest

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. When you’re investing in a project, whether it’s a kitchen refresh or luxury home renovations, you need to know what you’re getting into. Here’s our take on the key battlegrounds.

Maintenance & Durability: The Daily Grind

This is arguably the biggest win for quartz. Granite is porous. That means it can absorb liquids—wine, oil, coffee—if it’s not properly sealed. And it needs to be resealed every year or so to maintain its protection. Forgot to do it? Well, enjoy that permanent stain.

Quartz, on the other hand, is non-porous. The resin binding it all together creates a solid, impermeable surface. This means:

• Zero sealing required. Ever. That’s one less item on your home maintenance checklist.
• Stain resistance is incredible. Spill some beet juice? Wipe it up. No panic, no permanent pink splotch.
• It’s hygienic. Because bacteria and mold can’t penetrate the surface, it’s a dream for kitchens.

From our perspective as your general contractor, we love materials that make our clients’ lives easier long after we’ve finished the job. Quartz does exactly that.

Consistency & Aesthetic Variety: Getting the Look You Want

Remember shopping for granite? You’d fall in love with a slab in the showroom, only to find the one delivered to your house has a giant, weird vein right in the middle where you wanted your breakfast bar. With natural stone, variation is the name of the game. It’s a beautiful gamble.

Quartz offers incredible consistency. The pattern and color you pick are the pattern and color you get. But wait, doesn’t that make it look “fake”? Not anymore. Engineered stone technology has gotten scarily good at mimicking the deep, complex veining of marble and the speckled look of granite. Plus, it can create bold, solid colors that granite could never achieve. This gives you, and us as your home renovation contractor, unparalleled creative freedom for your custom remodels.

Strength & Hardness: Which One is Tougher?

Both are hard, but they have different strengths. Granite is very hard and resistant to scratches. Quartz is also very hard, but it can be susceptible to scratching from sharp knives or abrasive pads—though many newer varieties have improved significantly in this area.

Where quartz really shines is in its structural integrity. Granite can have natural fissures and weak points. We’ve seen it happen—a pot dropped in just the wrong spot can cause a chip or crack. Quartz is more uniform and less brittle, making it highly resistant to chipping. However—and this is a big however—quartz does not handle heat as well as granite. Always, always use a trivet. That resin binder can melt or discolor under a scorching-hot pan. FYI 🙂

Let’s Get Real: The Practical Stuff

Alright, let’s move beyond the specs and talk about what this means for you and your project.

The Installation Process

Whether you’re working with a bathroom renovation contractor or planning a full basement renovation, the installation process is similar for both materials. They are both heavy, require professional templating, and need skilled installers. The difference we see at Verified Builders is in the predictability. With quartz, we know exactly what the slab will look like, which makes planning seams and layout a smoother process. There are no last-minute surprises.

Cost Considerations

Here’s the funny part: the price gap has virtually closed. You can find granite and quartz at very similar price points these days. The cost now depends more on the quality, brand, and design of the specific slab rather than the material category. A high-end exotic granite will cost more than a basic quartz, and a premium quartz with intricate veining will cost more than a simple granite. It’s all about the look you’re going for.

So, When Might You Still Choose Granite?

We’re not here to completely trash granite. It’s still a beautiful, natural product. Its unique, one-of-a-kind veining is something quartz still can’t perfectly replicate. If you want a truly unique piece of the earth in your home and don’t mind the annual sealing ritual, granite might be for you. It also still holds the crown for heat resistance.

But for most of our clients, especially those looking for a blend of low maintenance, modern aesthetics, and durability, quartz is the clear winner. It just makes sense for today’s busy lifestyles.

Quick Comparison Table: Quartz vs. Granite

Feature	Quartz	Granite
Composition	Engineered (90%+ quartz, resin)	100% Natural Stone
Porosity	Non-porous	Porous (requires sealing)
Maintenance	No sealing required	Requires annual sealing
Stain Resistance	Excellent	Good (if sealed properly)
Heat Resistance	Low (use trivets!)	Excellent
Scratch Resistance	Good (can scratch)	Very Good
Aesthetic Options	Highly consistent, vast colors	Unique, natural variation
DIY Friendliness	No (Professional install)	No (Professional install)
Cost	Moderate to High	Moderate to High

Your Project, Our Expertise

Maybe you’re not just redoing countertops. Maybe this is part of a larger plan—a garage conversion to create a new living space, a patio remodeling project to extend your kitchen outdoors, or even a home addition contractor. Whatever the scale, the principles remain the same: choose materials that fit your life.

This is where finding the right team comes in. You can search for “home remodeling near me” or “nearest basement remodel contractor,” but you need more than just the closest option. You need a partner like Verified Builders. Why? Because we’ve been there. We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t in real Denver homes. We read the reviews, we understand the local climate’s effect on materials, and we know how to guide you through these exact decisions.

Whether you need a basement contractor, a bathroom renovation contractor, or a team for whole house remodeling, it’s about trust. You’re inviting us into your home. We get that. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as the final result.

Answering Your Burning Questions

Let’s tackle a few of the most common questions we get about quartz.

1. Can I use quartz for my outdoor kitchen or patio remodeling project?
Generally, no. This is a big one. Quartz is not recommended for outdoor use. The resins can be damaged by prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun, which can lead to fading, discoloration, or even warping over time. For outdoor spaces, stick with granite or another material specifically rated for outdoors.

2. Is quartz really indestructible?
We wish! While it’s incredibly durable, it’s not magic. It can be scratched by sharp objects and absolutely cannot take direct heat from a pan. Think of it as a high-performance car—it’s amazing, but you still have to take care of it.

3. For a basement renovation or bathroom remodeling, is quartz a good choice?
Absolutely. In fact, its non-porous nature makes it an exceptional choice for high-moisture areas like bathrooms. You won’t have to worry about water spills, steam, or humidity damaging the surface. For basement remodels, where you might be creating a wet bar or a second kitchen, it offers the same great benefits.

Wrapping It Up: The Verdict is In

So, there you have it. From where we stand, quartz has earned its spot at the top. It combines the best of nature and human ingenuity to create a surface that’s beautiful, tough, and, most importantly, easy to live with.

The world of home renovation is full of choices, and it can feel overwhelming. But that’s what we’re here for. At Verified Builders, we’re not just house remodelers; we’re your neighbors. We want your project to be something you love for years to come, not something you have to constantly fuss over.

If you’re dreaming about a change and want to talk more about quartz, granite, or anything else for your home—be it a bathroom update or a massive whole-house transformation—give us a shout. Let’s turn that dream into a reality, without the confusing jargon and sales pitches. Let’s just talk about building something awesome, together.