Oh and I've heard that there are some issues w/ some of the quartz countertops as they don't do well w/ heat (e.g. if you put a hot pot on them).

I don't think natural will ever go out of style.

And, most decorators prefer granite.  And, most decorators are up on the trends and have a good sense of style.

We did granite for my mom's kitchen, and I wouldn't want her to have anything else.  She loves it.  And, when she needs to sell (eventually) it is a way better option.

I'm guessing your area is fairly similar to ours in taste as you're only 2 hours away.  I can't think of any of my NYC customers that have done quartz.  Some will go higher end w/ poured concrete.

Great answers here.

When it comes to re-sale, the average buyer knows granite.  It may take a little education on the benefits of quartz.

Janis,

I am planning on marble, as I am a contrarian, and tired of seeing granite counters.  I also like soapstone.  Quartz is less expensive as is granite tile.  

It is all about the installer.  We have granite in the kitchen and have several seams, although I would be hard pressed to find them easily.  They just do not show.  This is a case where you do NOT price shop but get referrals from people you trust and look for the best installer.  

Depending on the price point of the house and kitchen level, I would not consider qurtz, but that is just me.  I like the naturalness of granite and the  way it does not look uniform.  

I believe these days there isn't a huge price differential unless you go into the "exotic" granites. But from a resale standpoint in my market, buyers still like granite better for their kitchens. Quartz seems to be a nice option for bathrooms and buyers are less likely to want granite versus quartz there.

Janis, A good granite top installer has seams that rarely show. I agree with Debbie Gartner about what the trends are and that quartz can crack more so than granite.

I am pretty sure quartz is more expensive. But I like the look of granite that is highly plolished. There is also more variations in color and less uniformity in grantie and I like that look better. Some quartz reminds me of Corian and I never was a fan of it.

I would HIGHLY recommend granite!  And, I see tons of nice kitchens and kitchen remodels.

Most people prefer the look of granite, andthink it's much better/nicer to go with the real stuff...and it will never go out of style.  It should also be better for resale value.  Generally, higher end homes here have granite (or Calcutta Gold marble which is very expensive).  I see mid-low to lower end homes here use quartz. (very low end will do laminate).

Prices can vary based on the granite, but as a general rule, a medium grade granite will prob. cost a bit less than quartz.

Quartz is growing, and partially due to all the marketing and scare tactics those manufacturers use.  They say granite can have some radioactivity...but this is so miniscule and less than other things...bricks are more dangerous. They also say granite requires more maintenance needs to be sealed, but that doesn't seem to be true.  BTW, I've never sealed my granite and it's been here for more than 10 yrs.

Dipti nailed this one!

Good answer from Debbie.

Both are out of my price range.

Janis Borgueta as much as it is a personal choice, you should consider cost and feel. I love granite and heard little concerns about quartz, but this thing keeps on improving!

Not to change the subject, but I saw an amazing poured concrete counter top the other day.  

I see I am in the minority here, but I kind of like that ;)  Everyone who has come into my kitchen (just had a party of 50 or so people before the holidays) comments on how gorgeous the countertops are. We have put hot pans on them, but I still like to use a trivet no matter WHAT kind of countertop I have. I have had granite, Corian, Formica...and by far my favorite is the Quartz. Good luck!

I just finished my kitchen renovation and we used Cambria Quartz. It was more expensive but I am just so tired of granite. I believe it is more durable and I like that is more consistency with the pattern. 

There are different quality levels of granite, so don't always go by price. Quartz is ok as well. It's a personal choice.

I am glad you asked this question. I know granite is more popular in my area.

You need a good/reputable fabricator regardless. It's the same people who do both installations.  Only the manufacturers are different.

I will tell you that I hear all sorts of horror stories w/ people and their kitchens.  The only bad stories I hear about countertops, though, are ones related to delays. It's rare to hear about an installation issue w/ granite or quartz.

Endre - Corian pays for that.  They and the other quartz manufacturers have been paying a lot for marketing.  the granite places don't have to.  It's naturally appealing and preferred.

Janis, According to HGTV Corian is a good way to go, so check it out before you commit. Granite you need a good installer I have seen some horror stories ...

Granite can be really affordable and definately wows buyers when it's in mid-low range properties.

LOL, Debbie and I are on same page. I was googling granite seams.  Some hide it better, and I agree that a good installer can blend/hide the seams.  I been to many large kitchens which I'm sure have seams and I rarely notice them.  And, based on layout designs there are better ways to hide it/better placement.

Hi,

Try this website.  I am seeing many more houses with Quartz installations...cheaper and more durable.  This link should help walk through the decision.  Hope it helps!

Tim Urban

High Gate Realty

http://countertopinvestigator.com/quartz-granite/

I wouldn't think that rounded curves would be an issue. I've seen those on granite.  Yes, it may be challenging, but they can do. I hear you on the seams.  I would ask them which types show the seams less.