When planning a kitchen remodel, one of the biggest decisions is choosing your countertop material. For Colorado homeowners, quartz and granite are the two most popular choices. At AMC Stone and Cabinets, with showrooms in Ft. Collins and Aurora, we help clients weigh the pros and cons of both options. While quartz offers engineered durability and consistency, granite delivers natural beauty and uniqueness. Understanding the differences will help you choose the best surface for your lifestyle and design goals.

What is Quartz?

Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces made from ground natural quartz crystals mixed with resin and pigments. This creates a non-porous, uniform surface that is:

  • Durable: Resistant to scratches and stains.
  • Hygienic: Non-porous, which means it resists bacteria and mold growth.
  • Low maintenance: Requires no sealing, unlike natural stone.
  • Versatile: Available in a wide variety of colors and styles, including patterns that mimic marble or granite.

Quartz is especially popular with Colorado families who want a stylish yet practical surface that can handle daily wear without constant upkeep.

What is Granite?

Granite is a natural stone quarried from the earth, cut into slabs, and polished for installation. Each piece of granite is unique, with colors and patterns that cannot be replicated. Granite offers:

  • Heat resistance: You can set hot pans directly on the surface.
  • Durability: Strong and resistant to scratches when properly sealed.
  • Natural beauty: No two slabs are alike, adding character and individuality to your kitchen.
  • Value: Granite remains a highly desirable feature in home resale.

Aurora homeowners often choose granite for its timeless appeal and ability to blend seamlessly with both modern and traditional cabinetry.

Comparing Durability and Maintenance

  • Quartz: Requires little to no maintenance beyond regular cleaning with mild soap and water. Its non-porous surface prevents stains from coffee, wine, or oils.
  • Granite: Needs periodic sealing to protect against staining. While durable, it is more porous than quartz and may require extra care.

For busy households, quartz is often the more convenient option, while homeowners who enjoy natural stone and don’t mind occasional upkeep gravitate toward granite.

Cost Considerations

Both quartz and granite fall within a similar price range, though the final cost depends on the brand, color, and installation. Generally:

  • Quartz: Prices are consistent due to uniform manufacturing.
  • Granite: Costs vary depending on the rarity of the slab, with exotic colors and patterns commanding higher prices.

At AMC Stone and Cabinets, we work with your budget to find options in both materials that meet your financial and design goals.

Style and Design Options

Quartz provides a sleek, consistent look, making it easy to match across large kitchen layouts. It is available in countless colors, from bright whites to deep charcoals, with patterns that replicate marble or concrete.

Granite, by contrast, offers natural variety. If you want a truly unique centerpiece, granite delivers with its distinctive veining and color shifts. Many Colorado homeowners love pairing granite countertops with neutral cabinetry to highlight the stone’s natural beauty.

Environmental Impact

  • Quartz: Requires energy-intensive manufacturing but lasts for decades with minimal maintenance.
  • Granite: Natural stone that requires quarrying and transport but does not involve chemical resins.

Both options can be eco-friendly choices depending on sourcing and longevity. At AMC, we help clients select sustainable options when possible.

Which is Best for Your Colorado Home?

  • Choose quartz if: You want a low-maintenance, consistent surface that resists stains and fits a modern lifestyle.
  • Choose granite if: You value natural beauty, heat resistance, and a one-of-a-kind look that makes a bold design statement.

Ultimately, both materials are excellent choices. The decision comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences.

Why Work With AMC Stone and Cabinets

AMC Stone and Cabinets provides hands-on guidance in selecting countertops. At our Ft. Collins and Aurora showrooms, you can see full slabs, compare edge profiles, and understand how quartz and granite will look in your home. Our installation team ensures your countertops are perfectly fitted and built to last.

Client Review

“AMC Stone and Cabinets helped us compare quartz and granite in detail. They explained the pros and cons clearly, showed us samples, and made sure we chose a countertop that fit our family’s needs. We love the result.” – Google Review

Why choose AMC?

We offer cabinetry, countertops, sinks and SPC luxury vinyl flooring that suit most budgets and styles. Whether you’re going basic or custom for your kitchen or bathroom remodeling, we have almost everything you need to see your vision become a reality.

Come visit us in one of our 2 locations: Ft. Collins 970-657-2078 | Aurora 720-623-8888. Call for your FREE Consultation.