Granite vs Man-Made Stone

QUESTION:

We are remodeling our kitchen countertops and are getting answers all over the world - this one chips,$35 more per square foot, this one stains,etc..

we like "INDIAN DAKOTA" granite for the counter top OR CAMBRIA NORMANDY.

Bottom line answer - which is better... a granite counter top or man-made stone? And generally does granite cost more than "mms"?

ANSWER:

When money is not an issue, people install granite. Luxury home builders all install granite. So, I suppose there is your answer.

I too think overall, granite is better, but not by a long shot. There are variables that you may consider when comparing quartz vs. granite, which I've covered at the counter tops materials page.

Price

You'll see more variation in granite because it is a natural unique product. There's a huge supply of some colors and not others, so accordingly different prices. Also, quality can vary. That's why you'll see signs for $25 sq ft. granite... avoid these.

On average man-made stone is about as expensive as granite. I'm sure because manufacturers of MMS are trying to position themselves as equal in every way to granite. But for above reasons some stones may be more expensive.

Maintenance

Indian Dakota is a good stone. May not even need to seal it, but you should perform the test for sealing granite countertops on a sample to be sure.

Man-made quartz doesn't need sealing, but neither do many granite counter tops... and sealing is simple, so not really an issue.

Design

For my tastes and many/most in the design world, quartz looks very uniform and man-made. It doesn't possess the allure and unique colors, depth, textures or patterns of granite.

Quartz is a very good product, but when comparing all factors, man-made doesn't have any real advantages over granite, so I would never install a man-made stone.

There's just too many great granite counter top slabs to choose from when the cost is reasonably similar.

Good Luck,
Ryan