Quartz has surged to the top of many homeowners’ wish lists — but is it actually worth it for your kitchen? Like any material, it has genuine strengths and a few real limitations. Here is an honest look at the pros and cons so you can decide whether quartz earns its place in your home.

The case for quartz

Quartz’s biggest selling point is maintenance — or the near-total lack of it. Because engineered quartz is non-porous, it never needs sealing, resists stains and bacteria, and wipes clean with mild soap and water. That alone wins over a lot of busy households. Its manufactured nature also delivers consistent color and pattern, so a large kitchen looks cohesive end to end, and modern marble-look quartz is convincing enough to fool most eyes. It is also tough and chip-resistant, and it comes with strong manufacturer warranties.

The honest drawbacks

No material is perfect. Quartz is heat-sensitive and can scorch or discolor above roughly 185°F, so you must use trivets — a real adjustment if you are used to setting hot pans down anywhere. Because it is engineered, it lacks the genuine, one-of-a-kind character of natural stone, which some homeowners miss. Prolonged direct sunlight can fade some quartz over time, so it is less ideal for sun-drenched or outdoor spots. And premium brands and patterns can be as expensive as high-end natural stone.

Quartz vs. the alternatives

If heat resistance and natural character matter most, granite may serve you better — you can set hot pans on it and every slab is unique. If you love the marble look in a hardworking kitchen, quartzite is worth comparing. But if your priority is a flawless, uniform surface with the least possible upkeep, quartz is hard to beat. See the full matchup in granite vs. quartz.

Who quartz is perfect for

Quartz is an ideal fit for busy families, anyone who wants a low-maintenance kitchen, homeowners who prefer a consistent modern aesthetic, and those who want a worry-free surface they never have to seal. If that sounds like you, quartz will likely make you very happy for years.

Who might prefer something else

If you cook hot and hate using trivets, crave genuine natural stone character, or have a sun-flooded kitchen, granite or quartzite may suit you better. There is no wrong answer — only the right fit for your habits. Compare them all in our materials guide.

So, is quartz worth it?

For most homeowners who prize low maintenance and a clean, consistent look, yes — quartz is absolutely worth it. The key is going in with eyes open about heat sensitivity and choosing a brand and pattern you have seen at full scale.

Frequently asked questions

What are the disadvantages of quartz?

Heat sensitivity (scorches above ~185°F), a less natural look than stone, potential fading in direct sun, and premium pricing on high-end patterns.

Is quartz worth the money?

For low-maintenance, consistent beauty, most homeowners find it well worth the cost — especially busy families.

Does quartz last as long as granite?

Yes. With proper care (and trivets), quartz lasts for decades, comparable to natural stone.

See quartz options in person

Compare quartz brands and patterns at full scale in our Murfreesboro showroom, or request a free quote. Call (615) 606-9593.

If you have ever stopped in your tracks at the sight of a countertop — deep blue movement like ocean waves, dramatic gold veining, or translucent crystal depth — you were probably looking at an exotic granite slab. These rare stones are the showstoppers of the countertop world. Here is where they come from, why they cost more, and whether one belongs in your home.

What makes a granite “exotic”?

The term exotic refers to granite and related natural stones with rare colors, bold movement, or unusual mineral formations that set them apart from everyday options. Instead of uniform speckled gray, exotics feature dramatic patterns, striking color, and one-of-a-kind character. Because their beauty comes from rare geological conditions, no two exotic slabs are ever alike — and many are essentially unrepeatable once a block is quarried out.

Where exotic slabs come from

Many of the world’s most prized exotic stones are quarried in Brazil, Italy, and India, where unique geological conditions produced colors and patterns found almost nowhere else. Brazilian quarries in particular are famous for vivid blues, golds, and dramatic quartzites and granites. These slabs travel a long way to reach Middle Tennessee, which is part of what shapes their price.

Why exotic granite costs more

Several factors stack up. Exotic slabs are rarer, so supply is limited. They are often quarried in smaller quantities and imported from overseas. Their dramatic patterns demand more skill to fabricate and book-match well, since the goal is to make the veining flow continuously across seams. And demand for statement stones is high. Together, these push exotic granite to the upper end of the price range — but for a true focal point, many homeowners find it worth every dollar. For broader pricing, see our granite cost guide.

How to use exotic slabs well

Because exotic stone is bold and pricey, it is often used where it makes the biggest impact: a kitchen island, a waterfall edge, a fireplace surround, or a bar. Pairing a dramatic exotic island with a calmer perimeter stone is a popular way to get the wow factor while managing budget. The key is book-matching and thoughtful seam placement so the stone’s drama reads as intentional design. Learn more in book-matching slabs.

Seeing is believing

Exotic slabs simply cannot be appreciated from a photo or sample — their depth, movement, and color shift dramatically at full scale and under different light. This is the category where visiting the showroom and selecting your exact slab matters most.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most exotic countertop stone?

Dramatic Brazilian quartzites and granites in blues and golds are among the most sought-after exotics, along with stones with translucent or crystalline character.

Are exotic granites durable?

Yes. They share the hardness and heat resistance of standard granite; you are paying for rarity and beauty, not a drop in performance.

Can I see exotic slabs before buying?

Absolutely — and you should. Exotic stone must be seen at full scale to choose the right slab and plan its layout.

Discover exotic slabs at our showroom

Come see our rotating selection of exotic stone in person. Browse our live inventory or request a free quote. Call (615) 606-9593.

When homeowners pick a countertop, most focus on the stone and color — but the finish has just as much influence on the final look and feel. The same granite can read formal and glossy or soft and organic depending on whether it is polished, honed, or leathered. Here is what each finish means and how to choose.

Polished: classic and reflective

Polishing is the most common finish. The surface is buffed to a high-gloss shine that reflects light, deepens the stone’s color, and makes veining pop. Polished stone looks rich and formal, and its smooth, sealed surface is easy to wipe clean. The trade-offs: it shows fingerprints, smudges, and water spots more readily, and the shine can feel less suited to relaxed or rustic kitchens. If you want maximum color depth and a traditional, luxurious look, polished is the go-to.

Honed: smooth and matte

A honed finish is ground smooth but stopped before the glossy stage, producing a soft, matte surface. It gives stone a understated, contemporary, natural look that many designers love right now. Honed surfaces hide water spots and fingerprints better than polished ones. The trade-off is that, because honing opens the surface slightly, honed stone can be a touch more prone to showing stains and may need more diligent sealing — particularly on lighter, more porous stones like marble.

Leathered: textured and tactile

Leathering is a newer favorite, especially on granite islands. The surface is brushed to create a soft, subtly textured feel — somewhere between honed and polished — that retains more of the stone’s natural color than a honed finish while hiding fingerprints, smudges, and water spots exceptionally well. It adds a tactile, organic quality that feels modern and warm at once. It is an excellent choice for high-use surfaces and for homeowners who want low visible maintenance with character.

How to choose the right finish

Think about look, lifestyle, and stone. For a formal, color-rich, traditional kitchen, choose polished. For a soft, modern, matte aesthetic, choose honed. For a tactile, fingerprint-hiding island with natural depth, choose leathered. Also consider maintenance: leathered and polished hide everyday marks well, while honed lighter stones demand more care. And remember that finish interacts with the stone — see how a finish looks on your specific slab before committing.

Finish and the rest of your design

Your finish should harmonize with your edge profile, cabinetry, and overall style. A leathered exotic granite makes a bold statement island; a polished classic granite suits a formal traditional kitchen. We will help you see finishes in person and pair them with the right edge. Explore options in our materials guide and edge profiles guide.

Frequently asked questions

Which finish is easiest to maintain?

Leathered finishes hide fingerprints and water spots best. Polished is easy to wipe clean but shows smudges. Honed lighter stones can require the most diligent sealing.

Is a leathered finish more expensive?

It can carry a modest upcharge over polished because of the extra processing, but it is widely available and popular on granite.

Can any stone be leathered or honed?

Most granites and many quartzites take all three finishes beautifully. Availability varies by stone, so ask about your specific slab.

Feel the finishes for yourself

The best way to choose is to touch and compare them. Visit our Murfreesboro showroom or request a free quote. Call (615) 606-9593.

Quartzite has become one of the most requested countertop materials in Middle Tennessee, and for good reason — it pairs the elegant look of marble with durability that rivals granite. But there is also a lot of confusion about what quartzite actually is, especially because its name sounds so similar to engineered quartz. Here is a clear homeowner’s guide.

What is quartzite?

Quartzite is a natural metamorphic stone. It begins as sandstone, then heat and pressure deep in the earth fuse the quartz grains into a dense, hard stone shot through with flowing veins. The result is a 100% natural material — quarried and cut into unique slabs — that often looks remarkably like marble but performs much more like granite. Each slab is one of a kind.

Quartzite is not the same as quartz

This is the most common point of confusion. Quartz countertops are engineered — manufactured from ground stone and resin, with consistent, repeatable patterns and a non-porous surface. Quartzite is a natural stone, with unique veining and the need for periodic sealing. They share part of a name and both contain the mineral quartz, but they are fundamentally different products. If you want the natural look, you want quartzite; if you want zero maintenance and uniformity, you want engineered quartz.

Why homeowners love it

Quartzite’s appeal comes down to a rare combination: it delivers the soft, luminous, marble-like beauty so many homeowners want, while being hard enough — around 7 on the Mohs scale — to stand up to a real working kitchen. It resists scratches and etching far better than marble and handles heat well. For anyone who has fallen for the marble look but worried about the upkeep, quartzite is often the perfect answer. See the head-to-head in quartzite vs. marble.

Does quartzite need maintenance?

Some, but not much. Quartzite is less porous than marble but still benefits from sealing, typically about once a year, especially in a kitchen where oils and acidic liquids are common. Day-to-day cleaning is simple — mild soap and water. We cover this fully in do quartzite countertops need sealing.

A note on “soft quartzite”

Because quartzite is trendy and commands a premium, some softer stones are occasionally sold under the quartzite name. True quartzite is very hard; a reputable fabricator can verify a slab’s authenticity so you know exactly what you are buying. This is one more reason to work with an experienced, in-house fabricator and to select your actual slab in person.

Frequently asked questions

Is quartzite natural or man-made?

Natural. It is a metamorphic stone quarried from the earth, unlike engineered quartz, which is manufactured.

Is quartzite better than granite?

It is slightly harder and offers a more marble-like look, but granite is more affordable and comes in a wider color range. Both are excellent natural stones.

Does quartzite scratch easily?

No. With a hardness around 7, quartzite is highly scratch-resistant — one of its main advantages over marble.

See quartzite slabs in person

The best way to appreciate quartzite is to see it at full scale. Visit our Murfreesboro showroom or request a free quote. Call (615) 606-9593.

Granite and quartzite are both natural stones with serious durability, and homeowners often weigh them against each other when they want an authentic stone surface that can handle a busy kitchen. They share a lot, but there are meaningful differences in look, hardness, and care. Here is an honest comparison.

What they have in common

Both granite and quartzite are 100% natural stones, quarried and cut into unique slabs. Both are hard, heat-resistant, and built to last decades. Both are porous to some degree and benefit from periodic sealing. If you want genuine natural stone rather than an engineered surface, either one is a strong, honest choice.

Hardness

Quartzite edges out granite on raw hardness, ranking about 7 on the Mohs scale versus granite’s roughly 6 to 6.5. In everyday terms both are extremely tough and scratch-resistant, but quartzite is marginally harder. The difference is real but rarely decisive for typical kitchen use — both will outlast most other surfaces.

Appearance

This is usually the deciding factor. Granite tends toward speckled, crystalline, grainy movement with rich mineral depth and a huge range of colors. Quartzite tends toward flowing, marble-like veining in lighter, luminous palettes. If you want the look of marble, quartzite is your stone; if you want bold, granular, dramatic natural movement, granite delivers. Seeing full slabs in person makes the choice obvious.

Heat and scratch resistance

Both handle heat well — you can place hot cookware on either without the scorching risk you would have with quartz. Both resist scratches from everyday cooking. In daily performance, granite and quartzite are very close; neither will let you down in a working kitchen.

Sealing and care

Both should be sealed periodically — typically about once a year — and both clean up with mild soap and water. Quartzite is often slightly less porous than some granites, but treat both as natural stones that benefit from a yearly seal. See how to seal granite and do quartzite countertops need sealing.

Cost

Quartzite typically runs a bit higher than granite, roughly $70 to $140 per square foot installed versus granite’s $50 to $110, largely because desirable quartzite is rarer and harder to fabricate. Exotic versions of either stone reach the top of the range. For full details, see our Middle Tennessee price guide.

Which should you choose?

Choose granite for bold, granular movement, the widest color range, and a generally lower price. Choose quartzite for the marble look, slightly higher hardness, and a lighter, more luminous aesthetic — accepting a somewhat higher cost. Both are excellent natural stones. Explore all options in our materials comparison guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is quartzite harder than granite?

Slightly. Quartzite ranks about 7 on the Mohs scale versus roughly 6 to 6.5 for granite. Both are very hard.

Which is more expensive, granite or quartzite?

Quartzite is usually more expensive because desirable slabs are rarer and tougher to fabricate.

Do both need sealing?

Yes. As natural stones, both benefit from sealing about once a year.

Compare natural stones in person

See granite and quartzite side by side at our Murfreesboro showroom, or request a free quote. Call (615) 606-9593.

Granite or quartz? It is the most common question we hear from Murfreesboro homeowners, and the honest answer is that both are excellent — the right choice depends on how you cook, how much maintenance you want to do, and the look you are after. Here is a straight comparison to help you decide.

The core difference

Granite is a 100% natural stone, quarried and cut into slabs, so every piece is unique and full of organic movement. Quartz is engineered from about 90% ground natural stone bound with resin and pigment, which makes it non-porous and highly consistent. That single difference — natural versus engineered — drives almost every other comparison below.

Maintenance

This is where quartz pulls ahead. Because it is non-porous, quartz never needs sealing and resists stains and bacteria; you just wipe it with mild soap and water. Granite is porous and should be sealed about once a year to prevent staining. Sealing is quick and easy, but it is a recurring task quartz simply does not require. If minimal upkeep is your top priority, quartz wins.

Heat resistance

Here granite wins decisively. You can set a hot pan straight from the burner onto granite without damage. Quartz, by contrast, is heat-sensitive and can scorch or discolor above roughly 185°F, so it requires trivets and hot pads. If you cook hot and often and hate fussing with trivets, granite is the safer surface.

Appearance

This one is personal. Granite offers genuine, one-of-a-kind natural movement — if you want a surface no one else has, granite delivers. Quartz offers consistent, predictable patterns and increasingly realistic marble looks, ideal if you want a uniform, controlled aesthetic across a large kitchen. Seeing full slabs in person is the only way to judge which speaks to you.

Durability

Both are very durable and will last decades with proper care. Granite is extremely hard and heat-proof; quartz is tough and, thanks to its resin binder, slightly more flexible and chip-resistant at the edges. Neither is a weak choice — daily cooking poses little risk to either.

Cost

Pricing overlaps heavily. Granite runs roughly $50 to $110 per square foot installed; quartz roughly $60 to $120. With both, slab rarity, brand, edge details, and layout complexity move the number more than the material category itself. See our granite cost guide and quartz cost breakdown for details.

So which should you choose?

Choose quartz if you want the lowest maintenance and a consistent, modern look. Choose granite if you want a natural, heat-proof surface with unique character and do not mind sealing once a year. Many homeowners even split the difference — durable quartz on the perimeter, a dramatic granite island as a focal point. For more options, see our full materials comparison guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is granite or quartz better for resale?

Both appeal to buyers. Quartz reads as modern and low-maintenance; granite signals natural quality. Either is a safe resale choice.

Which is more expensive?

They overlap heavily. Premium quartz brands and exotic granite slabs both reach the top of the range; entry-level options of each are comparable.

Can you put hot pans on either?

On granite, yes. On quartz, no — use a trivet to avoid scorching.

See both side by side

The easiest way to decide is to compare real slabs in person. Visit our Murfreesboro showroom or request a free quote. Call (615) 606-9593.

Marble and quartzite can look nearly identical at first glance — both offer soft, luminous veining and a bright, elegant presence. But under daily kitchen use they behave very differently. If you love the marble look but worry about maintenance, this comparison will help you choose with confidence.

Why they look so similar

Quartzite often forms with the same flowing, veined appearance that makes marble so desirable, which is why many homeowners cannot tell them apart on sight. Both are natural stones with unique movement, and both come in light, marble-like palettes as well as more dramatic options. The resemblance is real — but the durability is not the same.

Hardness and durability

This is the decisive difference. Quartzite ranks about 7 on the Mohs hardness scale — harder than granite — while marble is much softer at around 3. In practice, quartzite resists scratches and everyday wear far better than marble. For a kitchen that gets real use, quartzite holds up where marble shows its age quickly.

Etching and staining

Marble’s biggest vulnerability is etching: acids like lemon juice, vinegar, wine, and tomato react with the stone and leave dull marks, even when it is sealed. Quartzite is far more resistant to etching and, being less porous, less prone to staining — though it still benefits from sealing. The short version: with quartzite, sealing is precautionary; with marble, careful daily caution is mandatory.

Maintenance and care

Quartzite care is simple — mild soap and water, plus periodic sealing. Marble demands more: pH-neutral cleaners, prompt cleanup of spills, soft cloths, regular sealing, and a watchful eye around anything acidic. Neither is maintenance-free, but quartzite asks far less of you day to day. For details, see marble countertop care and do quartzite countertops need sealing.

Best uses for each

Quartzite’s toughness makes it ideal for high-traffic kitchens, islands, and even bar tops and outdoor applications. Marble is best suited to spaces where elegance outranks daily abuse — bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, baking stations, and decorative islands. Choosing by room rather than by looks alone leads to far happier results.

Which should you choose?

If you want the marble aesthetic in a hardworking kitchen, choose quartzite — it gives you the look you love with durability you can live with. If you are drawn to marble specifically, reserve it for lower-traffic areas and embrace its evolving patina. For the full lineup of materials, see our materials comparison guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is quartzite better than marble?

For durability, yes — quartzite is much harder and more etch-resistant. For pure classic elegance in low-traffic spaces, many still prefer marble.

Does quartzite etch like marble?

Far less. True quartzite is highly resistant to acid etching, which is one of its biggest advantages over marble.

Can I tell them apart?

Not always by sight. A reputable fabricator can confirm whether a slab is true quartzite or a softer stone — important, since some stones sold as quartzite are softer.

See marble and quartzite in person

Compare real slabs side by side at our Murfreesboro showroom, or request a free quote. Call (615) 606-9593.

Choosing a countertop material is the single biggest decision in most kitchen remodels, and it shapes how your kitchen looks, works, and holds up for the next decade or more. The four most popular options — granite, quartz, quartzite, and marble — each have real strengths and real trade-offs. This guide compares them honestly so you can match the right surface to the way you actually live.

The four materials at a glance

Granite and quartzite and marble are natural stones quarried from the earth, each unique. Quartz is engineered from ground stone and resin, prized for consistency and low maintenance. In broad strokes: quartz is the easiest to live with, granite is the toughest natural all-rounder, quartzite gives you the marble look with far more durability, and marble is the most beautiful but the most demanding. Let’s break down what that means for your kitchen.

Granite: the natural all-rounder

Granite is a hard, heat-resistant natural stone with one-of-a-kind crystalline movement. You can set a hot pan directly on it, it shrugs off scratches, and no two slabs are alike. The trade-off is porosity: granite should be sealed about once a year to prevent staining. It is an excellent choice for homeowners who want a genuine natural surface that can take heavy daily use. Learn more in our guide to granite countertops.

Quartz: the low-maintenance favorite

Engineered quartz is non-porous, so it never needs sealing and resists stains and bacteria. Its manufactured nature means consistent color across your whole kitchen — ideal for a uniform, contemporary look. The one caution: quartz is heat-sensitive and can scorch above about 185°F, so trivets are a must. For busy families who want beauty with minimal upkeep, quartz is usually the answer. See are quartz countertops worth it for the full case.

Quartzite: marble looks, serious toughness

Quartzite is a natural stone that often looks like marble — soft veining, luminous tones — but is significantly harder, ranking 7 on the Mohs scale. It resists etching far better than marble and stands up to a working kitchen, though it still benefits from periodic sealing. If you love the marble aesthetic but cook every day, quartzite is the smart compromise. Curious what it is? Read what is quartzite.

Marble: timeless, elegant, demanding

Marble is unmatched for classic beauty, but it is the softest and most porous of the four. It etches from acids like lemon and vinegar and needs careful, consistent care. Many homeowners love the patina marble develops over time; others find the upkeep frustrating. It shines in lower-traffic spots — baking stations, vanities, fireplace surrounds — more than a high-use family kitchen.

How to choose the right one for you

Start with how you cook and clean. If you want the least maintenance, choose quartz. If you cook hot and hard and want natural stone, choose granite. If you crave the marble look without the worry, choose quartzite. If you prioritize timeless elegance in a lower-traffic space and accept the care, choose marble. Budget, slab availability, and the specific look you want will narrow it further — and seeing real slabs in person is the best way to decide.

Want the head-to-head matchups? See granite vs. quartz, quartzite vs. marble, and granite vs. quartzite. To understand finishes, read polished vs. honed vs. leathered, and for premium options explore exotic granite slabs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best overall countertop material?

There is no single best — it depends on your priorities. Quartz wins for low maintenance, granite for heat and natural durability, quartzite for marble looks with toughness, and marble for pure elegance.

Which is the most durable?

Quartzite is the hardest of the four, with granite close behind. Both outperform marble for everyday durability.

Which needs the least maintenance?

Quartz. It is non-porous, never needs sealing, and cleans with mild soap and water.

Which looks most like marble without the upkeep?

Natural quartzite, or a marble-look engineered quartz if you want zero maintenance.

Compare materials in person

The surest way to choose is to see full slabs side by side. Visit our Murfreesboro showroom or request a free quote, and we will help you find the perfect fit. Call (615) 606-9593.