Is Quartz the New Granite?

Here’s an interesting topic being debated in our Discussions section: How important is granite?For years now, granite has been one of the most popular kitchen countertop choices, especially in higher-end homes. But a recent New York Times article noted that there has been an increase in cases of granite countertops being tested with high levels of radon, a radioactive gas that has been known to cause lung cancer.

Radon in some types of granite isn’t a new phenomenon, but as granite has increased in popularity, more cases have been reported. According to the New York Times article, radiation experts have said that most granite countertops do not emit enough of the gas to pose any sort of health threat. But it’s still unclear what the long-term effects might be. For some people, it’s turning them away from granite.

If you look at some of the responses in the lively Discussions thread, there’s definitely a granite backlash going on, not only because of radiation threats, but also because people’s perceptions of granite may be changing:

INTDESR: Granite is so dated.  It’s time to move on to other materials anyways.

Spleng: It is important because it will mark the home as a bubble era home, and bring back bubble memories when seen. In future times the sight of it will cause people to wince and think sad thoughts.

INTDESR again: Granite just makes me gag when I see it too.  Especially if it’s done in that flipper way of dark cabinetry and stainless appliances.

So, if not granite, what then?

As the peeps in Discussions pointed out, quartz has been quickly gaining in popularity as a countertop material. This article, which nicely rounds up the many options for counters, explains that quartz shares many of the same qualities that have made granite so popular: It’s a natural stone, it’s sturdy, and the color options are plentiful and consistent. But unlike granite, quartz does not require sealing and, according to the major manufacturers, it’s radon-free. The downside: It’s expensive. If you’d like more info a quartz countertops, check out Silestone and Cambria. 

null

Kitchen with quartz counters (photo courtesy Silestoneusa.com)

Another option that seemed quite popular in the Discussions thread is glass countertops (such as those by Icestone and Vetrazzo), which are made of crushed recycled glass. They’re very “green,” look cool, and come in many colors. But they’re also quite expensive.

To explore all of your countertop options and find other kitchen remodeling ideas, be sure to check out the kitchens in Dueling Digs.

So, what do you think is the next big thing in countertops?