QUARTZ vs GRANITE | How To Choose A Countertop in 2023

Choosing a countertop is a big deal! Do you choose quartz or granite? What about laminate? This video will give some insight on each of these products. Hopefully helping you make the right countertop choice for your kitchen.
Comment below if you have any countertop questions. I would love to help.

Rock Doctor Granite & Quartz Care Kit, 3 Piece Maintenance Stone Care Combo Kit

Connect with me on Social Media

#quartz vs granite #countertop #marktobinkitchendesign
FTC Legal Disclaimer - Some links found in the description box of my videos may be affiliate links, meaning I will make commission on sales you make through my link. This is at no extra cost to you to use my links/codes, it's just one more way to support me and my channel! :)

[EkebaInternational]

Sir, you are a very believable and impressive presenter. I love your tone, the absence of exaggeration, and the wealth and depth of your knowledge! Absolutely fantastic! Thank you!!!

[donnawilliams]

We have white laminate in our kitchen and it's beautiful, and still looks brand new after 32 years. White is timeless and laminate is very durable.

[Bob-fkvd]

Put plain white quartz countertops in about 20 years ago before they became popular, and love them.
They still look brand new.
They are easy to clean.
No maintenance,
Even if it gets a stain you can still get it out.

[Steph-dzjb]

I’m a designer for many years. I love my laminate tops. They don’t damage my knives, I don’t worry about hot pots or pans, and it actually releases stains like wine or strawberry/raspberry. No one wants laminate but it’s a fabulous option.

[jaxandmore]

Thank you for talking honestly about the pros and cons of all 3 countertop types. Laminate is my go-to countertop choice. It gives me a lot more design flexibility since there are far more color and pattern choices compared to granite and quartz. From solid colors to wood styles to stone styles. You even get a choice of the type of surface finish and edge profile. It's also considerably more affordable at 2-3 times less expensive. For typical everyday use, they are perfectly durable. Use a cutting board. Use a potholder under hot pots. Problems solved. As for water intrusion, the fewer seams it has, the better off you are. If your countertop dimensions fit within the laminate sheet dimensions, your fabricator can give you a seamless top. No 45-degree mitered corner cut. It helps elevate the look and eliminate water intrusion issues in the corner of your kitchen.

[MrEMTPMD]

Let me first say how impressed I am with your content with these counter surfaces and how you give equally valued info to each and you don’t steer anyone away from or frown on a laminate versus a solid surface. It’s all it what one can afford and like you said, what you like.

[civitahochreiter]

Thank you for this video. It's refreshing to hear a designer say that it's ok to get laminate countertops. You must have a highly satisfied customer base. 🙂
We're all different, we all have different needs/wants. Thanks for recognizing that and not trying to change anyone's mind. Keep up the great work!! 👍👏

[hallucinogen]

I have no idea why this intrigued me enough to watch it since I have no particular use for the information (at 3am no less) but honestly, I’m glad I did. My future kitchen will be better designed for it! Thank you 😊

[kinnonmoss]

Mark, Thanks for this down-to-earth video post. At this writing, I have my kitchen remodel nearly complete. In recent weeks as far as countertops go, my wife and I checked out the three options you reviewed in this post. I must say, we could afford the high end offerings, but decided to go with a laminate countertop. As in like you mentioned there are so many options in textures, colors, patterns, etc. In our home (a 70 year old Cape Cod style cottage) we decided to stay with (dare I say it) a wood-look laminate countertop by Wilson Art. Our house has stained wood work through out, and we just wanted to keep the updated kitchen in blend with the rest of the house. We considered butcher block, but did not want to worry with the upkeep. The laminate we chose looks similar to the butcher block style, but without the maintenance. These days so many seem to be trending toward neutral, almost clinical "Dynasty" looking kitchens with no color or warmth, and of that, to each their own. My wife and I are dated people who still like dated looking (though new) stuff, and make no apologies about it. And like you mentioned regarding laminate, if down the road we get tired of looking at it, we can change it up without the parting of the Red Sea so to speak. Peace, and more power to you in your field of work & design. 👍

[anthonyfussell]

I am British and have sold a number of high end apartmemts in UK, the kitchens all of which had aga installed and granite tops . Our market at the top end would not accept anything else . Thank you for your trends . I think shelves look great . As you say it is up to you . To me people are looking for individuality and style and laminate has neither and never will have, so if you want style you pay for granite. Thank you for your clear and intetesting presentation which is a credit to you .

[judes]

Very clear, very informative. Thank you!

[janetleeadams]

I designed two kitchens in older houses that we had bought. I had beautiful cabinets, and I used laminate in both kitchens. For one I had a beautiful light blue tweed design and one that looked like fallen, autumn leaves. But my favorite feature in both kitchens was the pull-out bread board. This pull-out doubled my counter space and was perfect at sandwich making time. It is an old fashioned feature, and it is great.

[Bulldogstp]

My wife and I close on a new house in a few weeks. It has Quartz countertops throughout. I'm so excited. lol

[trinaroe]

Refreshing to see a designer that isn’t pushing the most expensive countertop options! I have laminate and plan to use it again.

[tywebbgolfenthusiast]

Over the years I installed an acre of laminate in kitchens I remodeled. Cheap, easy to work with woodworking tools, looks okay. We remodeled our own kitchen a couple years ago and put in Hanstone quartz. Yes pricy, but it’s beautiful and there’s no mistaking it for laminate. Also, we have a 12” overhang on our island which didn’t need support. It would have needed brackets if granite.

[eddieesquivel]

Exact tutorial I needed to listen to in order to replace my laminate kitchen counters. Thank you!

[ablueslenz]

I’m putting laminate in the new condo I’m purchasing because I like to change up my style every few years or so. Quartz is beautiful, but I really find most granite to be too “busy” for my aesthetic; both are a serious investment for someone averse to commitment.😉 I installed quality laminate in my previous home and never had any issue with its performance. Further, no one ever came over for dinner and said, “I’m not eating at your house because you have laminate countertops.” 😏My money goes toward quality major appliances.

[silverfox-]

Considering your in the business in most cases it would be more just to make a sale. I was truly impressed with your honesty, very impressed. Not everyone could afford to go with the more expensive. I truly appreciate your honesty.

[aanon]

use a special quartz/granite cleaner on it ONLY! comet, or brillo, even windex will strip the sealant off. my girlfriend on a strict budget got a slate color laminate counter & its lovely. with white cabinets & some bright copper pots on the wall above & under cabinet lighting, it looks like real slate!
i had granite in my first home but chose quartz in my new home because i wanted white with a touch of grey veining & granite didnt have it. im happy with the quartz. its beautiful, shiny & brightens up the kitchen.

[BonaFideWildLife]

Thanks for the info and starting the discussion! After reading the comments, I'm going to go with granite. Quartz seems to chip and stain more than granite and is harder to repair - which begs to be replaced. I resent planned obsolescence because it's literally so wasteful. I want something that will last and plays nice with the right to repair movement. I'll happily seal granite so it won't end up in the landfill.