Countertops take the most wear in any kitchen, and they shape the whole look of the room. If you are comparing granite vs quartz countertops, or wondering whether laminate is enough, this guide breaks down how the three materials differ in look, care and budget. When you are ready, come see them in person at Kitchen Factory Newark, a family-owned kitchen cabinet and countertop showroom on Frelinghuysen Ave in Newark, NJ.
Granite countertops: natural stone, one of a kind
Granite is natural stone cut from quarries, so no two slabs are exactly alike. The movement, flecks and color variation are the reason many homeowners choose it: a granite countertop is unique to your kitchen.
- Look: natural patterns and depth, from subtle speckles to bold veining.
- Durability: hard and scratch-resistant, and it handles everyday kitchen use well.
- Care: granite is a natural stone with some porosity, so it is usually sealed and resealed periodically to help resist stains.
- Best for: homeowners who want a natural, one-of-a-kind surface.
Quartz countertops: consistent and low-maintenance
Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces made mostly from ground natural quartz bound with resins and pigments. Because they are manufactured, the color and pattern are consistent from one piece to the next, which makes it easy to match what you see at the showroom.
- Look: clean, consistent colors, including popular marble-look and solid white styles.
- Durability: strong and resistant to scratches and chips in daily use.
- Care: non-porous, so it does not need sealing. Wipe it with mild soap and water. Use trivets for hot pans, since very high heat can damage the resin.
- Best for: busy kitchens and anyone who wants a low-maintenance surface with a uniform look.
Laminate countertops: budget-friendly and cut to size
Laminate is a practical, budget-friendly option that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, including stone and wood looks. At our showroom, laminate countertops are cut to your custom size, which makes them a popular choice for rentals, laundry rooms, basements and quick kitchen updates.
- Look: many colors and patterns at a lower cost than stone.
- Durability: fine for everyday use, but less resistant to heat and deep cuts than granite or quartz.
- Care: easy to clean. Use a cutting board and trivets, and wipe up water near seams.
- Best for: tighter budgets, rentals and secondary spaces.
Granite vs. quartz vs. laminate at a glance
| Granite | Quartz | Laminate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Natural stone | Engineered stone | Laminate surface |
| Look | Unique, natural pattern | Consistent color and pattern | Wide range of colors and patterns |
| Sealing | Usually sealed periodically | Not needed | Not needed |
| Heat | Handles heat well; trivets still recommended | Use trivets for hot pans | Use trivets for hot pans |
| Budget | Higher | Higher | Lower |
How to choose the right countertop for your kitchen
- Start with how you cook. Heavy daily cooking and kids at the counter point to quartz or granite.
- Decide how much upkeep you want. If you never want to reseal, quartz or laminate is simpler.
- Set your budget early. Laminate stretches a budget further; granite and quartz are a longer-term investment.
- Match it to your cabinets. Pick the countertop with your cabinet door in hand. A busy granite often looks best with a simple cabinet, while a quiet quartz lets a bold cabinet color stand out.
- See it in person. Colors look different on a screen. Compare samples under real light before you decide.
Compare countertops and cabinets in one visit
Because we carry in-stock and custom kitchen cabinets as well as granite, quartz and laminate countertops, you can match the two in one visit. Our in-house design team offers a free design consultation to help you plan the layout and choose finishes that work together. Not sure about cabinets yet? Read our guide to in-stock vs. custom kitchen cabinets.
We serve homeowners in Newark, Elizabeth, Union, Hillside, Irvington, East Orange, Kearny, Harrison and Jersey City, with curbside delivery across our New Jersey service area and to Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, granite or quartz?
Neither is better for everyone. Granite gives you a natural, one-of-a-kind look and handles heat well. Quartz gives you a consistent look and needs no sealing. Choose based on the look you want and how much upkeep you are comfortable with.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No. Quartz is non-porous, so regular cleaning with mild soap and water is enough. Granite, as a natural stone, is usually sealed periodically.
Can laminate countertops be cut to my size?
Yes. Our laminate countertops are cut to your custom size. Bring your measurements to the showroom.
Visit Kitchen Factory Newark
Stop by 221 Frelinghuysen Ave, Newark, NJ 07114, Monday to Friday 8:30 to 5:00 or Saturday 9:30 to 2:00. Walk-ins are welcome. Call +1 973-732-4850 or request a quote and we will reply the same business day.
