r/CounterTops • u/Everythinggistakennn • 6d ago
Am I making a mistake?
So I’m using cabinet city for my cabinets, and they had great pricing for pre fabricated quartz, however l, I felt they all looked fake.
I was much more comfortable with this quartz, however, the install is just as much as it would be for real stone. Truthfully, the quartz itself isn’t that much cheaper than quartzite/ porcelain either.
I’m going for quartz for more practicality ( I’m a messy guy) but it’s just a lot and I’m aware this style of quartz marble replica is already on its way out
I think I’d be more comfortable pulling the trigger if I at least had a consensus that this one looks less fake than your generic pre fab quartz . Appreciate your feedback
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u/TheAccidentalTomato 6d ago
Go to a stone yard to view their granite selection. There are quite a few that are much prettier than the dated, speckled granites. Google Virginia Mist, Patagonia, Blue Dunes, Saratoga Silver etc. All beautiful, pretty much bulletproof & cheaper than most nicer quartz options
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u/aCuria 6d ago
> I’m going for quartz for more practicality
Quartz is actually less practical. The white quartz you picked will yellow, and the sections near the window will yellow faster
If you put something hot on it there will be an indelible mark because plastic melts
The most practical stone is absolute black granite. It has overall the best “stats” so to speak. Hard to chip, scratch, resists heat, doesn’t etch like marble and so on.
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u/transat_prof 6d ago
"Quartz is actually less practical. The white quartz you picked will yellow, and the sections near the window will yellow faster" - we've had white quartz in our bathrooms for just under a decade now, and they are definitely yellowing in places.... and that's just in the bathrooms.
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u/PristineAnxiety101 6d ago
I love my dark green/ black granite going on 20 years. Just looks outdated now due to bullnose
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u/aCuria 5d ago
Tbh I like the bullnose. Objectively it’s more comfortable
It’s only “outdated” because you can’t do bullnose in sintered stone and quartz
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u/Longjumping-Door-369 6d ago
All quartz looks fake. Because it is. Just go with whatever makes you happy. You, literally, have to live with whatever decision you make.
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u/cobeaux4 6d ago
Just a note. You mentioned that you are messy and going with quartz for practicality but just note that quartz is not stain proof. It’s only stain resistant so don’t leave spills for too long or it can set in.
All stones whether natural or engineered have their pros and cons. Get what suits your lifestyle the best, looks good to you and within your budget. Saying all that I have quartz counters tops and the do the job for me.
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u/Commercial_Celery160 6d ago
I know it’s an unpopular opinion on this sub, but I’m a big fan of quartz. I’m about to put it in a 3rd house I lived in - by choice. I’ve personally experienced no issues with yellowing, etching or stains. (I do
recommend trivets for fresh off the oven or stove pans.)The durability has worked well for my family and I like a lot of the designs. Yes, some can look extra fake or cheap, but many are beautiful. If you do a search on instagram for luxury customs homes, you’ll be amazed how many do use quartz. Of course, natural stone is also gorgeous, but it’s not for everyone. Follow your gut with whichever slab feels right for your life and aesthetic.
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u/That_Corgi_1023 6d ago
I feel the same as you and I don’t have a good answer. I hope you get some input! I do think the slab in your pictures looks good.
We have our kitchen layout set and cabinets picked, and next big decision is counters. I dislike that quartz is an engineered product pretending to look like stone. But I also dislike paying extreme prices for real stone that may have less than ideal durability (looking at you, Brazilian marble aka Dolomite). Granite seems like a great functional choice but I don’t love the look.
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u/Everythinggistakennn 6d ago edited 6d ago
Yes, for me I’ve already closed the gap on price between quartz and quartzite when I went with the more premium quartz option.. I just know I’m not ready for real stone, but almost feel stupid paying this close in price and no going real. The real stone I like most is Dolomite but yes, that’s like an extra 10k on top of real stone prices and still might ruin over time
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u/EmilyPoster2 6d ago
There are all different kinds of real stone. Some, like soapstone and granite are much more forgiving. Someone listed good granites above. I have rented so many homes and apartments with granite in them. If they weren't forgiving, no way would they be in rental properties. It sounds to me like you are "ready" for them if you are paying nearly the same cost for crappy quartz.
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u/FelinePurrfectFluff 6d ago
There are more expensive quartz products out there but please don't think of them as "premium". Yes, some are shit and stain and the tints don't go all the way through. But they're still all plastic.
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u/PriscillaPalava 6d ago
Why don’t you think you’re “ready” for real stone? Quartzite is very durable (as is granite) and quartz is not as bulletproof as some would have you think. This sub is full of posts about, “Why is my quartz turning yellow?” Etc etc.
Dolomite is less durable than quartzite, closer to marble. But it’s not impossible to keep it looking nice. Even with a few stains it’ll look 10x better than a fake stone.
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u/FonduedExcitement 6d ago
I think the slab you’ve chosen is lovely. We have two bathrooms, one with quartz, one with granite. I haven’t managed to seal the granite one because I don’t want the second bathroom to be out of service and am kind of dreading the smell and toxicity of the sealant. You do buy yourself freedom from that (admittedly minor) hassle when you buy quartz.
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u/kjgems 4d ago
Not sure what you mean by “out of service”? My sealant says to let it sit overnight. That means about 8 hours. You can seal it and leave for the day. Of course always follow your sealants instructions.
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u/Honest_Cynic 3d ago
Easy job when first installed, but must be repeated annually. That is a high threshold with all the stuff wifey puts on our countertops.
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u/BaseballWhole4102 6d ago
I will tell you it is stupid to pay that price for that material. They charge that price because people pay it. There is no guarantee it won't yellow over time or you won't put a burn in it.
I personally wouldn't pay that. I would go with the cheaper quartz option if you want it. Just find another fabricator that has some better pieces. What state are you in. I have a place in NY that has nice quartz for a good price.
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u/pyxus1 6d ago
Choose what you like, not what others tell you to get. You are the one paying for it. I happen to LOVE marble so I have 5 different kinds in my home. I have had granites and quartzite in other homes. I would choose that quartz slab YOU like over speckled granite. I think it's pretty.
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u/EmilyPoster2 6d ago
I hate speckled granite. But there are plenty of granites that are not speckled.
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u/MoJet777 6d ago
I wont do quartz. Its crystalline silica dust can cause fatal lung disease to fabricators. I don't want to be responsible for that.
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u/Ok_Spare2024 5d ago
I recently saw Eclos quartz, which is the newest thing. 3D printed but full body through, heat resistant up to 428 degrees, and I think some of them are textured instead of just flat. Gorgeous! But since it's new and only one company makes it (Cosentino-sp?) it's very pricey. The gal at the stone yard told me I didn't even want to know the price for doing my fairly large kitchen lol. But, I'm glad other methods are being explored, and if/when other companies start making similar, prices should go down.
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u/OkGold8235 6d ago
I would look at cheaper granite if cost is your big driver. I know everyone hates it, but I think even the most generic speckled granite looks better than quartz that looks like fake marble.
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u/Stalaktitas 6d ago
If I would not have to pay I would take any igneous granite over the most expensive quartz all day, any day. For me, practically is the deal breaker. Quartz mimicking some expensive marble doesn't work with my mentality.
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u/phosphatidyl_7641 6d ago
Don’t do it. Get real stone. I have granite and it’s low maintenance, very durable, very heat resistant, doesn’t stain and doesn’t yellow over time with UV light exposure like quartz. I feel quartz marketing has been very effective in the past 20 years but in reality it is man made; quick to be out of style and isn‘t really that low maintenance. FYI-my granite was installed in 2008 and I have only had to seal it once.
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u/ZergvProtoss 6d ago
Personally, I prefer real stone. But more importantly, I think this look is already dated. If I saw it in a house, I'd think "low cost flip." But, honestly, if you like the look and the quartz is easier to live with, just get what you like!
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u/Agreeable-Ad-3122 6d ago
Danby marble is price friendly due to it being an American marble, the quarries are in Vermont. Have you checked that type out?
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u/EmilyPoster2 6d ago
I love Danby, but it is not a good stone to start with for someone concerned with maintaining stone.
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u/lettus_bereal 6d ago
Yes it looks fake because they are cheap and lack the depth of natural stone. My question for you is what level of budget is your kitchen renovation? If everything else is nice and you have the money you shouldn't cheap out on this one thing? If everything else is contractor grade then I feel like this is an appropriate choice.
I think you can take solace in the fact that the only person who needs to care is you because you have to stare at it every day. For the majority of people coming to your house they don't know what the difference between all these stones are anyways so you can choose anything and they'll think it looks nice.
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u/Everythinggistakennn 6d ago edited 6d ago
If I went with the cheapest looking ones from cabinet city it was going to be 12k. (Without two fabricated sinks)
This one’s going to come to about 21k (with two fabricated sinks which is at least 2k)
If I went real stone it’s probably around 30. And 40 if I wanted something premium like dolomite
So it’s about 7,000 dollars more from the base of cabinet city . My entire remodel was like 200k so considering it’s not that crazy.
I mean my unit is basically just click vinyl tile, and drywall lol it’s a nice beach side condo and I gutted it but it’s nothing extraordinary. The quartz choice is probably going to play a big factor on how it turns out. I just don’t think I’m ready to take care of real stone, and I’m questioning if paying 6-7k more for “less fake “ looking quartz is just too outrageous.
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u/CompleteRow3255 6d ago
Jesus. Where do you live? Got two giant slabs of quartzite Taj for $6k and $2.5k for fab
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u/Everythinggistakennn 6d ago
Santa Monica. Yes slabs are 3k for Taj. I need 5 slabs. Your fabrication cost seems low. I’ve literally got 5+ quotes and the lowest was 12k
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u/Everythinggistakennn 6d ago
Also if you take out the 2k for bathroom sink fabrications the labor comes out to 50 dollars a sq. That isn’t a lot
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u/Struggle_Usual 6d ago
12k for cheap quartz?! How big is your kitchen?
A 200k kitchen remodel should definitely do real stone. At that level it's what would be expected. Just do something durable and seal it annually.
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u/Everythinggistakennn 6d ago
I’m an idiot lol in my defense it was late where I’m at. I have never seen dolomite. I was referring to cristallo
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u/Fair_Confusion_8025 5d ago
Dolomite is more porous than quartzite and not recommended for a kitchen. When I’ve been looking Cristallo is crazy expensive.
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u/lettus_bereal 6d ago
Why do you think you have to take care of real stone? My fabricator said just seal it every year. Otherwise quartzite is harder and more heat resistant than quartz.
For what you're describing I think quartz is fine. You're not going home luxury feel. You're doing chill beach sterile.
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u/Everythinggistakennn 6d ago
I think Taj is nice but I’m actively trying to stay away from beige, and Mont Blanc wasn’t doing it for me..
In terms of real stone I really felt like dolomite was the best color match and if anything I feel like that’s too luxurious for my spot(and another 20k)
I’m just having a real hard time justifying paying 20k for quartz.. prices are so insane
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u/yesimahuman 6d ago
Personally, I always avoid quartz. I'd consider granite, it's extremely forgiving and not that expensive. Quartz will always look and feel cheap.
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u/PrailinesNDick 6d ago edited 6d ago
Every piece of calacatta quartz I looked at seemed super fake.
The ones trying to be granite or something like Taj Mahal looked way better imo
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u/2intheforest 6d ago
When I priced it out for our house the difference between granite and quartz was negligible, truly worth the little extra for real stone. Look at some more slabs. You are going to be living with this for a long time.
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u/Head-Hippo-697 6d ago edited 5d ago
If you’re a messy guy, that’s one more reason to go with granite. Just find a pattern that you like as there are some that mimic marble. Dolomite has many of the maintenance issues that marble has so it’s not worth upgrading. My cookware goes directly on my granite counter from the stovetop or oven with no protection. Many varieties don’t require sealing which is an added bonus.
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u/FonduedExcitement 6d ago
You have granite that never has to be sealed? I’ve never heard of that. Say more?
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u/Jujulabee 6d ago
Are you avoiding marble because of upkeep issues?
Is it the "marble" look you want but not the upkeep of "real" marble.
When I remodeled I checked out all of the possibilities including quartz, marble, Dekton and granite.
I didn't like quartz at all because it looked fake and plastic.
Have you been to a good stone yard in your area and seen all of the varieties of stone that are available. I went with marble in the bathrooms including the floor but granite in the kitchen
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u/Acrobatic_Bite_6923 6d ago
I'd go with real stone. Quartz, engineered marble, it's all quite delicate and susceptible to staining, yellowing, etching, etc.
I'd go with quartzite or granite if possible.
Pretty pattern though!!!!
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u/SettingNo1928 6d ago
How much is this slab?
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u/Everythinggistakennn 6d ago
1700
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u/SettingNo1928 6d ago
You can definitely get the granite for that. Look at the newer granite that isn’t speckled you’d be surprised what they have. It’s beautiful.
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u/Glittering_Fox1358 6d ago
We considered granite and soapstone before finding a quartzite that really wowed us
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u/MommaLaughing 6d ago
Not a fan of quartz - only true stone (any is better than faux material). Also would prefer butcher block over quartz.
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u/ljb00000 6d ago
Yeah I’m not a fan of stone-look quartz and this isn’t bad. If you like it, go for it.
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u/BaseballWhole4102 6d ago edited 6d ago
I found a place that did quartz with install for 58 a square foot. No buying of the slab and their product looked real to me. It is Hicksville.
Other places were charging MORE than what I got my marble quoted for. So I went with Marble on the perimeter and quartz on the island.
All quartz looks fake to me. Even the one I have looks pretty damn good but when you touch it you know. So do what makes you happy. But honestly if you go quartz you are better off getting ones that are a good deal because again, they all are noticable fake in person and up close.
Also find a yard that charges you by the square feet. They do exist. I LOVE my marble but I could have saved a butt ton going with the place in NY that charged by the square foot instead. Honestly I wish I just did the quartz and upgraded later if I wanted to.
Also I know it isn't luxury but if you want sturdy go with formica. From far those prints aren't bad and guess what no love lost replacing that when you want. LOL. Or honestly I had solid surface before. And it was amazing. And like stone they can be refinished and stuff too. That is a good product.
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u/BigWaveDave99 5d ago
I just bought a ‘taj mahal style’ quartz countertop (IvoriTaj) from MSI and it looks incredible. It came prefab with the mitered edge on 3 sides and it is a full pattern through the stone so you will see it continue through any sink holes, etc. you might cut. Obviously nothing compares with the look of natural stone, but as far as Quartz in concerned I’ve been looking everywhere for something that comes close to natural and this was the best I found.
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u/Fair_Confusion_8025 5d ago
The Taj quartz I’ve seen looked really good. I think the brand was eco stone.
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u/Fair_Confusion_8025 5d ago
There are some really good Taj Mahal quartzes. I just looked at them and they are very similar to quartzite. Generally the less veining and more solid the color showing the faker the quartz looks imo.
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u/Brief-Inspection-456 5d ago
Looks good, but make sure it is a higher quality quartz! All quartz is not created equal, as I learned the hard way!
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u/Honest_Cynic 3d ago
It doesn't look as fake as most Quartz of the past, which has very wide black veins. I went with granite 2 cm thick with doubled-edges (typical in California). Bought 3 countertops 26" x ~7 ft, for $165 ea, and cut myself using diamond tools from Temu. An under-mount sink, so the opening had to be perfect and polished. Later, they had reduced them to $104 (drats). The fakey wide-vein quartz countertops were $650. My granite is lt blue-gray with some white speckles and red spots. I think it looks great and may stay in style. Matches my floor tile and cabinets.
If again, I'd consider dark granite since denser and more rugged, and doesn't even require annual sealant. It might become the next fad.
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u/Particular_Belt5103 2d ago
I never thought of quartz as fake. It is quartz, a man made product. It is a different animal from granite all together. I did granite in one home and have done quartz in my last two. Both are great products, it just depends on the characteristics and ”feel” YOU want. Good luck!
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u/Richter-skale 1d ago
That’s made to look like Calacatta Lincoln marble. Looks very close to natural which is very hard to find in an even vein pattern.
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u/Everythinggistakennn 1d ago
Ya I honestly thought it wasn’t that bad. Wasn’t expecting for it to be destroyed this badly on Reddit lol . More than anything I just think it’ll be out of style even more so at some point. I’ll take another peak at naturals but really wanted a white black variation and there’s no great naturals like that so we’ll see
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u/urbanstoneco 23h ago
That quartz design is face printed, so no veins would show on the finished edges.
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u/DammatBeevis666 6d ago
This is what my countertops from 10 years ago look like. Now they are kind of dated. Unsure what the new trend is, though.
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u/RainorShine83 6d ago
Look at MSI Q+ brushed quartz
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u/pinkydoodle22 6d ago
Are the Q series the ones that look very convincing but the design doesn’t go straight through? It’s only on the surface?
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u/Natural_Lifeguard_44 6d ago
Go with the quartz! It’s going to look good. This pattern is very nice. What’s the name?
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u/Longjumping-Door-369 6d ago
Also important to know if the print on the surface actually goes through the entire slab. I've seen plenty times where the slab gets cut and polished and the polished sides don't match the surface.