Once upon a time, granite was the first and last word in residential kitchen countertops. When homeowners fantasized about their dream kitchens, there was no doubt that granite countertops would be a part of it. With their timeless elegance and excellent resale value, it’s no wonder that granite ruled. That is, until now. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) there is a new number-one for residential kitchen countertops and that material is quartz. 
Though granite is still an incredibly popular (and excellent) choice for kitchen countertops, many are starting to recognize the appeal of quartz. A manmade surface, quartz is the first surface to give granite a run for its money. Over the past five years or so, more homeowners and designers have begun to realize the benefits of quartz surfaces and there has been a steady increase in the specification of quartz in kitchen and bath projects. Here at Marble & Granite, Inc. our preferred brand of quartz is ColorQuartz —a brand that emphasizes top quality materials and innovation. 
What is it about quartz that’s so appealing? Here’s what today’s top kitchen and bath designers have to say: 

Practicality 
ColorQuartz, as an example, is made up of 88-percent real quartz (the hardest mineral on earth) which is obtained from company-owned quarries. The high quartz content makes the material exceptionally tough and very durable. It’s also resistant to stains and scratches. And thanks to its durability, quartz surfaces like ColorQuartz  can prove cost-effective in the long run. 

Ease of Maintenance 
Quartz surfaces do not require sealing, oiling or waxing. And because brands like ColorQuartz are non-porous, they’re easier to clean. Bacteria can’t get inside, so it can’t proliferate. 

Versatile
ColorQuartz comes in a wide range of colors, unlike natural stone, which is limited to the natural process through which it’s formed. Because it’s available in nearly any color of the rainbow and since it can be easily fabricated into virtually any shape or size, quartz countertops can fit practically any style of décor.  ColorQuartz  in Statuario Fantastico looks like authentic marble. 

Looks Like Natural Stone
Manufacturers like ColorQuartz produce quartz countertops in everything from solid colors to imitation granite and marble. In fact, some of the most beautiful ColorQuartz choices that we offer look so much like authentic marble that almost no one would suspect it isn’t the real thing. (See Statuario Fantastico above.) 

Quartz surfacing will never leave you wanting for choices. And because ColorQuartz has invested in the factory space (for research, design, and production) and manpower in the form of the most experienced stonemasons, you won’t be disappointed in the ColorQuartz brand. ColorQuartz constantly examines and inspects the raw materials they use to ensure only the very best goes into each slab of quartz they manufacturer. 
Would you like more information on quartz? Come in and talk with our surfacing experts at either of our two Marble & Granite, Inc. showrooms. We’ll explain how although ColorQuartz is “man-made,” it’s offers quality, variety, versatility, longevity, and style that rivals even the finest granite.