Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces that have gained immense popularity in recent years as an alternative to natural stone like granite. With proper selection and installation, quartz can be made to closely resemble the look of granite, providing the visual appeal of granite at a more budget-friendly price point. Here are some tips on how to make quartz countertops look like granite.
Selecting a Quartz Slab
When selecting a quartz slab, look for options that incorporate granular, sparkly flecks reminiscent of granite’s mineral composition. Stay away from quartz with uniform speckling or solid, unvarying color patterns. Instead, look for slabs with variation in tone and patterning.
Certain quartz product lines are specifically designed to emulate granite. Brands like Silestone, Caesarstone and Cambria all offer quartz materials striving to capture the essence of popular granite looks. Research product lines that offer granite-look options like:
- Quartz with gray veining – Resembles popular gray granites like Absolute Black, Steel Gray and Luna Pearl.
- Quartz with white background and dark accents – Mimics the look of granites like New Caledonia.
- Quartz with heavy white veining – Imitates the white marble-like veining found in granites like Fantasy Brown.
- Multi-colored quartz – Captures the varied mineral composition of granites like Rainbow, Taj Mahal and Blue Eyes.
When viewing quartz slabs in person, examine the pattern up close. Look for depth, dimensionality and variation within the material. Quartz that incorporates multiple colors, flecks and veining tends to better emulate granite’s natural complexity.
Selecting the Right Thickness
Picking the right thickness for your quartz countertop is another important factor in making it look like real stone. Granite is almost always cut to a thickness of 3 cm or 1 1⁄4 inches. Meanwhile, many quartz manufacturers offer thinner options like 2 cm or 3⁄4 inches.
While thinner quartz is less expensive, it lacks the substantial feel of true granite. For a real granite aesthetic, opt for full 3 cm thickness on your quartz tops. The extra thickness adds weight and a sense of luxury that mimics real stone.
Choosing the Right Edges
Granite countertops almost always feature visible edges showcasing the beauty of the natural stone. When selecting edges for quartz, avoid minimalist options like flat-polished edges. Instead, go for edges that expose the side of the slab and enhance the perception of thickness.
Some great granite-like edge options include:
- Double full bullnose – Rounded on both the top and bottom, creating substantial, exposed edges.
- Full bullnose – Rounded on just the top edge.
- Half bullnose – Rounded just on the top corner.
- Bevel – Angled edge to expose side of slab while maintaining a flat profile.
Heavier edge treatments like double full bullnose, full bullnose, and half bullnose add dimension while showcasing the pattern and beauty within the quartz material.
Grout Lines and Seams
With granite, seams and grout lines are inevitable due to the size limitations of natural stone. The presence of seams enhances granite’s hand-crafted, earthy aesthetic.
To mimic this look with quartz, avoid large unbroken stretches of countertop. Instead, break up the quartz with strategically placed seams, creating the perception of separate stone slabs.
Work with your installer to allow for 1⁄4 inch grout lines between quartz pieces where aesthetically appropriate. While quartz does not require grout, its inclusion adds realism and visual interest.
Beware of making seams and grout lines too perfect. The beauty of natural stone comes from its imperfections. Have your installer vary grout width and make seams slightly uneven. The more naturalistic, the better.
Distressed Finish Options
Granite’s rough texture comes from millennia of geological processes. While quartz has an inherently smoother finish, certain options can impart a sense of weathering and distress.
Consider a flamed or textured quartz finish. Flamed quartz goes through a mechanical process giving the surface a rough, stone-like feel. Textured quartz contains additives like shells, glass and mirrors that make the surface less uniform.
A distressed finish option approximates granite better than an ultra-smooth polished finish. However, beware overly artificial distressing like pronounced bevels or fake chipping. Subtle texturing is key for a realistic look.
Mosaic and Tile Techniques
Another technique that adds authenticity is using your quartz remnant pieces to create a mosaic tile backsplash. Tiled backsplashes are commonly used with granite counters to introduce contrast and visual interest.
Have your fabricator cut the leftover quartz material into smaller pieces for tiling. Combine with glass, stone and porcelain tiles to create a mosaic reminiscent of Old World craftsmanship. Vary grout width between tiles and allow for uneven spacing.
Adding a tiled element enhances the granite aesthetic while allowing creativity in color, shape and layout. Just be sure to seal the grout thoroughly since quartz tiles lack the stain resistance of quartz slabs.
Combining With Other Materials
Think about combining your quartz countertops with other materials to enhance the bespoke, layered look. Granite counters are often paired with natural wood, stained cabinets, ceramic tile, metal accents and glass.
Create depth by adding backsplashes, islands and shelving using contrasting materials. Match the hardware on cabinets and draws to other metals and stones found in the space. The key is creating a visual feast for the eyes like nature does with granite.
By thoughtfully combining quartz with other natural elements, your kitchen can feel like a unique composition rather than a uniform showroom. This sense of craft and artistry makes the space feel authentically granite-like.
FAQ
How thick should quartz be to look like granite?
Go with 3 cm or 1 1⁄4 inch slabs. This is the standard thickness for granite. Thinner 2 cm quartz lacks the substantial feel of real stone.
What edge profiles best mimic granite?
Bullnose, double bullnose, beveled and ogee edges that expose the sides of the quartz slab. Avoid minimal edges like flat polished that fail to show off the material’s color and patterning.
Should I use grout lines with quartz?
Strategically adding grout lines 1⁄4 inch wide can break up the span into distinct sections, mimicking the look of granite slabs. Just don’t overdo it with the grout.
What finish on quartz looks most like granite?
Textured or flamed finishes are preferable to ultra-smooth polished finishes. However, make sure the textured finish looks natural rather than artificial.
Can I make a quartz backsplash look like granite?
Yes. Having your fabricator cut remnant quartz pieces into tile shapes allows you to create a mosaic backsplash that looks like natural stone. Combine with other tile materials for added realism.
What colors of quartz look most like granite?
Look for slabs incorporating grays, whites, blacks, browns, flecks and veining. Avoid solid tones or uniform speckled patterns. Dimensionality is key.
Conclusion
With careful selection and creative fabrication, today’s high-quality quartz can be made to beautifully emulate the look of natural granite. Pay close attention to details like thickness, edges, seams, grout, finish and combining with other materials. Although quartz lacks the true variability of granite, the right design choices can capture its essence. With both heightened durability and budget-friendliness, quartz that resembles granite creates the best of both worlds.