Let me preface this by saying I am not a fan of granite. From what I can see on my computer that would not be my choice. It seems very beige/brown - not fresh to go with the white cabinets. I'd prefer to see something with a white background to lighten and freshen the space.

Design Girl, thank you, I really do want something lighter. I like quartz but I was told it’s not as durable as granite.

Well more info is needed other than your wood floor (which is classic and goes with everything). A River White granite will have lots of white background and strong graining of greenish grays and splotches of rusty reds. An Alaskan White will be similar but with less splotches. Both of those are ‘cooler’ and go with cooler color schemes. Your initial selection will go well with warmer colors....are you planning all new furniture? If not, go to look at slabs and bring as many other finishes of existing elements that you can - even bringing a sofa cushion cover will help you narrow down the options.

Who is telling you that quartz is not as durable as granite? If it’s your fabricator I have to ask if they are comfortable working with all types of countertop materials? If it’s just a friend saying this then please educate yourself on all your options and how they work with your budget.

Think Design Live, thank you for your help. Family saying I should stick with granite although I saw quartz that was very light & airy.i did see the Alaska White granite which was very pretty. Had some veining in it which was nice. Probably will go with cooler color scheme since we are retiring to the beach. I don’t want the kitchen to look outdated with the Giallo Ornamental granite.

@kelkim2 - I think what you've been told is not totally accurate. You should not put hot pots directly on quartz like you can with granite. If that's a deal breaker for you, then stick with granite. Other than that, I think the durability is the same. https://www.archcitygranite.com/can-quartz-countertop-take-heat/

I agree quartz is not as durable as granite and IMO it is too early in the process for choosing counters BTW the fact I can put hot pots on a counter is always a bonus and IMO real stone will always win in my books.

Thank you Design Girl for the article on quartz. I’ve actually never put a hot pot on my past granite countertop so it’s not really a deal breaker for me. I rushed into a decision that I’m now 2nd guessing. Thank you again for your help!

Patricia Colwell Consulting, thank you for your help! We don’t-have a lot of counter space & there will be a small island (total 42 sq. feet of counter). I want it to be light & airy. Kitchen is open to living room & dining room. Don’t know why I thought this would be easy-ugh!

@kelkim2 -I think if you never put anything hot on your countertops, then you would be just fine with quartz. Most fabricators will allow you to change your mind, so go with the quartz if that's what you want. Good luck.

I would look at as many slabs as possible -- some Alaska White slabs are cooler/warmer than others (and all of them are more neutral than your very warm original choice)

Kariyava, thank you. I do like the Alaska White.

The Giallo would look fine with white cabinets, with a very simple back splash. You also need to consider your furniture and possible wall colors. If you want to use warmer colors, you don't want a cold white or gray countertop. A warm white quartz would also work. Look at each countertop option and the backsplash you would use with it, which might help you decide. Do you like photos with a solid white countertop and some pattern in the back splash, or the variation in the countertop with a simple back splash?

Ohhhhhh! I hope this helps you!

I am very happy with White Ice granite on my countertops (and Black Ice granite on the island). It's light enough to look airy, so to speak, yet it goes perfectly with many different shades of white. I about went crazy when I was determined to find an exact color match in quartz. It wasn't possible. Granite is more durable anyhow!

The book bind or book spine edge is so nice and much less prone to chips, etc. than the popular squared off edge.

Hope this helps! FYI my kitchen is two years old. Had to stop the installation near the end due to incompetence on the part of the cabinet maker.

My backsplash will be classic, non-beveled SOLID WHITE subway tile...so that 30 years from now the tile won't scream 80's, 90's, etc. like the trendy tiles used in each decade, with the next home owner screaming to rip it out. The subway tile will still be in style because it's classic.

Good luck!

White Ice granite countertops and Black Ice granite on the island.

Christine A. Your kitchen is beautiful! Thanks you so much for posting pictures and for the advice on the edge! Why was I thinking this wouldn’t be so difficult! It’s a lot!

Yes but all worthwhile things are a lot of work. Having access to the experience of others is worth a pound of gold! Your countertops are LOVELY! You're going to enjoy your kitchen for many years. Merry Christmas!

One last thing....Find out ahead of time where your seams will be so there aren't any disappointments or surprises. I'd also ask for a sample of their seam work. My seam seems a bit rough.