Quartz is scratch- and stain-resistant choice in countertops

For those who can afford it, granite has been the top choice in countertops for years, but studies point to the growing supremacy of quartz in the marketplace. Some 54 percent of designers in a 2011 National Kitchen and Bath Association survey said their clients had requested quartz instead of granite.

There are several reasons that quartz a hard, nonporous, engineered stone is becoming a popular choice in countertops.

Because its nonporous, the chance of staining quartz is almost non-existent, said Eric Ashby, a kitchen and bath designer at Southside Lumber in Herrin.

Quartz also doesnt have to be sealed regularly to keep it protected, as has to be done for natural, porous stone like granite.

With quartz, if you get a scratch, you can buff it out, and it holds up well to heat.

For people who like a more consistent design and color in countertops, quartz is also tops.

Because quartz countertops are partially manmade, it allows more consistency in pattern and color, said Cathy Creed, an interior designer with F-W-S Countertops in Carbondale. There are two kinds of countertop people: Those who like a consistent color and pattern, and those who like the uniqueness of natural stone. With natural stone, each piece is different. Quartz works well for the first group.

The look of quartz is improving, too.

Quartz has always had a kind of dot look, said Creed. What were seeing now are the next steps in Quartz. Some of it has a river effect, with swirled, more natural patterns, like natural stone.

Manufacturers are simulating the look of granite, marble, travertine or limestone.

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Quartz is scratch- and stain-resistant choice in countertops