Granite & Quartz Countertops: Timeless Materials, Smart Choices, and the Todd Homes Standard

When it comes to countertops, granite and quartz sit at the top for a reason. They’ve proven themselves—one through nature, the other through engineering. If you’re building or remodeling a home, understanding the different kinds and colors of these materials isn’t optional. It’s how you avoid regret and build something that still looks right 20 years from now.

Granite Countertops: Nature Doesn’t Repeat Itself.

Granite is quarried stone. Period. What you see is what the earth made over millions of years. That’s why granite has depth, movement, and personality you can’t fake.

Common Types of Granite (By Look & Pattern)

1. Speckled Granite

This is the classic granite people picture—small mineral flecks spread evenly across the slab.

Examples include Santa Cecilia and Giallo Ornamental. These are reliable, forgiving, and excellent at hiding crumbs and daily wear.

2. Veined Granite

Veined granite offers flowing lines and movement similar to marble but with far greater durability.

Popular choices include Viscount White and Delicatus, giving a high-end look without high maintenance.

3. Exotic Granite

Exotic granite features bold color contrast and sweeping movement.

These slabs are statement pieces and work best when the rest of the kitchen design is kept clean and intentional.

Popular Granite Colors

• White & Off-White: Bright, timeless, and versatile
• Black: Dramatic, durable, and always in style
• Brown & Gold: Warm, classic, and extremely forgiving
• Blue & Green: Rare, distinctive, and unmistakably custom

Important to know: No two granite slabs are alike. Selecting your slab in person ensures the look matches your vision.

Quartz Countertops: Engineered for Modern Living.

Quartz countertops are engineered using natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The result is a surface that delivers strength, consistency, and low maintenance—one of the reasons quartz has become a favorite in modern homes.

Different Styles of Quartz

1. Solid Color Quartz

Clean and minimal, solid quartz colors work well in contemporary spaces and pair easily with any cabinet style.

2. Marble-Look Quartz

Designed to mimic marble veining without the upkeep. This style offers elegance with peace of mind.

3. Concrete-Look Quartz

Subtle texture and matte finishes create an industrial, modern feel that’s gaining popularity.

Popular Quartz Colors

• Bright White: Clean, crisp, and light-reflecting
• Warm White & Cream: Soft and traditional
• Gray: A modern neutral that works with nearly everything
• Black & Charcoal: Bold and dramatic when balanced with good lighting
• Beige & Taupe: Quiet, timeless tones making a strong comeback

Straight truth: Quartz isn’t heat-proof. Use trivets and it will reward you with long-term performance.

Granite and Quartz in a Todd Home: Included, Not Upgraded

In many new homes, granite and quartz are treated as add-ons. That’s not the case in a Todd home.

Every Todd home includes granite countertops in the kitchen and quartz countertops in the bathrooms - standard. These are not upgrades. They’re part of the build.

This approach reflects a higher baseline for quality. Kitchens are built to handle real life with durable, natural stone, and bathrooms are finished with clean, low-maintenance quartz where it matters most. It’s just one of the ways Todd Homes sets itself apart—by including features other builders charge extra for.

Granite vs. Quartz: Choosing With Intention

Choose granite if you value authenticity and natural variation. Choose quartz if you want consistency, simplicity, and ease.

Final Take

Granite and quartz aren’t competitors - they’re complements. Granite brings history and individuality. Quartz brings precision and practicality. When used where they perform best, both elevate a home.

And when they’re included as standard features - like in a Todd home - it’s clear the difference isn’t in upgrades. It’s in expectations.