Granite counter tops have always been a popular favorite for kitchens and bathrooms. But today the choice isn't so clear with new materials such as engineered quartz stone. Silestone and other makers of quartz counter tops want you to believe their product is better than granite. Is it really? Learn the real story behind the marketing.

So you want to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom with a new countertop, but you're not sure what your options are. Chances are you've heard of granite and marble. After all, they have been used for myriad construction purposes for centuries and you always see marble and granite countertops in luxury homes.

But what about Silestone...isn't it better than granite?

Well, it depends on what you think is better. However, Silestone and other makers of engineered quartz stone countertops, such as Zodiaq and Cambria would have you believe their product is a significant upgrade from granite.

Engineered stone countertops are a man-made product that mixes quartz found in granite with a resin to make a surface with properties almost identical to granite. Silestone and all the other companies make essentially the same product, which is widely regarded as an excellent countertop surface.

However, these companies try to make mountains out of molehills in an effort to sell their product and compete against granite which is and has bee the most popular and proven surface type.

Myth #1:Sealing granite is a horrible, dirty chore.

This issue has been blown way out of proportion with marketing. It¡¯s always listed as a benefit and one would get the impression that granite is defective and must be sealed with over and over to protect it.