Choosing a countertop comes down to how it looks, how you cook, and how much care you want to put into it. We install all four of the most popular stones, and here's how they compare.
Granite is natural stone with unique movement and speckling in every slab. It handles heat well and is very durable. It's porous, so it should be sealed periodically, but with sealing it resists stains well.
Quartz is engineered from crushed quartz and resin. It comes in consistent colors and patterns, including marble looks, and it's non-porous, so it never needs sealing. It's the lowest-maintenance option. Use trivets for hot pans, since high heat can mark the resin.
Quartzite is a natural stone that often looks like marble, with soft veining, but it's much harder. It's a great choice if you love the look of marble but cook a lot. Like granite, it should be sealed.
Marble has classic veining nothing else quite matches. It's softer and can etch from acidic foods like lemon or wine, so it develops a lived-in patina over time. Many people love that; others prefer quartz or quartzite for a cleaner look long-term.
Whatever you choose, the install matters as much as the stone. We template every countertop on site after the cabinets are set so seams and overhangs come out right.