In this article, we’ll guide you through your many Countertop & Vanity options and help you decide which material—granite, quartz, marble, stainless steel, or butcher block—is right for your kitchen. We’ll weigh the pros and cons of each, and make the case for how each might figure into your kitchen remodel.

Granite Countertops

When most people hear “stone countertops,” they instinctively think of granite. It’s the definitive material for most kitchen remodels (although, as we’ll discuss, quartz is a close second and preferred by many people!). Cut from natural stone and then sealed, Granite countertops are incredibly durable and beautiful. They’re difficult to damage and, unsurprisingly, retain their value for many years because of this quality.

Granite countertops come in two types: slab and prefabricated. Both are natural stone. “Prefabricated” just means the stone has already been cut to a default size prior to arriving at the distributor. Because of this one-size-fits-all approach, it’s generally cheaper than granite slab, which has not yet been cut or fabricated to size. If you’re working on a highly custom kitchen remodel, you may need to buy granite slab so that your contractor can customize not only the size, but also the edging and other details.

If you love the look of natural stone, it’s hard to go wrong with Chinese Granite. For the reasons we’ll discuss below, it’s a better natural stone alternative to marble for kitchen remodeling projects.

Advantages

• Durable: Granite is a tough material that can stand up to accidental slashes, cuts, and impact.

• Heat-Resistant: Granite is highly heat-resistant, which means you can put hot pans or trays on its surface without causing permanent damage.

• Unique: No two pieces of granite are exactly the same, which means your kitchen’s granite slab will truly be one-of-a-kind.

Quartz Countertops

When stone countertops first came into vogue, granite was the obvious choice for many homeowners. However, in recent years, an alternative—Quartz Countertops—have really taken off. Unlike granite, which is cut from natural stone and then sealed, quartz is real stone that has been processed and sealed into a protective resin. As a result, quartz countertops can look like just about anything: they can take on patterns, colors, and looks just not found in natural stone.

Generally speaking, Quartz and granite countertops are about even in terms of  everyday use.

Advantages

• Variety: Quartz countertops are available in far more colors and design

Marble Countertops

If you want to add class, elegance, and luxury to your home, Marble countertops are the right material. After all, there’s a reason marble was the medium of choice for Renaissance sculptors. It has a timeless beauty and radiance to it. By adding marble to your kitchen, you’re not just choosing a countertop. You’re making a statement.

Advantages

Luxury: Marble Slabs are considered the material of choice for luxury condos and home builds. It’s beautiful, and the right marble countertop is a true showstopper in any kitchen.