If you're planning a kitchen renovation or building your dream cooking space, selecting the right countertop surface is key. A lot of living happens on your counters, from prepping food and eating meals to art projects and homework help, especially if you have kiddos. So the material you choose can make a big difference in how you’ll interact with your kitchen and what, if any, things you’ll need to watch out for in terms of maintaining and caring for your countertop investment.
In this kitchen countertop guide, you’ll be able to familiarize yourself with three common types of stone countertops to decide which option best fits your lifestyle and design goals. You’ll even learn how to order material samples from DesignShop so you can try different styles out for yourself. Here’s everything you need to know about the three most popular types of stone countertops and how to hone in on the one that’s meant for your home.
Finding the Best Countertops for Your Kitchen
It’s important to understand that the best countertops for your kitchen might not be the best fit for your neighbors or friends. You’ll want to keep a few factors in mind as you start your search, including cost, maintenance, durability, and style. You’ll have to weigh each of these factors against how the stone looks in your space as well as how long you’re hoping it’ll hold up in your kitchen.
Types of Stone Countertops
While a number of stone countertops are available to choose from, the most popular choices tend to be granite, marble, and quartz. Each one offers a unique texture, style, and benefit to a cooking space. When comparing the three, your decision should align with your kitchen habits and aesthetic preferences. Let’s take a look at each option more closely so you can make an informed decision in your kitchen.
Marble: Luxurious Elegance with Classic Appeal
Marble is the go-to material for creating luxurious, high-end kitchens. Known for its soft, smooth surface and iconic veining, it adds instant sophistication to any cooking space. Marble is especially loved in European-inspired or minimalist kitchens, where texture and elegance go hand-in-hand. What else does marble bring to a space? Marble is known for being:
Stunning and timeless
A cool surface that’s ideal for baking
Smooth and polished in terms of finish
While marble can be more expensive than entry-level quartz, premium quartz varieties often match or exceed marble pricing — which is something to consider.
The Bottom Line: Marble is the best for homeowners who prioritize style and elegance over rugged durability in their granite vs marble vs quartz countertops decision. That’s because marble can be finicky and easier to stain than other stones. Like granite, it does require regular resealing to look and perform its best.
Quartz: Sleek, Low-Maintenance Modernity
Quartz countertops are engineered using natural quartz crystals and resin, resulting in a sleek and consistent finish. Quartz offers the most modern style options in a wide range of colors, including those mimicking marble or granite. As a highly durable option for your space, quartz is:
Non-porous and stain-resistant
Not necessary to seal (no major upkeep is required)
Uniform in terms of surface patterning for a clean, modern look
The Bottom Line: Quartz is ideal for families or busy kitchen spaces that want a beautiful look without the maintenance.
Granite: Natural Strength and Timeless Beauty
Granite countertops are a staple in high-end kitchen design. Cut from natural stone, granite features distinctive patterns, flecks, and mineral formations that give each slab a one-of-a-kind look. This stone’s textured appearance adds depth and character to a kitchen, especially in traditional or rustic spaces. Of course, granite countertops offer a few great benefits to those who choose it. In general, granite is:
Highly durable and scratch-resistant
Heat-resistant, which is perfect for serious home chefs
Available in a wide variety of natural colors and veining
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for durability and natural elegance, granite stands tall among the types of stone countertops. It’s a busier stone that can better at concealing cooking stains and blemishes, too.
Granite vs Marble vs Quartz Countertops
When comparing granite vs marble vs quartz countertops, your decision should align with your kitchen habits and aesthetic preferences. Whether you're drawn to the organic textures of granite, the refined beauty of marble, or the effortless elegance of quartz, there’s a perfect match for your space.
Explore a Better Kitchen Countertop Materials Comparison with DesignShop
Now that you have a primer on the three most popular types of stone countertops, you can explore samples of each and extra design tips at DesignShop.com. Here you’ll find the best countertops for your kitchen spaces that successfully balance form and function.