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Architectural Surfaces

Choose the Perfect Countertop Material

Not sure where to start in making a decision about the stone that’s right for your project? Thinking about the aesthetics you prefer, the functionality you require, and the maintenance level you’re comfortable with will help you understand what materials might work best in your space.

Home > Choose the Perfect Countertop Material

For more information on a specific material, click on any of the options below:

To see a summary chart comparing all choices, click here.

Naturally occurring. Quarried from the earth from sources around the globe.

Manufactured.

Naturally occurring. Quarried from the earth from sources around the globe.

Manufactured.

Granite

An igneous rock consisting of quartz,
feldspar and mica

Granite typically shows more static coloration with small flecks or grains of minerals uniformly distributed throughout the stone. Some “exotic granites” will have veining patterns similar to marble.

Color ranges from light to dark but mostly within a neutral palette:
White / Cream / Tan / Beige / Gray / Black

Material in the accompanying photo: Cosmos

Popular Applications

Durable and heat-resistant, perfect for kitchen countertops and outdoor kitchens

Great choice for bar tops and other high-traffic areas

Maintenance

Low Maintenance

Needs to be sealed once a year

Stain, scratch and high-temp resistant

Calacatta Borghini featured on kitchen countertops and walls

Marble

A metamorphic rock formed from limestone,
typically composed of calcite or dolomite crystals

Marble is known for its smooth texture and variety of colors.

It is usually white or lighter in color with veining patterns ranging from faint to very bold.

Material in the accompanying photo: Calacatta Borghini

Popular Applications

Highly desired for countertops, vanities, and other areas where aesthetics are the priority.

Maintenance

Higher Maintenance

Should be sealed monthly for best results

Can stain and etch more easily

Quartzite

A metamorphic rock formed from sandstone, consisting primarily of quartz grains

Quartzite can resemble the veining found in many marbles. Colors range from light/white to dark and can exhibit many exciting colors including greens, blues and golds.

Material in the accompanying photo: Taj Mahal

Tajmahal quartzite featured in modern kitchen with white cabinets

Popular Applications

Durable and heat-resistant, perfect for kitchen countertops and outdoor kitchens

Great choice for bar tops and other high-traffic areas

Maintenance

Low Maintenance

Needs to be sealed once a a year

Stain, scratch and high-temp resistant

Soapstone

A metamorphic rock formed from limestone,
typically composed of calcite or dolomite crystals

Renowned for its heat resistance, non-porous nature, an unique, smooth, and velvety texture.

Usually dark grey to black in color, with light to white gently veining.

Soapstones are usually treated with a mineral oil or wax, which makes the color appear much darker when installed than what you may see in the warehouse.

Popular Applications

Very dense and chemically inert

Great for kitchen countertops, sinks and bathroom vanities.

Maintenance

Lower Maintenance

Needs to be oiled regularly

Stain and high-temp resistant

Quartz

A man-made stone comprised of crushed quartz crystals bonded together with resin.

Quartz colors range from solid white, grey, and black to white marble looks with veining to granite and quartzite looks.

Offered in a range of warm and cool toned colors

Material in the accompanying photo: Lux Aurum

Stella Caldia on countertop and blacksplash in kitchen with wood and black accents

Popular applications

Great in high traffic areas

Ideal for countertops, backsplashes or any wet area in a bathroom

Maintenance

Very low maintenance

Does not need to be sealed

Porcelain

Crafted in Italy through meticulous research and specialized manufacturing

Infinity Porcelain, stands as a testament to durability, scratch resistance, and effortless maintenance. Whether gracing kitchen countertops, enhancing bathroom surfaces, or transforming outdoor spaces, Infinity Porcelain seamlessly merges a variety of aesthetics with practicality.

Popular applications

Ideal for furnishings, interior and exterior floors, walls, & countertops.

Suitable for outdoor use thanks to frost resistance and UV stabilization

Maintenance

Very low maintenance

Does not need to be sealed

Resistant to stains, scratches, and heat

At a Glance

Popular Applications

Maintenance

Granite

Durable and heat-resistant, perfect for kitchen countertops and outdoor kitchens

Great choice for bar tops and other high-traffic areas

Low Maintenance

Needs to be sealed once a a year

Stain, scratch and high-temp resistant

Marble

Tends to stain and etch more easily

Highly desired for countertops, vanities, and other areas where looks come first

Higher Maintenance

Should be sealed monthly for best results

Can stain and etch more easily

Quartzite

Durable and heat-resistant, perfect for kitchen countertops and outdoor kitchens

Great choice for bar tops and other high-traffic areas

Low Maintenance

Needs to be sealed once a a year

Stain, scratch and high-temp resistant

Soapstone

Very dense and chemically inert

Great for kitchen countertops, sinks and bathroom vanities.

Lower Maintenance

Needs to be oiled regularly

Stain and high-temp resistant

quartz

Colors range from solid white, grey, and black to marble looks with veining to granite and quartzite looks.

Offered in a range of warm and cool toned colors

Very low maintenance

Does not need to be sealed

 

Porcelain

Light weight with 3 Thickness options, 6mm, 12mm and 20mm options available

Great for Walls, kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor applications.

Very low Maintenance

Does not need to be sealed

Stain, Scratch and high-temp resistant

Want to know more?

We’ve created a series of helpful videos to help
you understand the differences between Quartz and Natural Stone.

Natural Stone

Quartz