Granite, quartz, marble, quartzite, porcelain, solid surface, butcher block, concrete and laminate compared for upkeep, strength, heat and look.
Every countertop material makes tradeoffs. Granite is a natural stone that is hard, heat tolerant and unique in every slab, and it needs sealing. Quartz is engineered, consistent and low upkeep, but it can scorch under hot pans. Marble is beautiful and soft, and it etches. Quartzite offers marble looks with more hardness. Porcelain handles heat and sun well. Solid surface is seamless and repairable. Butcher block is warm and needs oil. Concrete is custom and needs sealing. Laminate is the most affordable and the least heat tolerant.
The right material depends on how you cook, clean and live. A busy family kitchen may want quartz or granite, a baker may love marble, an outdoor kitchen may call for porcelain or granite and a rental may do well with laminate or quartz. In Nashville, where entertaining and open kitchens are popular, we often see quartz islands with granite or quartzite perimeters. We bring samples to the visit and explain what each material asks of its owner.
Natural, hard and heat tolerant, sealed periodically.
Engineered, consistent and low upkeep.
Classic and soft, with etching and patina.
Hard natural stone with dramatic veining.
Tough, thin and sun and heat resistant.
Warm wood or budget-friendly laminate.
Countertop InstallationCareful installation of new countertops in kitchens, baths and more, measured, fabricated and set level.Explore 
New Construction Countertop InstallationCountertops for new homes and additions, coordinated with builders, cabinet installers and schedules.Explore 
Remodel and Renovation CountertopsCountertops timed and fitted for kitchen and bath remodels, including new layouts and moved fixtures.Explore 
Marble CountertopsClassic marble countertops with soft veining, honed or polished, installed with an honest look at care.Explore 
Remnant and Small Project CountertopsStone and quartz remnants made into vanity tops, bars, laundry counters, shelves and small surfaces.Explore 
Quartz CountertopsEngineered quartz countertops with consistent patterns, low upkeep and a huge range of colors and finishes.Explore 
Butcher Block and Wood CountertopsWarm wood countertops in maple, oak, walnut and more, finished for kitchens, islands and bars.Explore 
Concrete CountertopsCustom concrete countertops with unique color, texture and shape, sealed for everyday use.Explore Check problems, pick a material or ballpark a budget.
Countertop Problem Checker: What Is Wrong?Pick what you see on a countertop to get likely causes, what to do first and the service page that fits.Try it 
Countertop Material PickerAnswer a few questions about how you cook, clean and live to see which countertop materials usually fit best.Try it 
Countertop Budget PlannerPick a material or job, set the square footage and add extras to see a ballpark planning range for your countertop project.Try it It depends on how you cook and clean. Quartz and granite suit many busy kitchens, and we help you compare.
Quartz and porcelain need the least care because they do not need sealing.
Granite, porcelain and quartzite handle heat well. Still, use trivets with every surface.
Topic guideNatural vs EngineeredNatural stone and engineered surfaces compared for variation, maintenance, durability and the way they age.Learn more 
Topic guideEdge ProfilesEased, beveled, bullnose, ogee, mitered and waterfall edges compared for style, safety and cleaning.Learn more 
Topic guideCountertop FinishesPolished, honed, leathered and brushed finishes compared for sheen, fingerprints, etching and cleaning.Learn more 
Topic guideSinks and CutoutsUndermount, drop-in, apron-front and integrated sinks compared for look, cleaning and what each needs from the countertop.Learn more Call us and describe your project. We will look at your space, talk through materials and give you a clear written estimate.
