There is no single “best” countertop — only the best one for how you cook, clean and live. This FAQ gives straight answers about granite, quartz, quartzite, marble, soapstone and porcelain so you can choose with confidence. Short answer first, details after.
Not sure where to start? Take our Find Your Perfect Countertop Quiz or visit the showroom to see full slabs in person.
Every material trades off looks, upkeep and toughness. Use this table to narrow the field, then read the material guides below.
No countertop is indestructible. Every material here can chip, scratch or stain under the wrong conditions — good care makes the difference.
Why Choose Granite?
It is ideal for busy kitchens, features unique natural patterns and great for outdoor spaces.
Stain Resistant
High (when sealed)
Scratch Resistant
High
Heat Tolerance
Very High
Needs Sealing
Usually, varies by stone
Why Choose Quartzite?
Marble-like beauty, impressive durability, and ideal for outdoor spaces.
Stain Resistant
High (when sealed)
Scratch Resistant
Very High
Heat Tolerance
Very High
Needs Sealing
Yes
Why Choose Marble?
Elegant bathrooms, baking stations, and timeless beauty. Best suited for indoor spaces.
Stain Resistant
Low to moderate
Scratch Resistant
Low
Heat Tolerance
High
Needs Sealing
Yes
Why Choose Soapstone?
Farmhouse charm, vintage style, heavy-duty cooking, and outdoor living.
Stain Resistant
High
Scratch Resistant
Low (scratches, but buffs out)
Heat Tolerance
Very High
Needs Sealing
No
Why Choose Quartz?
Low maintenance, consistent colors, and everyday convenience. Not suitable for outdoor use (UV can discolor it).
Stain Resistant
Very High
Scratch Resistant
High
Heat Tolerance
Moderate — use trivets
Needs Sealing
No
Why Choose Porcelain, Dekton, Sintered Stone?
Modern style, sleek designs, and excellent performance in outdoor kitchens.
Stain Resistant
Very High
Scratch Resistant
Very High
Heat Tolerance
Very High
Needs Sealing
No
The one that fits your lifestyle. Quartz is the easiest to live with. Granite and quartzite are the toughest natural options. Marble is the most classic but needs the most care. Think of it like choosing a car: a reliable sedan, a rugged truck and a vintage convertible are all “good” — for different drivers.
Natural stone (granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone) is quarried from the earth and cut into slabs, so every slab is one of a kind. Engineered surfaces are made in a factory. Quartz is roughly 90–93% quartz powder bound with resin and pigment. Porcelain and other sintered slabs are made from clay and minerals fired at extreme heat under immense pressure.
• Granite is 100% natural. No two slabs match, it handles heat very well, and most granites need periodic sealing.
• Quartz is engineered for consistency. Slabs of the same color look nearly identical, it never needs sealing, but it is less heat-tolerant and not suited for outdoors.
No — this is the most common mix-up in the industry. Quartzite is a natural metamorphic rock, formed when sandstone is fused by heat and pressure. Quartzite often looks like marble but is much harder. Quartz countertops are engineered. In fact, the terms “quartz” when referring to the countertop material is a bit of a misnomer in the sense that it should be referred to as “engineered quartz”. There is a naturally occurring stone called “quartz” which can be found in granites, marbles, and quartzites.
Both are excellent. Choose quartz if you want zero sealing and a uniform look. Choose granite if you want natural character and cook with a lot of hot pans.
Not if you know what to expect. Marble scratches and etches (dulls) from acids like lemon juice, wine and tomato sauce. Many homeowners love the lived-in patina it develops, much like a well-worn leather jacket. If you want a spotless surface, choose quartzite, quartz or porcelain with a marble look instead.
Yes, and that is the point. Veining, color shifts, pits, fissures and crystal patterns are natural features, not defects. That is why we recommend picking your actual slab in person.
Ask yourself three questions: How much do I cook? How much upkeep am I willing to do? What look am I after? Then take our quiz or talk to our team — we will narrow it down with you.
What is Granite?
An igneous rock formed from cooled magma, made mostly of quartz and feldspar. It is one of the hardest, most heat-tolerant countertop materials available, and every slab is unique.
Does granite need to be sealed?
Most granites benefit from sealing; some very dense, dark granites barely absorb anything.
Is granite scratch-resistant?
Very. Granite is harder than a steel knife blade, so everyday use will not scratch it — but it will dull your knives.
What are quartz countertops made of?
About 90–93% ground natural quartz, bound with polymer resins and colored with pigments. They contain natural minerals but are not a natural stone.
What are the advantages of quartz?
• Non-porous: never needs sealing and resists stains from wine, coffee and oil.
• Hygienic: the solid surface resists bacteria and mold.
• Consistent: color and pattern match from slab to slab, ideal for large spaces.
• Versatile: available in solid colors and designs that mimic marble, granite or concrete.
What are the drawbacks of quartz?
• Heat: the resin can scorch, yellow or crack from hot pans. Always use trivets.
• Sunlight: UV exposure can fade or yellow it over time, so it is not for outdoor kitchens.
• Harsh chemicals: bleach, oven cleaner and permanent markers can discolor it.
• Repairs: chips can be filled, but an invisible repair is not always possible.
What is quartzite?
A natural metamorphic rock formed when quartz-rich sandstone is fused under heat and pressure. It is often as hard as or harder than granite, with soft, marble-like veining.
Does quartzite etch like marble?
True quartzite does not. Be aware that some stones sold as “quartzite” are actually marble or dolomite, and therefore will etch. At Marble Granite World, we are knowledgeable about all stone types, so ask us if you have any doubts. You can also ask us to perform a scratch or acid test on the slab before you buy. This will help you gauge the material’s durability level.
Does quartzite need sealing?
Yes. Porosity varies a lot between quartzites, and some absorb liquid quickly. We’ll seal it for you prior to installation. Just remember to reseal it every year, unless you purchase our 15-year sealer.
What is marble?
A metamorphic rock made from limestone, prized for its soft veining and luminous look. It has been used in architecture and sculpture for thousands of years.
What is etching?
A dull, lighter spot caused when acids (lemon, vinegar, wine, tomato) react with the calcium in marble, limestone or travertine. Sealing slows staining but does not prevent etching. In fact, there is no sealer in the world that can prevent etching. We always recommend a honed (matte) finish to hide the inevitable etching that will occur with marble.
Where does marble work best?
Bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, baking stations and kitchens where the owners embrace patina.
What is soapstone?
A natural stone rich in talc, which gives it a smooth, soft feel. Countertop-grade soapstone is denser and harder than the carving grade. It has been used in kitchens and science labs for centuries because it shrugs off heat and chemicals.
What colors does soapstone come in?
Shades of gray, blue-gray, green-gray and charcoal. It darkens naturally over time, and faster when oiled.
Does soapstone need sealing?
No. It is dense and does not absorb liquids. Many owners apply mineral oil to deepen and even out the color — optional, purely for looks.
Will soapstone scratch?
Yes, it is soft enough to scratch and nick. Light marks can be sanded out or blended with mineral oil, so it stays easy to refresh.
Where can soapstone be used?
Kitchens, integrated sinks, backsplashes and fireplace surrounds. Its matte, understated look suits farmhouse, traditional, modern and industrial designs.
What are porcelain countertops made of?
Refined clays, feldspar and mineral powders pressed and fired at over 2,000°F. The result is a dense, hard, non-porous slab, typically 6–20 mm thick.
Is porcelain a new trend?
It has been popular in Europe for years and is growing fast in North America for its sleek look, durability and low maintenance.
Is porcelain durable?
Very. It resists heat, scratches, stains and UV. It is strong on the surface but can chip or crack at edges and corners from a hard impact, so edge design and daily use matters.
Does the pattern go all the way through?
On many porcelain slabs, the pattern is printed on the surface only. Edges and sink cutouts may show a plain body. Ask about “full-body” or through-body options, and choose an edge style that keeps the look consistent.
Is porcelain a good alternative to marble?
Yes. It delivers the marble look without etching or sealing, and it is ideal for full-height backsplashes, waterfall ends and outdoor kitchens.
Warm water, a little mild dish soap and a soft cloth work for every material on this page. For a deeper clean on natural stone, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner.
On natural stone: vinegar, lemon, bleach, ammonia and “all-purpose” sprays with acids. They can etch or strip the sealer.
On quartz: oven cleaner, bleach, paint strippers and permanent markers.
On everything: scouring powder and abrasive pads.
Do the water test. Pour a small puddle of water on the counter and wait 15 minutes. If the stone darkens, it is absorbing and it is time to reseal. If the water beads up, you are fine. Think of sealer like a raincoat: it keeps liquid out, but it wears thin over time.
Please don’t. Hard stones will dull your knives, and softer ones like marble and soapstone will scratch. Use a cutting board.
Wipe them promptly, especially oil, wine, coffee and anything acidic. Sealer buys you time; it does not make stone stain-proof.
On granite, quartzite, soapstone and porcelain, occasional contact with a hot pan will not hurt the stone. On quartz, never — the resin can scorch or crack above roughly 300°F (150°C). For every material, trivets are the safe habit: a sudden temperature change (thermal shock) can crack any stone, especially near a cutout.
Quartz and porcelain, because they are non-porous. Sealed granite and quartzite come next. Marble is the most stain-prone, and light-colored stones show stains more than dark ones.
Porcelain, quartzite and granite are the hardest. Quartz is close behind. Marble and soapstone scratch most easily.
It is highly stain-resistant, but strong dyes, harsh chemicals and heat can discolor the resin.
All stone is strong but brittle, like glass. Most chips happen on edges and corners, and near sink and cooktop cutouts, from a heavy pot or bottle knocking into them. Rounded edges resist chipping better than sharp ones.
Most of the time, yes. Chips and small cracks in granite, quartzite, marble and quartz can be filled with color-matched resin by a professional. Soapstone scratches can be sanded out. Marble etching can be polished or honed away. Repairs on quartz and porcelain are harder to make invisible.
We also offer the Granite Gold Protection Plan – With the Granite Gold® Protection Plan, you’ll be covered against unexpected damage, like etches, scratches, chips and more. It’s the affordable, worry-free way to make your new countertops last for years to come.
It depends on five things: the material and color, the total square footage, the edge profile, the number of cutouts, and installation conditions. We offer free estimates so you can budget accurately.
The color and grade of a slab matter more than the material type. Every material spans a wide range:
| MATERIAL | TYPICAL PRICE POSITION |
| Granite | Entry-level to premium; the widest range, and often the best value |
| Quartz | Mid-range to premium, depending on brand and design |
| Soapstone | Mid-range to premium; fabrication takes extra care |
| Porcelain | Mid-range to luxury; requires specialized fabrication |
| Marble | Mid-range to luxury; rare varieties are among the most expensive |
| Quartzite | Upper mid-range to luxury; it’s very hard, so it’s much slower to fabricate |
Compare apples to apples. Some quotes look low because they leave things out. Make sure every quote includes:
Yes. Natural and engineered stone countertops are among the most-requested features in kitchens and bathrooms. They raise buyer appeal, and with proper care they can last for decades.
Yes. Stone and quartz countertops are strong selling points for resale, and outdated or damaged countertops are one of the first things buyers notice.
Absolutely. We template your space and fabricate each piece to fit — curves, angles, islands and all.
It is a design, not an edge: the countertop turns 90° and runs down the side of the island to the floor. The pieces are mitered so the pattern flows down to the floor.
Most kitchens have at least one, because slabs have size limits and houses normally have space restrictions or limitations. Our fabricators plan seam placement and match the pattern to make them as discreet as possible. Please note that fabricators do not enjoy adding more seams. A seam is more labor-intensive than no seam. Certain materials mandate more seams due to fabrication and installation limitations.
No. Natural stone slabs vary, even within the same color name. That is why we encourage you to view and approve your actual slab. Quartz and porcelain, being engineered, are far more consistent.
Yes. Bring door samples, flooring or paint swatches to the showroom and we will help you find stones that tie the room together.
Availability depends on the material and color.
Most installations are finished in one day. Installation usually happens 1–2 weeks after templating, depending on the project and material availability.
Templating, fabrication, delivery, installation and sealing where applicable.
Yes, tear-out and disposal of old countertops is available. Ask us to include it in your estimate.
Yes. We need your sink, faucet and cooktop specifications (or the fixtures themselves) at templating so every cutout fits exactly.
We don’t recommend it. Slabs are heavy (a typical 3 cm slab weighs roughly 18–20 lbs per square foot). They are also fragile while handling, and require specialized tools. Porcelain in particular needs experienced fabricators and installers because it is thin and very brittle along the edges.
Granite, quartzite, soapstone and porcelain handle sun and weather well. Porcelain is UV-stable and will not fade. Avoid quartz, which can yellow in sunlight, and marble, which etches in rain and weathers faster. In freezing climates, a dense, well-sealed stone is best.
Quarrying and shipping do have an impact. But stone contains no plastics, needs no replacement for decades, and can be recycled or repurposed. Soapstone is especially low-impact, since it needs no sealers.
Yes. Sealed natural stone, quartz and porcelain are all safe, easy-to-clean food surfaces. Clean them with soap and water after preparing raw meat, as you would any surface.
Yes. The installed countertop is safe. The health risk with engineered stone is crystalline silica dust created while cutting and grinding slabs, which affects fabrication workers, not homeowners. Responsible fabricators use water-fed cutting and dust controls to protect their teams.