Countertops 101: Choosing the Right Material

Not sure which solid surface to choose for your countertops? If you aren’t aware of the different benefits of stone surfaces it could be very difficult to pick the surface material that’s best for your home. Quartz, Granite and Marble are the three countertop materials most commonly specified by kitchen designers, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Read more about each surface option, then feel free to contact us with any questions or stop in and see their beauty for yourself!

Quartz

One 2018 trend in kitchen surfaces that isn’t going anywhere is the quartz surface. Engineered quartz and natural quartz are two different materials­. Engineered quartz is available in a wide array of patterns, colors and styles and is one of the earth’s strongest materials. Even though it’s engineered from a fusion of quartz stone with resin binder and color, it offers a beautiful contemporary yet natural stone look that elevates the style of any kitchen or bathroom countertop. Quartz stone surfaces feature intricate swirls and flecks which make unique patterns plus they are durable, non-porous, stain and scratch resistant, offering easy care and maintenance.

Cambria’s eye-catching quartz designs are made of 93% pure, natural quartz that offer excellent durability, making your countertops look great for years to come—plus they offer more than 130 designs to choose from! Caesarstone is another premium quartz manufacturer that offers beautiful and on-trend surfaces.

Granite

A timeless classic that is available in many traditional and contemporary styles, granite adds value to your home and are long-lasting. The various natural minerals within granite add depth and character to any countertop. Because of the natural variants within this stone, every granite top is uniquely different. When properly sealed, it is also non-porous and durable. Plus, placing hot items or cutting on granite will never damage the surface and the color of your granite countertop will never fade.

Only at National Design Mart, Granite Luxuries products are available in over 80 colors. Our experts and in-store designers will help you select the best granite or stone countertops, and our installers will ensure you’re happy with the finished result for your residential or commercial use.

Marble

A popular choice for homeowners and chefs, marble is preferred by professional chefs and home bakers because it stays cool, making it ideal for rolling out pastry. It is also heat resistant. Available in distinct grain patterns, these unique stones are created by sedimentary dolomite or limestone rock through a natural process, so each offers its own style. Marble is durable and resistant to scratching, cracking and breaking more than many other countertop materials, yet marble is still softer than its granite counterpart.

Available in a wide range of hues and colors depending on the area of origin and the mix of minerals in the original limestone. The impurities trapped in the limestone when earth’s extreme heat and pressure transformed it into marble is what forms its distinctive veining. Marble is often less expensive than granite or quartz and when it’s expertly installed and properly sealed and maintained, you can expect to enjoy the beauty of marble for a lifetime.

Get Wholesale Direct Pricing

Check out all of these stone surfaces at National Design Mart to find the one that best complements your needs, style and space. All of our countertops are stored in a climate-controlled environment in our in-store slab yard which allows our quality stones to never encounter the weather.

Did we mention we guarantee you will not find a lower price in the Medina, Akron, or Cleveland market?! If you do happen to find a lower price within 30 days of your purchase, we’ll match it!

With our own in-house fabrication services and team of installers, you can get your countertop project done in these 4 easy steps:

1. Tell our experts and in-store designers about the look you want
2. We’ll help you choose the slab that meets your style needs
3. We cut the slab to the proper size and finish it (we can even render a 3-D design of your kitchen or bath layout to get the perfect look!)
4. You can take the slab right home, or schedule an install with one of our experts!