A kitchen countertop does far more than fill space. It shapes how you cook, gather, entertain, and experience your home every day. With so many surface options available, the selection process can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. At Design Surfaces in Westlake, we help homeowners across Cleveland make confident choices by offering expert insight, premium material comparisons, and full slab viewing that transforms uncertainty into inspiration.

Why Cleveland Homeowners Trust Design Surfaces

Selecting a countertop is a meaningful investment, and having a knowledgeable partner makes all the difference. Design Surfaces is known for serving homeowners, designers, and contractors across Cleveland with high quality materials, hands on guidance, and a curated showroom experience. This thoughtful approach ensures your final surface aligns with your lifestyle, personal style, and long term goals for your home.

Below is a clear, organized comparison of today’s most popular countertop materials, all available at Design Surfaces.

Understanding Your Countertop Options

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Granite Countertops: Organic Beauty and Proven Durability

Granite is one of the strongest natural stones and offers visual character that cannot be replicated. Each slab forms through geological processes that create one of a kind movement and mineral depth.

Why homeowners choose granite:

• Excellent heat resistance
• Impressive scratch and wear durability
• Unique natural variation and character
• Long lasting value for kitchen design

Things to consider:

• Requires sealing every few years
• Edges may chip under strong impact
• Some patterns may be too bold for minimalist spaces

Granite is ideal for homeowners who love natural beauty and want a durable, authentic surface.

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Quartz Countertops: Modern Style with Low Maintenance Benefits

Quartz is an engineered surface made from natural quartz crystals combined with resin. It offers a clean, consistent look with strong performance and very little upkeep.

Why homeowners choose quartz:

• Non porous and never needs sealing
• Highly resistant to stains and scratches
• Broad range of colors and patterns
• Smooth, uniform appearance ideal for modern designs

Things to consider:

• Should be protected from direct high heat
• Does not offer the natural variation found in stone

Quartz is a great choice for busy Cleveland homes where easy maintenance matters.

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Quartzite Countertops: High End Luxury with Real Performance

Quartzite is a natural stone that delivers marble-like elegance with the durability of granite. Its combination of strength and beauty makes it a top choice for premium kitchens.

Why homeowners choose quartzite:

• Exceptional heat and scratch resistance
• Elegant movement similar to marble
• Strong enough for high traffic kitchens
• Naturally luxurious appearance

Things to consider:

• Must be sealed regularly
• Typically a higher priced material
• Some varieties need extra care

Quartzite is perfect for homeowners who want natural beauty and long term durability.

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Dolomite Countertops: Subtle Beauty with Gentle Veining

Dolomite is a soft, cool toned stone that blends the visual qualities of marble with more durability. Its calm, muted veining suits a wide range of interior styles.

Why homeowners choose dolomite:

• Marble like appearance with improved hardness
• Soft gray and white undertones
• Complements neutral and contemporary palettes

Things to consider:

• Softer than granite and quartzite
• Requires consistent sealing

Dolomite is ideal for homeowners looking for soft elegance with manageable care requirements.

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Marble Countertops: Classic Elegance for Sophisticated Kitchens

Marble remains one of the most iconic countertop materials. Its veining patterns create depth, movement, and visual drama that elevate any kitchen or bathroom.

Why homeowners choose marble:

• Unmatched aesthetic appeal
• Naturally cool surface ideal for baking
• High end presence that enhances home value

Things to consider:

• Vulnerable to etching and staining
• Requires frequent sealing and gentle care

Marble is best for homeowners who value artistry, elegance, and distinct visual impact.

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Soapstone Countertops: Warm, Textured, and Richly Authentic

Soapstone offers a smooth, matte feel and deep color that ages into a beautiful patina. It is loved for its naturally rustic and inviting appearance.

Why homeowners choose soapstone:

• Fully non porous with no sealing required
• Highly resistant to heat and chemicals
• Gains character over time

Things to consider:

• Softer stone that can scratch
• Surface marks can be restored with oil or sanding

Soapstone is perfect for those who appreciate natural charm and a living finish that evolves with use.

How to Choose the Right Countertop for Your Lifestyle

Start with How You Use Your Kitchen

Your daily habits should guide your material selection.

• Frequent cooking: granite, quartzite, or soapstone
• Low maintenance lifestyle: quartz or soapstone
• Kid friendly home: quartz
• Design focused kitchen: marble or quartzite

Match Your Personal Style

• Love natural movement: granite or quartzite
• Prefer clean uniformity: quartz
• Want elegant veining: marble or dolomite
• Enjoy a matte, earthy look: soapstone

Consider Your Space and Lighting

• Small or dim kitchens: lighter quartz, marble, or quartzite
• Open spaces: dramatic quartzite, darker granite, or bold soapstone

Know Your Maintenance Preferences

• No sealing: quartz or soapstone
• Moderate care: granite, quartzite, dolomite
• Most maintenance: marble

Always View Full Slabs at Design Surfaces

Stone looks dramatically different at full scale. Movement, veining, and undertones become clearer when viewing a complete slab rather than a sample. Design Surfaces offers full slab viewing at our Westlake showroom to help Cleveland homeowners choose surfaces with clarity and confidence.

Bring Your Kitchen Vision to Life with Design Surfaces

The right countertop should provide beauty, durability, and long term value. Design Surfaces offers homeowners across Cleveland a curated selection of premium materials, including granite, quartz, quartzite, marble, dolomite, and soapstone. Our team provides expert guidance to help you compare full slabs and choose a surface that reflects your lifestyle and design goals. Visit our Westlake showroom to explore your options and connect with our specialists.

​​Call: 440.899.9900 • Contact: Submit a Request • Email: info@designsurfaces.com

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