Choosing a kitchen countertop is one of the most impactful design and functionality decisions you’ll make in your home. It’s where you cook, host, gather, clean, and live. A great countertop should look stunning, hold up to daily use, and last for years—without creating unnecessary stress or upkeep. At Design Surfaces in Westlake, OH, we specialize in helping homeowners choose the perfect surface for their lifestyle and budget. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about granite, quartz, quartzite, dolomite, marble, and soapstone countertops—from what makes each material unique to how to confidently choose the best one for your home.
Granite, quartzite, marble, and soapstone are natural stones imported directly from top quarries in Italy, Brazil, and India. Quartz, on the other hand, is engineered using natural quartz crystals combined with resin and pigments—offering a sleek, consistent look with added durability.
Granite Countertops: Natural Beauty with Strength
What is Granite?
Granite is a natural igneous rock formed when magma cools deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Quarried in large slabs, granite showcases unique mineral patterns, speckles, and veining in a wide range of colors.
Why Homeowners Choose Granite
- Withstands high heat—perfect for cooking enthusiasts
- Naturally resists scratches and wear
- Every slab features one-of-a-kind veining and patterns
- Boosts home value with classic, enduring appeal
Things to Keep in Mind
- Needs sealing every 5–7 years, depending on the sealant
- Vulnerable to edge chipping if struck hard
- Bold appearance may not suit minimalist or ultra-modern styles
If you want a natural stone surface with character and durability, granite remains one of the most beloved choices.
Quartz Countertops: Sleek, Strong, and Low Maintenance
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces, made from crushed quartz minerals bonded with resin and pigments. This manufacturing process results in an even, consistent finish that looks polished and is easy to maintain.
Why Homeowners Choose Quartz
- Non-porous—no sealing or special upkeep required
- Highly resistant to stains and scratches
- Wide design variety, from subtle tones to dramatic looks
- Uniform appearance ideal for expansive kitchen layouts
Things to Keep in Mind
- Not heatproof—use trivets or pads to protect the surface
- Lacks the natural variation found in real stone
If you're looking for a modern, easy-to-care-for surface, quartz is a top pick—especially for busy households.
Quartzite Countertops: Elegant Like Marble, Tough Like Granite
What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a natural metamorphic rock created when sandstone is compressed under intense heat and pressure. It looks similar to marble, but it’s harder, denser, and more heat-resistant.
Why Homeowners Choose Quartzite
- Offers the visual elegance of marble with superior durability
- Excellent heat and scratch resistance for heavy kitchen use
- Classic, high-end look with natural charm
- A great choice for refined yet hardworking spaces
Things to Keep in Mind
- Requires sealing 1–2 times per year to prevent stains
- Can be costly and more complex to fabricate
- Some varieties are more porous—proper sealing is critical
For those who love the look of natural stone and soft veining, quartzite offers high style without the fragility of marble.
Dolomite Countertops: The Balanced Middle Ground
What is Dolomite?
Dolomite is a natural stone that falls somewhere between marble and granite in terms of appearance and performance. It has a soft, subtle veining and cooler tones, often mistaken for marble.
Why Homeowners Choose Dolomite
- Blends marble-like beauty with better durability
- Soft gray and white tones deliver a calming palette
- Offers a sleek, refined look without being overly bold
Things to Keep in Mind
- Softer than granite—more prone to etching and surface wear
- Needs regular sealing to resist stains
Marble Countertops: Timeless, Elegant, and High-End
What is Marble?
Marble is a classic metamorphic rock formed from limestone. Known for its distinctive veining and luxurious appearance, it's long been a favorite in upscale kitchens and bathrooms.
Why Homeowners Choose Marble
- Renowned for its rich veining and luxurious appeal
- Naturally cool—excellent for rolling dough or pastry work
- Adds sophistication and long-term resale value
Things to Keep in Mind
- Susceptible to scratches, stains, and acidic etching
- Demands frequent sealing and delicate care
Soapstone Countertops: Smooth, Matte, and Naturally Rich
What is Soapstone?
Soapstone is a dense, natural stone composed primarily of talc. It has a smooth, matte feel and is known for its deep gray hues with soft white veining.
Why Homeowners Choose Soapstone
- Naturally non-porous—no sealing ever required
- Heat resistant and unaffected by chemicals
- Develops a charming patina with age and use
Things to Keep in Mind
- Softer composition means it can scratch or dent
- Minor blemishes can be easily restored with oil or sanding
How to Choose the Right Countertop for Your Kitchen
Choosing the perfect countertop goes beyond what catches your eye in a showroom—it’s about how the material fits your lifestyle, design vision, and long-term needs. Use this practical guide to find the right surface for your kitchen:
Start with Lifestyle and Daily Use
- Cook often and use hot pans?
Opt for granite, quartzite, or soapstone—all offer excellent heat resistance.
- Prefer hassle-free maintenance?
Quartz is non-porous, stain-resistant, and doesn’t require sealing.
- Need something kid-friendly and easy to clean?
Quartz and soapstone offer durable, low-maintenance surfaces.
- Love to entertain and want that ‘wow’ factor?
Go bold with granite, luxurious with quartzite, or classic with marble for instant impact.
2. Match Your Personal Style
- Drawn to movement, veining, and natural character?
Choose granite or quartzite for rich, organic variation.
- Love clean lines and uniform patterns?
Quartz delivers a sleek, consistent aesthetic.
- Prefer soft veining and cool undertones?
Consider dolomite or marble for a refined, elegant look.
- Want a matte finish with earthy charm?
Soapstone brings warmth and a timeless, rustic feel.
3. Factor in Light and Space
- Small or dim kitchens?
Brighten things up with light-colored quartz, marble, or quartzite.
- Large, open spaces?
Add depth and contrast with darker granite, soapstone, or bold-veined dolomite.
4. Think About Maintenance
- Low-maintenance living?
Quartz and soapstone never need sealing and are easy to care for.
- Comfortable with periodic upkeep?
Granite, quartzite, and dolomite need sealing about once a year.
- Willing to put in extra care for unmatched beauty?
Marble rewards extra care with unmatched beauty but is vulnerable to staining, scratching, and etching from acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar.
5. Evaluate Durability and Longevity
- Top performers in durability:
Granite and quartzite are exceptionally hard and resistant to wear.
- Stain- and scratch-resistant:
Quartz resists stains and scratches in everyday use, but protect it from high heat and avoid harsh abrasives.
- Softer, more delicate stones:
Marble and dolomite offer beauty but require more caution and care.
- Naturally resilient with character:
Soapstone is non-porous, resists stains, and develops a rich patina over time—though it’s softer and may scratch more easily than harder stones.
6. Weigh Budget and Investment
- Best value:
Entry-level granite options (with some quartz styles competitively priced)
- Mid-range options:
Quartz, dolomite, and soapstone offer a balance of beauty and performance.
- Luxury materials:
Quartzite and marble tend to be higher-end in both cost and appeal.
Design Tip: Want to make a statement without overspending? Use a premium material like quartzite or marble for your kitchen island and pair it with a more budget-friendly option like granite or quartz for the perimeter countertops.
7. Always View Full Slabs in Person
Come see the scale, depth, and movement of each surface in person at our Westlake showroom. Our team will help you match surfaces to cabinetry, flooring, and natural light for a cohesive, inspired design.
Browse our handpicked countertop stone selections online at Design Surfaces.
Granite, Quartz, Quartzite—and More: Find the Right Fit for Your Life
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to countertops—only the surface that best suits your space, routine, and design vision. Here’s a quick guide to help you match the right material to your lifestyle:
- Choose granite for bold, natural beauty, excellent heat resistance, and long-lasting durability.
- Choose quartz for effortless maintenance, consistent patterns, and busy households that need stain and scratch resistance.
- Choose quartzite if you love the elegant look of marble but want a stronger, more heat- and scratch-resistant surface.
- Choose dolomite for soft veining, cool gray-white tones, and a refined balance between beauty and practicality.
- Choose marble when timeless luxury and classic appeal matter most—especially in low-traffic or showpiece spaces.
- Choose soapstone for its smooth matte finish, natural warmth, and a unique patina that deepens with age and use.
Complete the Look with Design Surfaces
At Design Surfaces, we offer a full range of high-quality materials to complete your project with style and substance. In addition to countertop materials, you'll find:
- Mont Synthesis Shower Surround System – Create a sleek, grout-free bathroom with Mont’s large-format porcelain panels. These innovative surrounds offer a clean, modern look with high performance and minimal maintenance—perfect for today's luxury bath remodels.
- James Martin Vanities – Elevate your bathroom with furniture-style vanities from the James Martin 2025 Collection. Featuring warm wood tones, woven textures, and soft curved silhouettes, these pieces combine artisan craftsmanship with practical storage—bringing luxury, functionality, and natural beauty to any size bath.
- Rebel Collection Tile by WOW – Make a bold statement with this high-design collection, known for its daring colors, gloss-matte combinations, and dimensional textures that redefine what wall tile can be.
- Cabinetry Hardware and Designer Plumbing Fixtures – Add the finishing touch with elevated details that make a big impact. We offer a curated selection of knobs, pulls, and designer fixtures that bring cohesion, contrast, and polish to every space.
- W™ Luxury Genuine Hardwood Flooring – Add warmth and timeless beauty to any room with W™ genuine hardwood. These floors combine classic appeal with long-lasting durability, making them an ideal choice for entryways, kitchens, and main living areas.
Design Surfaces brings every element together—so your entire space feels cohesive, elevated, and uniquely yours.
Ready to bring your dream kitchen to life?
At Design Surfaces, we believe your kitchen should be as functional as it is beautiful—and that transformation begins with the right countertop. Whether you're drawn to the bold character of granite, the effortless upkeep of quartz, or the refined elegance of marble, quartzite, dolomite, or soapstone, our expertly curated collection offers something for every style, space, and budget.
Visit our Westlake showroom to explore full slabs in person and experience the color, veining, and texture that make each surface unique—because the best choice doesn’t just look beautiful, it feels right. Proudly serving homeowners in Bay Village, Rocky River, Lakewood, Avon, and across Northeast Ohio, our knowledgeable team is here to guide you every step of the way.
We’re here to help you select the perfect surface and bring your vision to reality.
Call: 440.899.9900 • Email: info@designsurfaces.com • Contact: submit your request
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