Countertop surfaces, stone by stone.

Five materials, each with a different temperament. Choose a slab for the full story: how it wears, how it is finished and where it belongs.

01Engineered stoneQuartzNon-porous, consistent, and the easiest surface to live with.View quartz02Natural stoneGraniteHeat-resistant, hard-wearing, and different in every slab.View granite03Natural stoneMarbleClassic veining and a soft patina that shows a room is lived in.View marble04Natural stoneQuartziteThe look of marble with a hardness that outlasts most granite.View quartzite05Natural stoneSoapstoneSoft to the touch, impossible to etch, and darker every year.View soapstone

Representative imagery. Natural stone varies from slab to slab.

Side by side

How the five surfaces compare.

A quick read on the properties that decide most projects. Every material page goes deeper, including care and finishes.

Countertop material comparison
MaterialOriginHeat toleranceScratch resistanceStain resistanceSealingLook
QuartzEngineered, quartz and resinLow, always use trivetsHigh, resists daily wearExcellent, non-porousNever neededConsistent, countless colors
GraniteNatural igneous stoneExcellent, handles hot pansHigh, resists daily wearGood when sealedVaries, test yearlySpeckled to flowing, unique
MarbleNatural metamorphic stoneModerate, use trivetsLow, scratches easilyFair, etches with acidEvery 6 to 12 monthsClassic soft veining
QuartziteNatural metamorphic stoneExcellent, handles hot pansVery highGood when sealedEvery 1 to 2 yearsMarble-like veining
SoapstoneNatural metamorphic stoneExcellent, stove-grade stoneLow, scratches sand outVery good, never etchesNot requiredMatte grey to charcoal
Quartz countertopsGranite countertopsMarble countertopsQuartzite countertopsSoapstone countertops

The material library

Choose the stone. Then the room.

Representative quartz slabRepresentative granite slabRepresentative marble slabRepresentative quartzite slabRepresentative soapstone slab

Representative imagery. Natural stone varies from slab to slab.

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Granite

Natural stone

Heat-resistant, hard-wearing, and different in every slab.

Hardness
About 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale
Porosity
Low to moderate, varies by slab
Heat
Highly heat-resistant
Explore granite
Honed white marble countertop edge in warm raking light

Beyond stone

Other surfaces to ask us about.

  • Butcher Block

    Warm, natural wood that needs regular oiling. Ask us about it for an island or baking station.

  • Concrete

    A custom, industrial look that needs sealing and can develop hairline cracks. Ask us if it suits your space.

  • Laminate

    An affordable option for laundry rooms, rentals and secondary spaces. Ask us about it when you request a quote.

From the journal

Finish, edge and care, explained.

FinishesPolished, honed or leathered: the finish changes the stoneIslandsWaterfall islands and mitered edges, planned properlyEdgesEdge profiles: eased, bevel, bullnose, ogee and mitered