Types of Countertops
Stone Countertops
Don’s carries a wide variety of different types of stone countertops & materials.
Your design consultant can help you compare the main types of countertops we offer: quartz, granite, quartzite, soapstone, marble, and solid surface, and choose the right countertop material for your kitchen countertops, bathroom, or other project based on style, daily use, maintenance, heat resistance, and budget. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a remodel or build, or a contractor or designer sourcing premium materials in Longmont or across the Colorado Front Range, this guide walks through countertop types, design options, price ranges, indoor and outdoor use, and a downloadable comparison guide so you can balance look, function, durability, and long-term value, and learn more about our custom countertop services and materials as well as our custom cabinets and countertops for kitchens and bathrooms and the family-owned team behind Don’s Custom Cabinets & Countertops.
Learn more about each of our countertop materials below.
Quartz
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Highest design consistency – quartz countertops are an engineered stone made from natural quartz, resins, and pigments, so samples, colors, density, and strength stay consistent
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Minimal maintenance! This non porous material offers strong stain resistance and scratch resistance, helps resist stains, and never needs resealing
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More countertop edging options than any other material
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Extensive selection of colors and designs
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Quartz countertops typically cost between $50 and $200 per square foot
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Up to 15” of overhang without additional support
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A practical heat-resistant countertop, though trivets are still recommended for hot pans
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Meant for interior use, though there are some options for outdoors
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Manufacturers offer warranties
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One of the easiest countertop options, engineered quartz is often considered the top all-around choice for kitchens and bathrooms and a superior countertop material because it combines durability with very little maintenance
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Brands such as Cambria quartz countertops offer a huge range of colors and patterns to suit nearly any kitchen style
Granite / Natural Stone
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One of a kind, each slab of granite countertops is entirely unique because it is a natural stone countertop option made from 100% stone material mined from the earth
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Offers the most color and pattern options
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Many edge options
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Can be used outside
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Most suitable for fireplaces (due to its heat resistance)
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Wide price range; granite counters typically run about $40 to $300 per square foot, though pricing varies
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Must select your slab at a stone yard
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Requires sealer – we use a premium 15 year sealer, but periodic sealing and occasional resealing help maintain stain resistance
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Incredibly durable, with strong heat resistance and natural beauty
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Requires additional support for overhangs over 9 inches
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A popular choice for resale value, often viewed as one of the premium countertop materials for contemporary kitchens
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No manufacturer warranties
Quartzite
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Upscale option that gives a luxury look due to its unique appearance
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Popular because of its clarity. Some options are translucent which allows for adding backlighting behind the stone to add depth and flair
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Heat resistant
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Can be used outdoors with direct sunlight and weather exposure because it is uv ray resistant
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Edge options limited only to Eased
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Requires sealer – we use a premium 15 year sealer
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Requires support for overhangs over 9 inches
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No manufacturer warranties
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Durable and scratch resistant natural stone
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Adds natural beauty and elegance to kitchen space
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Requires periodic maintenance to preserve appearance
Soapstone
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Natural patina (wears over time)
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Soft and warm to the touch
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Option of oiling or leaving natural patina
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Scratches easier than other materials
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One of the other natural stones used for countertops, valued for its natural beauty even though it is softer than granite or quartzite, and a great option when browsing affordable countertop remnants for smaller projects
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Heat resistant and non-porous
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Requires occasional oiling to maintain finish
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Resistant to stains and bacteria
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Can darken with age and use
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No manufacturer warranties
Marble
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Distinct grain patterns; marble countertops are a classic natural stone prized for a luxurious aesthetic
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Very soft surface
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Heat resistant
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High maintenance because marble is a porous material that scratches and etches more easily than other materials, especially when exposed to acids
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Requires sealer – we use 15 year sealer, and covered marble needs sealing because of its porous nature
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Marble countertops commonly range from $40 to $200 per square foot
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Requires additional support for overhangs over 9 inches
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Stains more easily than less porous options
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Prone to scratching and etching from acidic substances
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Adds timeless elegance but demands careful upkeep
Solid Surface
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Much softer surface than stone
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Warm to the touch
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Non-porous surface that is stain resistant and easy to clean
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Can have integrated/seamless sinks (built straight into countertops), coordinating beautifully with custom cabinet design for kitchens and bathrooms
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Can have cove backsplash (one piece with no seams) that pairs well with a variety of cabinet types for kitchens, bathrooms, and storage
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Best seams
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solid surface countertops are a durable material made from synthetic materials, specifically a blend of acrylic and polyester resins
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Can be used outdoors
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An affordable alternative to some natural stone options, though less heat resistant
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Sensitive to heat – requires hot pads or trivets
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Can scratch, but can be easily repaired and sanded
Download Our Stone Countertop Comparison Guide
Not sure which countertop material is right for you? Download our free guide to compare the features, benefits, and costs of each type of stone countertop. Make an informed choice with ease!
Choosing the Right Countertop
Choosing the right countertop surface is essential for creating spaces that combine style, functionality, and durability throughout your home. At Don’s Custom Cabinets & Countertops, we offer a wide range of popular countertop materials including quartz, granite, marble, and solid surface options to suit every budget and design preference. Whether you’re seeking affordable countertop materials or premium natural stones, our expert team provides professional installation and personalized service to help you find the perfect fit for your kitchen, bathroom, or any other area. Explore our selection today and discover how the right countertop materials can transform your home with lasting beauty and practicality.
