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Brooklyn Brownstone Kitchen Renovation, Park Slope, Herringbone Floors, Quartzite Countert

The Countertop Guide

We get asked all the time: “What should I splurge or save on in my kitchen renovation?” Our answer is always the same—splurge on your countertops. Countertops are one of the most visible elements in your kitchen, and the right material can immediately elevate the entire space. Splurging doesn’t mean picking the most expensive or high-maintenance stone—it means investing wisely in a surface that feels timeless, beautiful, and durable.

 

Choosing a natural material, in particular, adds depth and authenticity that no substitute can fully replicate.

Here’s our breakdown of the most popular countertop materials, including their pros, cons, maintenance, and—most importantly—who they’re good for.

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Quartz​​

  • What it is: A manmade material, engineered from crushed stone mixed with resins and polymers.

  • Look: Consistent, with endless options for color and pattern.

  • Pros: Durable, non-porous, scratch- and heat-resistant, no sealing required.

  • Cons: Contains chemical binders, so not ideal if you want all-natural; can discolor in UV light.

  • Staining window: 24 hours before spills set.

 

Good for: Families with kids who want a worry-free surface, busy homeowners who don’t want to think about sealing or maintenance, or anyone who prefers a sleek, uniform look.

Quartzite

  • What it is: A natural stone formed from sandstone under heat and pressure.

  • Look: Soft veining, often mistaken for marble but stronger.

  • Pros: Extremely durable, heat-resistant, scratch-resistant.

  • Cons: Requires sealing every 3 years; more limited colors than quartz.

  • Staining window: 3 hours to clean spills.

 

Good for: Entertainers who want a durable yet elegant surface, avid home cooks who move hot pans directly from the stove, or anyone who loves the look of marble but needs more practicality.

Brooklyn Brownstone Kitchen Renovation, Park Slope, Quartzite Countertops, Custom Cabinetr
Brownstone Kitchen Renovation, Herringbone Floors, Park Slope Brooklyn, White cabinetry, B

Quartzite, design by Storie NYC

Granite​

 

  • What it is: A natural igneous stone with unique mineral patterns.

  • Look: Speckled, richly varied, with a variety of neutral color options.

  • Pros: Heat-resistant, scratch- and chip-resistant.

  • Cons: Needs periodic sealing; some colors feel more traditional.

  • Staining window: depending on the type of granite, it can stain anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours after a spill.

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Good for: Busy kitchens that see a lot of action, homeowners who want a natural and truly one-of-a-kind surface, or those who want durability without too much maintenance.​

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Granite, Photography by William Jess Laird; Design by Carly Berlin; Styling by Martin Bourne

​Marble

  • What it is: A natural metamorphic stone prized for its elegance.

  • Look: Classic veining in whites, grays, greens, burgundy, pink, and warm tones.

  • Pros: Timeless, cool to the touch, develops character with age. Can be re-sanded on site to remove stains and give a fresh new look periodically.

  • Cons: Softer, porous, and prone to etching; requires sealing every 6-12 months.

  • Staining window: 15 minutes before liquids absorb.

 

Good for: The design-forward homeowner who wants an elegant, elevated kitchen; bakers who appreciate a naturally cool surface; or anyone who doesn’t mind a little patina as part of the charm.

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Marble, Design & Photography by ReBuild Project, Brooklyn

​​Onyx

  • What it is: A rare, translucent natural stone.

  • Look: Bold striations, luminous glow, often backlit.

  • Pros: Show-stopping aesthetic, dramatic translucency.

  • Cons: Extremely delicate, best for low-traffic areas.

  • Staining window: Clean spills immediately.

 

Good for: Homeowners who want a striking statement in a bar or powder room, design lovers who see their countertops as a focal point, or anyone who appreciates dramatic, high-impact finishes.

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Onyx, Photography by Chris Snook, Design: Sola Kitchens

​​​Soapstone

  • What it is: A smooth, matte natural stone with high talc content.

  • Look: Velvety gray, deepening to charcoal over time.

  • Pros: Non-porous, naturally stain-resistant, develops a patina.

  • Cons: Softer surface, scratches more easily.

  • Staining window: Unlikely to stain, but oils can leave marks.

 

Good for: Homeowners who want a low-maintenance natural option, anyone who loves a softer, matte finish, or those who appreciate materials that age gracefully over time.

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Soapstone, Design by STORIE NYC

A Note on Sealing

Sealing often gets a bad rap, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Many clients who were hesitant about using a material that requires sealing tell us later it was far simpler than expected. In fact, sealing is something you can do yourself—it’s essentially like giving your countertops a deep clean, with the only caveat being that you shouldn’t use the surface for several hours afterward.

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Think of it as yearly upkeep, similar to other household tasks like servicing your HVAC or re-oiling a wooden cutting board. It’s not something to let deter you if you’re drawn to a natural stone. If you don’t mind a once-a-year refresh, the payoff is a surface that stays beautiful and protected.

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The Takeaway

Countertops aren’t the place to cut corners. They’re the workhorse of your kitchen and the surface you’ll see, touch, and use every single day. Whether you’re a design lover who romanticizes marble, a busy parent who needs the durability of quartz, or an entertainer who wants quartzite’s balance of beauty and strength, investing in the right countertop can transform not only your kitchen, but how you live in it.

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