Granite or quartz?

Granite

Natural stone with one-of-a-kind patterns. Handles heat well, though trivets are still a good habit. Sealing needs vary by stone. Entry-level granite is usually the least expensive stone option.

Quartz

Engineered from crushed quartz and resin. A non-porous surface with simple daily care. Use trivets: hot pans can damage the resin. Keep it indoors; sunlight can discolor it. Quartz prices climb with brand and veining.

Quartzite

Natural stone, typically very hard, with patterns that vary from slab to slab. Most need sealing. Usually a premium price.

Marble

Natural stone with softer surfaces. Acids such as lemon juice and wine can etch it. Needs sealing and suits people who are comfortable with it aging.

Porcelain

Highly resistant to heat and sunlight and suitable for outdoor applications. Edges can chip; fabrication and installation details matter.

Dekton

Highly resistant to heat and sunlight and suitable for outdoor applications. Edges can chip; fabrication and installation details matter.

Care and cleaning

Quartz: clean with warm water and mild dish soap. Skip bleach and scouring pads. Use trivets; heat can scorch the resin, and scorch marks are hard to repair.

Granite and quartzite: clean with mild soap or a stone cleaner. Resealing needs vary by stone, finish and sealer; check the care instructions for your selection and watch for water absorption.

Marble: wipe up wine, lemon juice and vinegar quickly, because acids etch it. Sealing helps resist stains; wipe acidic spills promptly to protect the finish. Follow the care instructions for your stone.

See them together

About 2,000 slabs and 600 remnants in the shop; 1,606 full slabs and 292 remnants are listed online right now.

Call ahead for slab viewing: (703) 945-7584.