A Guide to Countertop Materials

With over 3,000 full slabs of stone on premise,  Architectural Justice is one of the largest stocking fabricators in Northeast Ohio.  The Granite Shop artisans craft and fabricate custom countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces and many other surface applications for both residential and commercial use.  

Architectural Justice’s 10,000 square foot fabrication facility brings together an experienced production team and state of the art CNC systems under one roof. Offering water-jet capabilities, precision cutting, and final hand polishing, the finished result is a product that satisfies not only our highest standards, but our customers’ as well.

GRANITE

Granite is an igneous rock, formed by the cooling and solidifying of molten materials, composed chiefly of quartz and feldspar.  Granite is one of the hardest surfaces on earth.

• 100% natural
• Each slab is one of a kind
• Available in a countless array of colors, patterns and textures
• Is available in honed, polished and leather surfaces

DURABILITY

• One of the hardest dimension stone types; scratch resistant
• Typically heat resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, however we recommend using trivets on any type of surface
• Most can an be exposed to direct sunlight, unlike quartz

MAINTENANCE

• Easy to maintain with mild household cleaners.
• Most natural granite should be sealed annually*

*Sealing granite does not need to be done by a professional.  This can simply be done by referring to the easy directions on the sealant.  It is a matter of cleaning the surface, spraying the sealer and wiping it off.

BEST USED FOR

• Kitchen countertops, tub surrounds, outdoor spaces and other heavily used surfaces

BOTTOM LINE:   If you are drawn to granite, it is a perfect choice that will offer a timeless, high-end look ideal for every style.

MARBLE

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is buried and heated to a pliable state.  The distinctive grey veins are the layers of the original limestone as they are swirled and pressed together.  

• 100% natural
• One of a kind slabs can have veining that range from subtle to distinctive
• Available in a range of colors like white, cream, brown, gray and black

DURABILITY

• Marble is comprised of calcite crystals which make it vulnerable to mild acids which may etch and patina the stone
• Dolomitic (Dolomite) marble contains a small amount of magnesium making it a little slower to etch
• Sealing doesn’t make marble any less prone to etching

MAINTENANCE

• A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to maintaining marble.  Use trivets, coasters and cutting boards. Clean with mild soap and water or use cleaning products specific for cleaning marble.  Marble should be sealed periodically.*

*Sealing marble does not need to be done by a professional.  This can simply be done by referring to the easy directions on the sealant.  It is a matter of cleaning the surface, spraying the sealer and wiping it off.

BEST USED FOR

• Bathrooms, fireplace surrounds, hearths, and vanities

BOTTOM LINE:   If you can embrace the patina and minor imperfections marble gains over the years, consider marble.  There is no comparison to the beauty of marble.

QUARTZITE

Quartzite is a hard, metamorphic rock which was originally sandstone. Sandstone is converted into quartzite when the sand grains are are compressed and fused together.

• 100% natural
• One of a kind marble-like appearance
• Available in a range of colors, patterns and translucence

DURABILITY

• Quartzite is a durable stone and an excellent choice for frequently used surfaces
• As with all stones, we recommend using trivets, coasters and cutting boards

MAINTENANCE

• To maintain, clean with mild soap and water
• Quartzite should be sealed annually*

*Sealing quartzite does not need to be done by a professional.  This can simply be done by referring to the easy directions on the sealant.  It is a matter of cleaning the surface, spraying the sealer and wiping it off.

BEST USED FOR

• Recommended for countertops, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces

BOTTOM LINE:   If you like the timeless look of marble but need a more durable stone for frequently used surfaces, quartzite is an excellent choice.

ENGINEERED QUARTZ

Quartz is an engineered product generally made up of 93% natural quartz and 7% resin and pigments.  The price range is comparable to mid to high range natural stones and is a nice alternative.

• Engineered stones are consistent from slab to slab
• Available from various manufacturers around the world
• It is comparable to mid to high range natural stones but can look less natural
• Can be used in combination with natural stones

DURABILITY

• It is a durable, strong product that does not require sealing
• Most engineered stones are stain-resistant
• Is not heat proof, chemical proof or fracture proof.  Edges are prone to chipping or cracking and are difficult to repair than with natural stones

MAINTENANCE

• To maintain, clean with mild soap and water. As with natural stones, do not use bleach, cleansers or any abrasive pads

BEST USED FOR

• Kitchens, bathrooms and other heavily used surfaces
• Not recommended for use outdoors or around fireplaces

BOTTOM LINE:   If you prefer a uniform look for your project, quartz or engineered products offer a nice alternative to other stones.

ONYX

Onyx is a sedimentary rock, formed as stalactites and stalagmites in cave interiors. The formations contribute to the classic translucent property of most onyx varieties which make it perfect for backlighting.

DURABILITY
Is not heat proof, chemical proof or scratch proof. It is vulnerable to acids and bases, which will react with the minerals in onyx and causes etching.

MAINTENANCE
Onyx is extremely fragile, so it is recommended that you use trivets, coasters and cutting boards.  Clean with mild soap and water. Onyx will need to be sealed annually.*

BEST USED FOR
It is recommended for vertical applications like backsplashes and limited use in heavily used areas.

SOAPSTONE

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock that is non-porous.

DURABILITY
It is highly heat, stain, chemical and bacteria resistant.  Unlike other stones, soapstone won’t absorb stains and discolorations, so it simply doesn’t require sealers.

MAINTENANCE
Stains and blemishes are only skin deep and can be removed with gentle sanding. Applications of mineral oil will remove most scratches. Light gray soapstone darkens over time, accentuating its gray veining. Regular applications of mineral oil enhance its beauty.

BEST USED FOR
Kitchen countertops, outdoor spaces and other heavily used surfaces.

TRAVERTINE | LIMESTONE

This sedimentary stone is comprised of shells, shell fragments and dissolved shells, creating beautiful veining characteristics.  

DURABILITY
The porous nature of the stone requires care as staining and scratching may occur over time.  

MAINTENANCE
Use trivets, coasters and cutting boards.  Clean with mild soap and water. Travertine and Limestones will need to be sealed annually.*

BEST USED FOR
It is recommended for vertical applications like fireplace surrounds and limited use in heavily used areas.

*Sealing onyx, travertine or limestone does not need to be done by a professional.  This can simply be done by referring to the easy directions on the sealant.  It is a matter of cleaning the surface, spraying the sealer and wiping it off.

WOOD

Wood adds beauty and warmth to a space and is a great accent to stone countertops.  There are a variety of species that can be used, as well as live edge treatments to add to the beauty.  

DURABILITY
Naturally strong and durable, but can scratch easily.

MAINTENANCE
Maintenance is required and should be treated like fine furniture.

BEST USED FOR
Bar tops or other lightly used surfaces.  Mostly used for aesthetics, unless sealed properly.

GLASS

Glass countertops are gaining in popularity for not only its modern style, but also for the ease of maintenance.  

DURABILITY
Glass is very hygienic and can endure heat without cracking. Glass doesn’t stain, so no sealing is needed.

MAINTENANCE
Easy to maintain with mild household cleaners.

BEST USED FOR
Many textures and colors are available along with a range of thicknesses making it a nice choice for kitchen countertops, outdoor spaces and other heavily used areas.

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel countertops are hardworking which is why they are often found in professional kitchens.

DURABILITY
The metal is non-porous, anti-bacterial, heat resistant and stain-resistant, but it will scratch. It is recommended to use trivets and cutting boards.

MAINTENANCE
Clean up is easy requiring nothing more than soap and water.

BEST USED FOR
Its durability makes it a popular choice for professional kitchens, bars, outdoor spaces or other heavily used areas.

COPPER

Copper countertops have a traditional or rustic look as the material develops a patina with age because it is a living metal.

DURABILITY
Copper is highly anti-bacterial, and stain-resistant but it will scratch. It is recommended to use trivets and cutting boards.

MAINTENANCE
Clean up is easy requiring nothing more than soap and water.

BEST USED FOR
Copper’s anti-bacterial properties make it great for kitchen and bathroom countertops or backsplashes.

ZINC

Zinc is an industrial looking countertop material that develops a patina with age because it is a living metal.  

DURABILITY
Zinc is soft and will scratch easily, and is not heat resistant.  It is recommended to use trivets and cutting boards.

MAINTENANCE
Zinc is non-porous, naturally anti-bacterial, and easy to maintain by cleaning with soap and water.  

BEST USED FOR
Zinc’s anti-bacterial properties make it great for food prep areas like kitchens and bars.

ABOUT LIVING METAL

“Living metal” is a metal that changes color over time in reaction to its surroundings.

In the kitchen, that means that living metal will react to acids, fingerprints, lemon juice, and all sorts of other things that land on a kitchen counter. Unsealed living metal countertops will oxidize and tarnish over time, giving it a unique and beautiful patina. In other words, kitchen spills add character. If you’re a perfectionist, then the changeable nature of a living metal is probably not for you!