Kitchen countertops in Plano, chosen for how you cook

Quartz is an engineered surface, mostly ground quartz mixed with resin and color. It doesn't soak up liquids, so it never needs sealing, and the color is consistent from slab to slab. Direct high heat can damage the resin, so use trivets. Quartz also isn't meant for outdoor use, where sun can fade it.

Granite is natural stone. It handles heat well, and every slab is different. Most granite needs sealing now and then. How often depends on the stone.

Quartzite is a natural stone that forms from sandstone. True quartzite is very hard, resists etching, and often looks like marble. Some stones sold as quartzite are actually softer, so test a sample before you buy.

Marble is softer and made of calcite. Acidic foods like lemon juice, vinegar and tomato sauce can etch it. Some people love how it ages. Others find it frustrating.

Solid surface is an acrylic or polyester material. Seams are hard to see and it can include a built-in sink. Scratches can be sanded out, but it doesn't like heat. Laminate is still the cheapest option, and it looks a lot better than it used to.

Stone and quartz counters are templated after the cabinets are in and level. The fabricator measures the cabinets closely, often with digital tools, and marks cutouts for the sink, cooktop and faucet. That's why you need to pick your sink and faucet first. For an undermount sink, the sink or its exact specs must be ready at templating.

After templating, the fabricator cuts and finishes the slabs in the shop. The wait between template and install is usually a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the fabricator and the material. On install day, the tops are set, seams are joined and the sink is mounted. Plumbing is reconnected afterward. The fabricator may ask you to wait a short time before using water so the adhesive can cure.

If your cabinets are staying, we check that they're level and strong enough to carry stone before anything is ordered.

The edge profile changes the look more than most people expect. A simple eased edge looks clean and modern. Ogee or bevel edges feel more traditional. Ask where the seams will go, too. On long runs and big islands, one slab may not cover the full length.

Island seating needs enough overhang for knees, and larger overhangs often need hidden steel supports or brackets. If you want a full-height stone backsplash behind the range, plan it with the countertop order so the material matches.