Planning a kitchen remodel? You’ve got options. From the color of your cabinets to your choice of wall paint, even a modest kitchen renovation requires some decision-making. No choice you make, however, is more impactful than your kitchen countertop selection. There are dozens of countertop materials out there. How do you find the best one for your kitchen?

In this article, we’ll make the case for granite, explaining why it’s the best type of countertop and how it compares favorably to your other countertop options like quartz, butcher block, and stainless steel. We’ll also review your next steps so you can kick off your project successfully and find the right granite for less.

What’s so great about granite?

As every homeowner who has them in their kitchen knows, granite countertops are absolutely stunning. There’s an unmatched beauty to natural stone. Yet, granite is more than just gorgeous. Here are a few other things that set granite apart from the other options out there.

• Durability: These stone countertops are strong enough to take a beating, and stand up reasonably well to accidental knife slashes or cuts on the surface. Granite is difficult to damage, which is good news for homeowners looking for a practical countertop in their busy kitchen.
• Heat-Resistant: A granite slab countertop handles heat better than most other types of materials. You can put hot pots and pans directly on its surface with no negative effects. Doing the same on other countertops might destroy their surface.
• Value-Adding: Because they’re so universally popular, granite countertops are a great choice for homeowners looking to add long-term, lasting value to their homes. They remain the gold standard for kitchen remodeling projects.

How does granite compare to other countertop options?

When it comes to countertops, granite is king. It’s long been the most-popular option for homeowners starting a kitchen remodel. There are good reasons for that. Here’s our breakdown of how granite countertops compare favorably to three other popular countertop styles.

• Granite boasts better heat-resistance compared to quartz. Homeowners can safely place hot pans or pots on top of granite with no negative long-term effects. Doing this with quartz can cause discoloration and other issues.
• Granite is far more durable than butcher block. Granite can stand up to knives, cuts, slashes, and other damage better than wood. Unsurprisingly, properly sealed granite is also better at resisting moisture absorption and staining.
• Granite doesn’t show signs of scratching like stainless steel. While stainless steel can compete with granite in heat-resistance and general durability, it’s incredibly easy to scratch. It’ll only be a matter of weeks before your once-pristine steel looks time-tested.

There’s a reason why granite countertops are so popular. In the eyes of many homeowners, they provide the ideal balance of durability, beauty, and practical functionality. If you’re debating between different types of countertops, give granite some strong consideration.

Work with a professional

If you’re thinking about kicking off a kitchen remodeling project in the near future, start by finding a locally trusted contractor or kitchen remodeler who can help you plan things out. Having an expert in your corner is essential: on top of giving you advice on materials and styles, they can also help you find the right countertops in your price range.

To learn more about other countertop styles and materials, take a look at this helpful infographic. It breaks down the pros and cons of each type of countertop, from granite and quartz to stainless steel and butcher block.