Find the best stone for what you want

From My Kitchen to Yours: A Story to Start With

Let me take you back a few years.

It was a cold Milwaukee winter (the kind that makes you grateful for good coffee and warm socks), and my partner and I had just bought our first fixer-upper. We were overwhelmed, excited, and a little clueless about everything—especially choosing the right countertop for our kitchen.

We debated between granite, quartz, and marble. Pinterest boards were overflowing. Samples cluttered our dining room. One day, while standing in a local Milwaukee countertops showroom with coffee in hand, a kind consultant told us:

"You don’t need the ‘best’ stone. You just need the best stone for you."

That simple truth stuck. And now, after years of remodeling, working with designers, and making a few expensive mistakes, I’m here to help you make the right choice—the first time.

Why Stone Surfaces Matter

Countertops aren’t just functional. They're where the heart of the home lives.

• You prep lunches here.
  

• Share stories over wine.
  

• Bake birthday cakes.
  

• And yes, sometimes use them as makeshift desks or homework stations.

Choosing the right stone isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about durability, maintenance, budget, and how you live your life.

1. Quartz: The All-Round Favorite

Let’s talk about quartz first—because honestly, it’s become the MVP in most modern kitchens.

What Makes Quartz So Popular?

Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz particles bound with resin. It offers the best of both worlds: beauty and brawn.

Pros:

• Non-porous = No sealing required
  

• Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
  

• Easy to clean and maintain
  

• Available in tons of colors and patterns

Cons:

• Not the best for high heat (always use a trivet!)
  

• Can be a bit pricier than other options

📊 Did you know? Quartz countertops make up 42% of all kitchen countertop installations in the U.S., according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA, 2023).

Great For:

• Busy families
  

• Home chefs
  

• People who want a clean, modern look

2. Granite: The Rugged Natural Beauty

Granite has long been a favorite because it’s natural, earthy, and incredibly durable.

Why Choose Granite?If you’re considering quartz countertops for kitchens, especially in a high-use family space, it’s hard to go wrong. You can explore quartz countertop styles from reputable brands like Cambria or Caesarstone.

Granite is 100% natural and mined from quarries, so every slab is unique.

Pros:

• Tough and heat-resistant
  

• Natural look with beautiful veining
  

• Adds resale value to your home

Cons:

• Needs to be sealed to prevent staining
  

• Can have natural imperfections (which some people love!)

🧠 Expert Tip: "If you're cooking a lot with oils and acids, make sure to seal granite at least once a year to keep it looking fresh." — Home Design Magazine, 2024.

Great For:

• Rustic or traditional kitchens
  

• Outdoor countertops (it handles weather well!)
  

• People who love natural stone

Granite continues to be a favored option for kitchen and outdoor surfaces in Milwaukee, perfect for wet bars and homes that appreciate natural elegance.

3. Marble: Timeless Elegance with a Bit of Drama

There’s nothing quite like marble. The veining, the texture, the cool-to-touch feel—it screams luxury.

But Is It Practical?

Pros:

• Absolutely stunning
  

• Naturally cool (great for baking)
  

• Timeless, upscale aesthetic

Cons:

• Prone to staining and etching (especially from citrus and wine)
  

• High maintenance

🧾 Stat Alert: In a 2023 survey by Houzz, only 11% of kitchen remodels used marble—primarily in luxury or specialty kitchens.

Great For:

• Pastry chefs and bakers
  

• Low-traffic kitchens
  

• Decorative use (islands, backsplashes, bathrooms)

If you adore marble but worry about maintenance, you can pair it with quartz countertops for kitchens in the main areas and save the marble for accents.

4. Soapstone, Porcelain & Other Options

Soapstone

• Soft, matte feel
  

• Darkens over time (beautiful aging!)
  

• Naturally heat-resistant

Porcelain

• Great for ultra-modern kitchens
  

• Very heat and scratch-resistant
  

• Can be used for wall panels and sinks

Concrete

• Industrial chic
  

• Customizable
  

• Requires sealing and may crack over time

How to Choose: Questions to Ask Yourself

Making the right choice starts with asking the right questions:

1. What’s your budget?
   Quartz and granite tend to be in the mid-to-high range. Marble and custom surfaces are premium.
   

2. How do you use your space?
   Heavy cooking? Go durable. Love baking? Marble might be worth it.
   

3. What’s your aesthetic?
   Rustic, modern, minimalist, eclectic?
   

4. Are you okay with maintenance?
   Some stones require sealing or regular care.

Real-Life Scenario: The Milwaukee Family Kitchen

Let’s bring it back to Milwaukee.

Meet the Thompsons—a family of five in Brookfield who just remodeled their kitchen. They chose quartz countertops for their kitchen from a local Milwaukee countertops provider. Here's why:

• They cook often
  

• They wanted a clean look
  

• Low maintenance was a must
  

• They wanted something to last 15+ years

Their verdict after 6 months?

“We love it. I wipe it down with a cloth, and it still looks like new. No stress, no stains, and no regrets.”

Sustainability & Ethics

Stone can be beautiful and responsible.