Specials Specials

Both travertine and granite are natural stones that are porous in nature. The main difference is the hardness. Granite is slightly harder than travertine.

Travertine is expensive because it is made of natural stone that can last a very long time. It is also very visually appealing.

There are sealants formulated specifically for travertine that are commercially available in the market.

Travertine will easily look dirty and worn out if left unsealed. Water and other chemicals can also easily stain the surface.

If properly sealed, travertine is relatively easy to clean and maintain.

Vinegar and other common acids are abrasive to travertine countertops. It is not recommended for use on travertine.

Quartz countertops are made of engineered stone, which is a mixture of about 93% crushed natural quartz, a hard mineral that’s abundant in the Earth's crust, and 7% binder and color additives. The quartz is ground and blended with resins, polymers, and pigments to create a non-porous, durable, and low-maintenance surface that’s resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. The result is a beautiful countertop that mimics the look of natural stone while providing consistent pattern and color.

Q Premium Natural Quartz is manufactured using internationally patented Bretonstone® system of Breton S.p.A., Italy, as well as state-of-the-art manufacturing systems across the globe.

It is a premium line manufactured using state of the art manufacturing systems with very strict quality guidelines.

The cost of granite varies depending on the type you choose, but can range anywhere from $35-$39 for a simple, yet beautiful, square foot of Santa Cecilia or Giallo Verona, to $65 for a square foot of the gorgeous and dynamic Blue Flower.

The thickness of the slabs is 2cm and 3 cm.

Cleaning quartz countertops is easy. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Wipe spills immediately, use a mild detergent solution, and rinse with warm water. 
• Use a soft-bristled brush for stubborn stains, then wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth. 
• Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads that can scratch the surface. Quartz cleaners are also available for specialized cleaning.
• Don’t use acidic or alkaline cleaning solutions like bleach, vinegar, or ammonia on quartz surfaces as they can be harmful to the surface. 
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and maintenance.

MSI Quartz can range between $60-$100 dollars. For the best quality and prices visit or call Granite Selection.

Caring for quartz countertops is simple. Our team has outlined several helpful tips: 

• Avoid cutting directly on the surface, and use cutting boards instead.
• Use trivets or hot pads when placing hot cookware or dishes on the countertop to prevent heat damage. 
• Avoid abrasive cleaners and pads that could scratch the surface. Wipe spills immediately to prevent stains from setting in. 
• Use a non-abrasive cleaner for daily cleaning and avoid harsh chemicals and acidic or alkaline solutions. 
• Periodically clean the surface with warm water and mild detergent. 
• Don’t use the countertop as a workbench or place heavy objects on it. 

By following these tips, you can prolong the life of your quartz countertops and keep them looking new for years to come.

Granite can set you back from $40 to $100 per square foot. For the best pricing and the choicest quality visit this page.

Although viewed as a low-maintenance material, to prolong the life of granite, there are some steps that need to be taken on a regular basis. For more information on the pros and cons of owning a granite countertop read our blogpost.

Marble countertops average at around $60 per square foot.

Marble has been known to last for over 100 years according to the National Association of Home Builders research.

Marble is more heat resistant than most natural stones. It can actually stand well when exposed to hot pots and pans.

Being of porous material, marble actually requires some form of regular maintenance to preserve its quality and prevent it from staining.

Although durable, marble is softer than naturals stones such as quartz and granite. You might want to be careful when using smart objects around your granite countertops.

Due to its porosity, marble can easily absorb liquids including water which is the most common material it is exposed to. Water may cause stains if left unattended.

Sealing is the most effective way to prevent stains on marble. On a daily basis, keeping it dry will also help by a lot.

Baking soda has been known as a cleaning agent for marble. However, you have to remember that baking soda has abrasive properties and prolonged exposure or leaving it on the marble surface may cause damage.

On average, choosing Silestone for your countertops will set you back around $50-$120 per square foot.

Silestone becomes expensive because of its high quality and cost of production. Being a top-end material, a lot is involved in its manufacturing.

Like most natural stones, direct high heat is harmful. This can be easily addressed by placing a heatproof mat.

Mild household cleaners or those specially formulated for quartz and natural stones should be your best bet.

Silestone is highly popular for its resistance to stains from acids and other chemicals. Although it might not usually stain, vinegar has inferior cleaning properties compared to formulated natural stones cleaners. Vinegar can be used however for cleaning out heavy water build-up.

Silestone is stain-resistant due to its fine and nonporous material.

Regular stone polish can be used to rejuvenate the shine of your Silestone Countertop.

Yes, a magic eraser can be used to clean quartz.

Cambria Quartz is manufactured by Cambria a top producer of engineered Quartz surfaces located in Le Sueur, Minnesota.

Cambria Quartz is a carefully engineered and manufactured surface designed to withstand almost any kitchen environment.

Cambria quartz can be more expensive than granite setting you back around $75-$110 per square foot but in exchange packs a lot of value. For more details on the comparison visit this page.

Although more heat resistant than most stones, being partially made of resin, Cambria quartz may not be suited for direct heat transfer. For more details read our blogpost.

It can range from $40 to $100 which is a bit pricey compared to other material however, it brings so many advantages to the table that for the right budget it might be just worth the price.

Although very durable and hardy, direct heat will impact the integrity of all stones. This can be easily resolved by placing a heat resistant coaster or rag to avoid direct exposure to heat.

Caesarstone has superior quality to most natural stones available in the market.

Blizzard, Linen and Mocha Caesarstone are most favored.

There are four-letter grades of Caesarstone starting with A the most affordable and D the top tier grade.

It is nonporous and stain-resistant.

This is probably one of the most popular questions about granite. This being said, black and tan granite slabs are the least expensive slabs. This is because of availability as mined granite from all over the world is usually in the darker shades. There is also quite the demand for these darker colored slabs.

There are several factors that can affect good pricing on granite. The color would be one of them, so it would be good to check out darker slabs first. To keep it economically friendly, we would also suggest buying granite wholesale. You can save a lot by buying from a direct distributor. Not to mention, that if you don’t need assistance with installation or measurement, you can buy it at a contractor's price.

The cost of granite counters can vary a lot depending on the color, edge profile, thickness, availability, and custom shapes used within the layout. With our supplier connections, we are able to offer the largest variety of natural stone and the most affordable prices in the Chicagoland area. Check out our Specials page to save even more on your dream kitchen and try our Instant quote tool to see how building the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams can fit into your budget.

Granite is composed primarily of feldspar, quartz, and mica. It starts off as liquid magma deep within the earth's core where it is cooled and compressed over millions of years under massive amounts of pressure. Once located by geologists, it is quarried, cut and polished. After that process, it can be applied in various ways like kitchen countertops, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds and other custom designs.

To keep the beauty of your granite countertops, proper sealing is needed for maintenance. It is professionally advised that you seal your granite once a year. But, this also depends on the need, the countertop usage and the porosity of the granite. It's always best that a professional is consulted beforehand.

We do our best to accurately depict our wide variety of stones online using high-end photography and editing. However, the color tones may not be 100% correct due to differences in computer systems, monitors, and compression algorithms. Also, granite is a natural material with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity, and pattern, etc. so each sample is more of a guideline of what the stone will look like. These variations are expected and desired as evidence of its natural beauty.

We suggest avoiding harsh chemicals on your granite countertop. Granite can be cleaned with any mild cleaner such as warm water with dish soap. Our Granite Selection experts will give you cleaning instructions for your specific stone after installation depending on the type of stone and your average daily wear and tear.

Being an igneous rock, Granite definitely has some heat resistance to it. Putting a hot pan on granite may not deal some immediate damage to the stone itself. But, it will to the sealant that coats it. This can cause some discoloration and further exposure to heat can make small cracks appear on the surface

One of the pitfalls of using natural stones is that most of them are porous to some extent. Granite has very little porosity and most colors will never show any moisture. However, to avoid the risk of stain, we suggest regularly getting your countertops sealed. Our Granite Selection installers will seal the countertops after they are installed to protect them from everyday wear and teach you how to care for your stone so it lasts a lifetime.

Technically, yes. Because granite is a natural material and is mined from the quarry in blocks usually no more than 10 feet long, you will most likely end up with seams. How much your seams show will also depend on the color and pattern of your stone. At Granite Selection, we use the LT-55 laser system to precisely measure your kitchen and cut your stone to your exact measurements with a CNC machine. This means that all seams are as small as technologically possible and usually undetectable.

Yes, at Granite Selection, our granite specialists will come to your home and assess the damage to your granite. It is very hard to damage granite, so if any damage occurs it can usually be fixed with a mixture of epoxy and ground up chips of granite. Call us today if you have damaged granite.

You can cantilever granite up to 14 inches from your counter if you are working with a large enough piece of stone and have sufficient structural stability with braces beneath. The thickness of your stone will also be a contributing factor. Never cantilever unsupported granite where it might receive excessive stress like someone sitting on a counter or stepping on a counter to change a light bulb.

It is extremely uncommon for granite to chip with regular, everyday use. Your granite kitchen countertop is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation, which is why, at Granite Selection, we use the Asinus 350 during transport and installation.

If you try hard enough, yes. However, only in cases of severe abuse with a hammer or impact tool will your granite kitchen countertop chip. If a chip does occur, it can be fixed using a granite dust and epoxy mixture. If a chip occurs on your countertop, do not throw out the chipped pieces. Granite Selection can use the free pieces to fix the countertop so that no one will be able to tell it was ever chipped.

Granite is actually formed within the earths crust by massive amounts of pressure and extreme heat; much hotter than you could ever get your pan. This means that it is extremely unlikely that a granite countertop would crack or discolor when exposed to a hot pan.

Granite is a crystalline structure, which means that often has tiny pits or spaces between the various mineral crystals. It's hard to detect them on larger pieces, like your countertop because we polish the stone and add a precision edging. Granite sometimes has natural fissures as well, which are not structural defects, but are often one of the biggest selling points of a stone. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty and desirability of stone and do not affect the function or durability of the material. If you desire a more uniformed look in your home, try one of our fabricated stones! They are just as durable and can be custom made to your specifications.

If you drop an excessive weight onto your countertop, yes, it can fracture. Because of its crystalline structure, granite can chip, fracture and break if subjected to sharp tipped hard objects with high impact. In terms of discoloration, unsealed granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect the structure or color of granite under normal circumstances.

No, you do not have to use a cutting board on your granite kitchen countertop. Granite is extremely hard and can withstand even the sharpest of knives. However, it’s not a good practice for your knives as it can cause them to dull in as little as one use. At Granite Selection, we recommend using a wooden or plastic cutting board to protect you knives and assist in clean up.

The industry standard for granite countertop thickness is typically around 3 centimeters for granite kitchen island countertops and 2 centimeters for bathroom granite and marble vanity tops. Thicker, 2-inch granite slabs have grown in popularity for interior design but do not add any significant structural advantages. Thicker granite slabs are much more rare and, therefore, more expensive, which is why they are most often used on smaller areas such as kitchen islands.

White countertops have been rising in popularity in the past decade. They just provide this pristine, minimalist ambiance to the room they are in. For this color, Quartz has been one of the most sought after natural stone. This also depends on the usage so white granite and white quartzite can both be good choices.

For aesthetics, you can never go wrong with the clean white. As they are also made from natural stone, they are sure to be strong and durable. You can also expect great stain and etch resistance from these countertops. You can check this link for all the details that you need to know before getting a white stone countertop for your home.

The past decade has seen a surge in the minimalist trend. This trend has manifested itself in food and clothing, so there's no surprise that it is popular with home design, too. The white gives you the big, open space feel with the air of cleanliness. This instantly gives the room a sleek, modern look that is always in style.

Your white or light-colored countertops can yellow over time due to the cleaners used. This is from a build up in the salts and acids found in surface cleaners and how often you expose them to it. Yellow stains can also appear if the surfaces are not cleaned properly with a neutral cleaner for stone. This should also be done at least once a week.

Neutral colors can guarantee that your environment is calm and relaxing. But, Beige definitely stands out for its warm, airy and beachy feeling. This color being neutral is bound to match easily with color swatches. Also, natural stone is always as elegant as they come. These two combined would definitely make for a good countertop for your home.

Beige, as a neutral color, can be paired well with other colors depending on the mood you are going for. It would also help if you can determine the undertone for your beige countertop. For warmer kitchen tones, it can go with rich browns and some subtle yellows. If you’d like to have a coastal feel, you can complement your cool-toned beige with some blue shades.

Oak cabinets are the ultimate display of classic and warm. Beige countertops should have the tones and shades that go well with them. For a stately looking kitchen, the perfect combination is necessary. You can check this link to explore the options we found are perfect for your oak cabinets.

Beige countertops are usually light-toned so any stain might readily be visible. To avoid this, just make sure to wipe off any acidic and staining spills right away. Also, make sure to use cleaners specific to stone surfaces if you can. This helps preserve the color of your countertops longer.

Scratches on your beige countertops can easily be visible. This would depend on the natural stone that was used. With this in mind, it's very important that you keep your surfaces free of very hot or very sharp items. Sealants can also help with the countertop being scratch resistant. A professional's insight is definitely necessary.

Black countertops are timeless and classy. They immediately add this elegant flair to any room they are in. And because black offers such a stark contrast, it'll be very easy to find any spill or crumb that needs wiping away. It is also this contrast that may make annoying stains like fingerprints may be particularly visible.

There shouldn’t be much difference with how easy clean-up goes for both dark and light countertops. Make sure to not use harsh or acidic cleaners for your black surfaces. Neutral stone cleaners, with warm water and a soft cloth, should be great for wiping your surfaces. Cleaning up after any mess right away will also be helpful.

Any sort of maintenance for your surface may not be all that convenient. But, it is necessary for preserving your surfaces. Absolute Black Honed Granite is a stone surface whose elegance you'll surely want to keep for a long time. To know all the details in doing so, you can check this link.

It's relatively easy to wipe any water spills off but hard water buildup can still stain your surfaces. Against the black, these stains would really be visible. To avoid this, just make sure that you have sealed your countertops. The application should also be checked every now and then.

The best thing about black is it complements any color, it being the darkest hue. It can top, as countertops do, any cabinet color. You can go for white cabinets for that stark contrast and if you want your countertop to pop out. If you want opulence, you can add a metallic tone, like gold, to your cabinet handles. Muted colors are also perfect for that homey touch.

Blue is a great color to get a countertop with. The challenge lies in designing around it or choosing the best shade for your existing cabinets. Any pros and cons come with the material you have chosen so it is best that you consult a professional for your blue options.

Blue countertops need the same maintenance as any countertop would. Maintenance would still depend on the natural stone used. Make sure that you wipe off any spills and messes right away with the appropriate cleaners. You should also avoid putting very hot and very sharp items on the surface. You should also seal your surfaces with natural stone sealants. The sealant should also be applied every now and then.

Blue is considered one of the most popular kitchen colors so blue countertops should be just as popular. Blue is a gorgeous color and will be perfect for tying together a calming coastal room. Blue countertops would also be great if you'd like a Southwestern kitchen feel. Many themes can be created with blue that your countertop can take the lead on.

With how cool the tones of blue are, a steel sink should fit right in. Steel sinks, combined with your countertops are sure to make it look modern, even futuristic. Adding metallic accents to the edges or the handles of your cabinets, or even your faucets will do a world of good, too.

To keep the vibrancy of your brown countertops, you should observe proper and timely care. Any liquid spills and crumbs need to be wiped off fast. The proper cleaners should also be used. You should take note of avoiding acidic or basic cleaners as they can do more harm than good. You should also get your surface's seal checked and reapplied as needed.

As brown is one of the common countertop colors, it's with the shades that you can set yours apart. A red-toned brown can make your counters look rich and will mesh well with darker palettes. For a gentler pop of color, coffee brown goes well with a neutral kitchen. Tan tones also go well with dark cabinets and a warm theme.

Tropical Brown countertops are a great color choice. It’s an opulent stone streaked with black and dark brown crystals which would make for a good statement piece. This countertop color usually goes well with white cabinets, and if you're up for it, with a dark glaze. Cream and yellow-toned white can go well with this countertop, too.

White and brown are a neutral match made in heaven. Brown countertops would be a great addition to a white kitchen. White is an excellent canvas for any kitchen artistic expression. If you would like to check other countertop colors that would go great with white, you can check this link.

Another neutral color, cream countertops can go with most kitchen colors as well. Its subtle tones can mellow out any strong colors for harmony. So, we do suggest pairing it up with dark cherry cabinets, especially for that country home feel. For more details on this absolutely wonderful combination, you can check this link.

Cream and white combined can give your kitchen a fresh and crisp feel. Not only are these colors soft and clean, but they also make for an inviting ambiance. You can jazz it up with some other pale accents, especially with the cabinet handles. But, you could never go wrong with going completely monochrome.

It doesn't take much to maintain your cream stone countertops. It only takes consistency and vigilance, and the right cleaning products. As soon as you spot a spill or some crumbs, have them wiped off right away with a soft dishcloth. Also, coordinate with a professional on the frequent sealing of your countertop. This allows it to stay beautiful longer.

Since the cream is a lighter color, recent water stains may not be all that visible. You must be alert with checking for cup rings, or liquid spills. Hard water stains may also cause discoloration over time so frequent sealing is a must, depending on the stone.

Your green countertop would most likely be a potent and bold addition to your kitchen. This countertop would go well with beige and cream cabinets. If you would like to add a more tropical, lush feel, you can color your cabinets a light brown. A muted green countertop would also look traditional against dark wooden cabinets.

Green is pretty loud but it is still a lovely countertop color. This color can be muted down some by choosing cabinets painted a subtle grey or cream. If your stone countertop has a veined pattern, check the color of the veins and get cabinet colors that match the vein. You can also use shades of black and white to tone down the color.

Admittedly, green is not as popular as the more neutral shades for countertop colors. But, the right shade of green can be just as trendy. Darker shades of green had been making their rounds as well as the muted green stone countertops. These shades make them easier to pair with other kitchen colors.

Green countertops are easy to maintain. All they will really need to preserve their beauty is consistency with the cleanup. Whether you use the appropriate cleaning materials matters, as well. Make sure you use natural stone cleaners when you can, along with a soft cloth to wipe off spills. Sealants will also help with your countertop's spill resistance. You have to check this frequently.

The pros and cons of your gray countertops would heavily depend on the material you used. Some materials are more porous and are thus, more prone to stains and scratches. The shade of your gray would also matter as it dictates how visible stains or spills can show on your surface. It is always best that a professional is consulted for your countertop choice.

Cleaning your gray countertops should be easy, as long as you are aware of the material used and what it needs. Most spills only require getting wiped off with a soft dishcloth and some warm, soapy water. For a mess that is harder to clean, make sure to use non-acidic cleaners. This is to ensure that your surface is not harmed by the cleaners' chemical components.

Gray is such a universal color that its shades are used to set a mood. Going monochrome gray, veering towards steel or metallic would make for a modern kitchen. Lighter grays would go well with soft, pastel hues while darker grays, with bold colored accents.

Your backsplash does not need to match your grey countertops. But, they do need to complement them or have a color that would harmonize with them and the rest of the room. If your grey countertop has some flecks or veins of another color, you can try matching your backsplash with it. You can also go for a gray backsplash, just a shade lighter or darker.

Quartz countertops are an engineered product, created by mixing ground quartz and resin. Quartzite is a natural stone, formed by immense heat and pressure on quartz sandstone. Quartzite is a hard, metamorphic rock that is much more durable than its engineered counterpart. While they often vary in price, quartzite can be a better investment due to its resilience and unique properties.

The selection of a material for your kitchen countertops or bathroom vanities should be done with extreme care since these surface areas can drastically define the look and feel of a room and they can be rather expensive. Like other types of countertop materials, granite has pros and cons that must be taken into consideration before making a big purchase. There are several features that are unique to granite that help contribute to its recent rise in popularity.
  GRANITE PROS:

• Granite contains a mixture of beauty and durability.
• Placing hot pans on it cannot damage it and it is resilient against scratches.
• It does not have to be expensive, you can find more affordable versions if you shop around.
• Uniqueness: No two pieces of granite are identical.
• Consistent Coloration: your granite counter to will always remain just as bright and as vibrant as the day it was installed.

  GRANITE CONS:

• Depending on the type of granite you choose, it can be pricey with the cost of the stone and installation.
• It’s porous: even with proper sealing and regular resealing, it can still stain.
• Requires resealing more often than most other surfaces.
• If any part of the granite cracks, that entire section will need to be replaced.

Natural quartzite countertops are an attractive and reliable alternative to marble. Quartzite has a similar aesthetic to some of the world's finest marbles, yet it is much more durable and resistant to wear and tear, including etching, scratching, and breaking. Moreover, depending on the variety of quartzite chosen, it may be a more affordable option than marble.

Quartzite is a hard and durable material for countertops. With proper care and maintenance, it can last a very long time. It is also rare and has unique patterns and designs that will be the envy of every guest and neighbor that walks through your kitchen halls.

Granite is a very hard, granular, crystalline, igneous rock consisting mainly of quartz, mica, and feldspar. It is available in a variety of colors that include mixtures of black, red, white and yellow depending on where it was formed. There are also different types of polishes that help to create unique slabs of granite that are ideal for distinctive and unique countertop surfaces. Granite, like most other natural stones, is hundreds and thousands of years old. When learning about granite countertops, you should know that just about all-natural stones possess a porous surface. This means, if they aren’t sealed correctly, liquids such as water and oil, which, in your kitchen, can cause staining and mold, can penetrate them. However, granite is still the second hardest natural stone compared to diamonds. Once sealed properly, it is more than durable enough for everyday use.

Quartzite is strong, durable and can go a long time without maintenance. A light once over with soapy water can be enough maintenance most of the time. Quartzite however can break in environments of extreme heat and the surface can easily be scratched by sharp metals. Some variants of quartzite may also require resealing from time to time. Given the rarity, the colors and patterns may be limited.

Granite comes from far below the earth’s surface and forms during a cooling process that can take of thousands of years. Over a long period of time, liquid magma is forced back and forth between different layers of rock. When it finally cools, it forms a solid layer of granite. Granite acquires its signature crystalline appearance from the trace mineral elements that are still attached to the surface after its cooling process. It is during this process that granite becomes an extremely hard and durable stone, making it perfect for countertops and vanities. Granite’s features depend on where in the world that particular portion of the rock was formed. Although granite is distributed vastly throughout the world, it is generally excavated in countries such as Africa, Spain, India, Brazil, China and Norway where there are a large number of granite quarries. Because the stone in each quarry is unique, knowledgeable experts are able to determine specifically where a particular piece of granite came from based solely on its color. Generally speaking, red and black granite is found in Egypt or a desert within the United States. White granite with gray specks is generally from China and finally, blue granite is generally from the coast of Africa.

Quartzite is among what they call maintenance-free surfaces. A once over with warm water and some soap will be all that you need on a daily basis.

Granite is mined from quarries, which are basically large pits or, in other words, excavation sites. The direction in which the granite rock will break, aka where it faults, is the easiest way to determine how a quarry will be set up and organized in order to obtain the largest possible mass of granite to be extracted. They do this because most people want a slab of granite in their kitchens as opposed to a mosaic of small granite pieces. Diamond wire and gang saws are used to cut through the rough blocks of granite in order to produce slabs of stone that are uniform in size. Diamond wires and diamond saws are most often used for cutting granite, as diamonds and granite are the closest materials on earth in regard to durability. The final step in the quarrying of granite is cutting it into useable sizes. If the granite is going to be used for countertops and bathroom vanities, it is measured, cut and polished into manageable shapes and dimensions and shipped to warehouses and showrooms.

Heat is the kryptonite of quartzite. As the material is made from high heat and pressure, it is also reactive to the same. The good news is, a towel or rag might be all you need to keep your quartzite countertops safe.

Just like most natural stones, prolonged, and repeated exposure to acid may cause stains. Although quartzite is mostly resistant to household acids from drinks, cleaning agents, and fruits, it would be best to wipe them off after exposure.

Being a naturally porous stone, quartzite is still known to absorb water. This quality will mean that prolonged and repeated exposure especially to standing water may cause stains over time. Sealing and constant cleaning and drying will easily prevent this.

Quartzite countertops in Chicago will set you back around $60 to $100 per square foot. This is attributed to its design, rarity and durability.