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Today’s column comes from deep down the rabbit hole I fell into while researching what kind of counter material I would like if I ever remodel my kitchen … which is looking less likely given how hard this decision is. Do I want quartz, quartzite, granite, marble, soapstone, butcher block, concrete, ceramic tile, Corian?

Designer Sally Ward was helping me create a plan, before I tear up my kitchen and relegate my family to microwaving dinners in the bathroom and doing dishes with the hose.

My 20-year-old kitchen is in good shape, but I’m ready for a fresher look. We’ll keep the overall layout and my medium-brown kitchen cabinets, which match the cabinetry throughout the house. But we’ll replace the dark granite counters, so trendy in the 1990s, with something light, swap out the hardware and replace appliances on their last legs.

“All our design decisions are going to hinge on what you pick for your counters,” Ward said, as she assigned homework. I was supposed to read about counter materials and visit stone suppliers.

I quickly learned that the countertop world falls into two camps: natural stone and manufactured materials. Turns out quartz counters, which sound natural, are actually engineered out of quartz particles and resin. And quartzite, which sounds manufactured, is a natural stone. Granite, marble and soapstone fall into the natural stone category, too.

Because most homeowners want light counters today, Ward usually leans toward engineered quartz or quartzite. “I rarely use granite anymore,” she says, “and I avoid marble in a kitchen because it scratches, stains and can show water rings.”

I visit two stone warehouses, where I walk past hundreds of slabs the size of billboards, all displayed on their edges like dominos.

At the OHM International stone warehouse, I talk to general manager John Frew, who’s been in the stone business for more than 25 years. I must look wrung out, because he offers me a slice of pizza and an ice water. Of the slabs he sells, Frew estimates half are quartz, 25% are granite because of its relatively lower prices, 15% are quartzite and 5% are marble.

“Choose the material that’s practical for you,” he advises, “then pick your look.”

By the end of my excursion, I’m leaning toward quartzite because it has options with warm undertones that will work with my existing cabinets. My neighbor, however, recently remodeled her kitchen and chose quartz. Her kitchen is beautiful.

“I never thought I would buy quartz,” she told me, “but I couldn’t find a quartzite that was white enough.” Now she loves it.

For those venturing into this rabbit hole, here’s a quick countertop primer:

Quartz: Made by brands such as Caesarstone, Pompeii, Silestone and Cambria, quartz is the most popular choice for counters today. It’s durable, easy to care for, looks like stone and, since it’s fabricated, comes in various colors. Ideal for high traffic kitchens, quartz resists chips, scratches and stains. “You can cook all you want, and it stays pristine,” my neighbor said. The downsides: because of its resin base, prolonged sun exposure can cause it to yellow (not good for outdoor kitchens), and you can’t set a hot pan on it the way you can with granite or quartzite.

Quartzite: This hard natural stone offers the look of marble and hardness of granite, making it a top choice for kitchens. It resists scratching, chipping and etching. Though it comes in many colors and patterns, the lighter versions often have grey, cream, gold or taupe undertones. If you’re in the habit of putting a hot pot or serving dish directly on your counter (yes), this is a good choice. Like other natural stones, quartzite requires periodic sealing, an easy process homeowners can do themselves.Related Articles Home and Garden | After Hurricane Ian: 21 ways to take better care of our planet Home and Garden | Home Decor: After 20 years, it may be time for a remodel Home and Garden | Houzz 2022 study: Bathroom remodelers reveal top trends Home and Garden | Home decor: What does your home say about you?

Marble: Though classic and beautiful, marble is softer than granite, quartzite or quartz. Most experts steer clients away from marble in the kitchen because it stains easily and etches if anything acidic, like lemon or tomato juice, gets on it.

Granite: This natural stone is as strong as quartzite and generally less expensive. It remains a good choice for outdoor kitchens.

Soapstone: A softer stone, which comes in shades from medium gray to black, soapstone makes a dramatic statement, but will show fingerprints, watermarks and grease, which make it less desirable for a kitchen.

Marni Jameson is the author of six home and lifestyle books. Reach her at www.marnijameson.com.

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