Countertop Showdown: Finding The Perfect Surface For Your Space
From natural beauty to modern marvels — pros, cons, and who they’re best for.
Countertops do a lot more than just hold your coffee cup. They set the tone for your kitchen or bathroom, take the brunt of your daily activities, and (if chosen right) make your space look amazing for years. But with so many materials out there — from timeless marble to ultra-modern man-made surfaces — how do you choose?
We’re breaking it down into Natural Stone and Man-Made Surfaces so you can see what works for your lifestyle, your style, and your budget. Bonus: we’ve even included notes on which materials hold up best outdoors.
If you want some design inspiration before diving in, check out The Spruce’s 2025 Countertop Trends.
NATURAL STONE
(Mined from the earth — each slab is truly one-of-a-kind)
Because natural stone is formed naturally in the earth, no two slabs are exactly alike. This means you get something truly unique, but it also means color, veining, and pattern can vary a lot — even within the same type of stone.
OUR TIP: always see the actual slab you’re considering in person before making your final decision. Pictures online or small samples don’t always tell the full story.
Granite
A classic in the countertop world. Known for its durability and variety of patterns, granite is heat-resistant and comes in a wide range of colors.
PROS:
Highly durable and scratch-resistant
Handles heat well
Unique, natural variations in every slab
Works well outdoors
CONS:
Needs periodic sealing to prevent stains
Some patterns/colors can feel dated if not chosen carefully
Can chip on edges if hit hard
BEST FOR:
Busy families who want a natural stone with low maintenance needs and plenty of style options.
See granite options locally at Lincoln Laminating or MSI Omaha.
Quartzite
Often mistaken for marble because of its veining, quartzite is harder and more resistant to scratching and etching.
PROS:
Very durable and heat-resistant
Natural marble-like look without the high maintenance
UV-resistant — great for outdoor kitchens
CONS:
Needs sealing (less often than granite)
Limited color range compared to granite or quartz
BEST FOR:
Homeowners who love the look of marble but want something tougher and more low-maintenance.
Read more: Quartz vs. Quartzite — What’s the Difference?
Marble
Elegant, timeless, and perfect for a luxury feel. Known for its veining and cool surface temperature (great for bakers).
PROS:
Timeless, high-end look
Naturally cool surface — ideal for pastry work
Ages into a “patina” that some love
CONS:
Easily stained and etched by acids (wine, citrus, vinegar)
Scratches more easily than other stones
Needs frequent sealing
BEST FOR:
The entertainer or design-lover who’s okay with a little wear-and-tear for the sake of beauty.
Read more: Marble Care Tips — Natural Stone Institute
Soapstone
Smooth, soft to the touch, and naturally non-porous. Soapstone has a deep, matte look that darkens over time.
PROS:
No sealing needed
Heat and stain-resistant
Develops a rich patina
CONS:
Softer surface — can dent or scratch
Limited color range (greys, charcoals, blacks)
BEST FOR:
Those who love a rustic, old-world feel and don’t mind character marks over time.
Read More: Looking for some soapstone inspiration? - The Spruce
Slate
A more understated natural stone with a matte finish, often in darker shades.
PROS:
Non-porous — no sealing needed
Scratch and heat-resistant
Affordable compared to marble or quartzite
CONS:
Limited color range
Can chip if edges are thin
BEST FOR:
Homeowners who want a budget-friendly natural stone with minimal maintenance.
Read More: Learn how to care for slate countertops.
MAN-MADE SURFACES
(Engineered for performance, consistency, and often lower maintenance)
Man-made surfaces are created by combining natural materials with resins, pigments, or other binders to produce a consistent, durable product. Unlike natural stone, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting from sample to installation — the color and pattern are uniform across slabs. Many are designed to solve the biggest challenges of natural stone, like staining, etching, or maintenance. These materials can also mimic the look of marble, concrete, or other surfaces while adding benefits like no sealing, more color choices, and, in some cases, better durability.
OUR TIP: If you want consistency and minimal upkeep, man-made surfaces are hard to beat — just keep in mind that not all are ideal for outdoor use.
Quartz
Engineered from natural quartz crystals and resin, quartz is a non-porous surface with endless color and pattern options.
PROS:
Extremely durable and low-maintenance
No sealing required
Wide variety of colors and patterns (including marble-look)
CONS:
Not as heat-resistant as natural stone
Can discolor in direct sunlight (not ideal outdoors)
BEST FOR:
Busy families who want a worry-free, easy-to-clean surface that still looks high-end.
Read more: Quartz Countertop Guide — The Spruce
Dekton
An ultra-compact surface made from porcelain, glass, and quartz. Designed for extreme durability indoors and out.
PROS:
Resistant to heat, scratches, stains, and UV rays
Great for indoor and outdoor kitchens
Modern, sleek look
CONS:
Can be more expensive than quartz or granite
Brittle edges if not handled properly during install
BEST FOR:
Those who want a near-indestructible, modern surface — especially for outdoor spaces.
Read more: Dekton by Cosentino
Concrete
Customizable and industrial-chic, concrete can be cast into any shape and tinted in endless colors.
PROS:
Fully customizable in shape and finish
Can integrate sinks or unique edge profiles
Heat-resistant
CONS:
Requires sealing to prevent stains
Can develop hairline cracks over time
Heavy — may require additional structural support
BEST FOR:
Design-forward homeowners who want a completely custom, one-of-a-kind look.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Concrete Countertops - Signature Kitchens
Butcher Block
Warm, natural wood countertop that adds texture and softness to a kitchen.
PROS:
Warm, inviting appearance
Can be sanded and refinished if damaged
Great for baking or prep areas
CONS:
Requires regular oiling
Susceptible to scratches, burns, and water damage
Not great for heavy-use sink areas
BEST FOR:
Those who want warmth and charm, or a mixed-material kitchen with wood as an accent surface.
Read more: How to care for your butcher block countertops - The DIY Playbook
Laminate
A budget-friendly option made from layers of paper and resin over particleboard.
PROS:
Very affordable
Tons of colors, patterns, and edge styles
Easy to clean
CONS:
Not heat-resistant
Can chip or peel over time
Not repairable once damaged
BEST FOR:
Budget-conscious homeowners, rental properties, or spaces where heavy wear isn’t a concern.
FINAL TIPS
Think about how you use your space — A family with three kids may value durability over luxury patina.
Consider maintenance — Some stones age gracefully with minimal care, others need regular sealing.
Don’t forget about lighting and cabinets — Your countertop should complement, not compete with, the rest of your design.
Outdoor kitchens need UV and weather-resistant materials — Quartzite, granite, and Dekton are your best bets.
Where to shop in Nebraska
LINCOLN
Lincoln Laminating — Local source for natural stone slabs, remnants, and custom fabrication. Great place to view full slabs before purchase.
A1 Cabinet & Granite — Large on-site inventory of granite, quartz, and marble slabs with over 60 colors to choose from.
Cambria Quartz Showroom Locator — Find Lincoln-area Cambria partners to view quartz samples and designs in person.
OMAHA
MSI Omaha Showroom — Large slab warehouse and showroom for granite, quartz, and quartzite. Offers in-person and virtual slab selection.
UGM Surfaces Omaha — Extensive natural stone and quartz inventory, with the ability to view and select your actual slab.
Emser Tile Omaha — Specializes in tile products (not slabs) but a great resource for coordinating backsplashes and surface materials.
