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How Granite Countertops Add Long-Term Value to Wichita Homes: Insights for Buyers Ready to Upgrade

For many Wichita homeowners, upgrading countertops is more than a design decision. It is a practical investment that enhances daily function, boosts home value, and improves how a space feels and performs. Granite countertops, in particular, remain one of the most reliable long‑term upgrades available. As a natural stone known for strength and distinctive beauty, granite appeals to homeowners who want lasting value without complicated upkeep.

If you are close to selecting your new counters, here is how granite increases both comfort and resale potential in Wichita, Andover, Maize, Derby, and nearby communities.

A Timeless Upgrade Buyers Recognize Immediately

Real estate surveys consistently show that kitchens influence home buying decisions more than any other space. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR Kitchen & Bath Insights), nearly 55% of homebuyers say updated kitchen features significantly affect their willingness to purchase. Granite supports this trend because buyers instantly recognize it as a premium, long‑lasting surface.

Each slab is naturally formed and completely unique. Granite offers veining, mineral patterns, and color variations created over millions of years, giving homeowners a one‑of‑a‑kind focal point that does not feel manufactured or repetitive. This natural individuality makes a strong first impression during showings and adds visual appeal that endures across design trends.

Durability That Supports Real‑Life Wichita Living

Granite is one of the toughest natural stones used in homes. On the Mohs hardness scale, it rates just below diamond, which means it holds up exceptionally well to long‑term use. For busy households in Wichita, this gives granite practical advantages:

  • Heat resistance: Granite can tolerate high temperatures, so setting a standard hot pot on the counter will not damage the surface.
  • Scratch resistance: Normal cooking tools and utensils will not scratch granite. In many cases, knives become dull before the surface shows any wear.
  • Stain resistance with proper sealing: Once sealed by a professional fabricator, granite becomes highly resistant to spills and less susceptible to bacteria.

Many granite countertops last 100 years or more when maintained correctly. This longevity provides homeowners with value that extends far beyond the typical remodel cycle.

Granite Improves Resale Potential Throughout Wichita Neighborhoods

Whether you live in College Hill, Eastborough, Bel Aire, or one of Wichita’s newer developments, granite adds a level of quality that buyers are actively searching for. A 2024 study from Houzz (Houzz Kitchen Trends Study) found that natural stone countertops remain among the top three most desired kitchen upgrades** during home shopping.

While upgraded countertops do not offer a guaranteed monetary return, real estate agents frequently report that homes with natural stone show better, generate more interest, and support higher offer prices. Granite also offers long‑term design versatility. Its natural variations complement modern, traditional, farmhouse, and transitional styles without looking dated.

A Strong Choice for Outdoor Kitchens and Entertainment Spaces

Outdoor kitchens continue to grow in demand in Kansas. Granite performs well outside because of its natural resistance to heat, weather changes, and fluctuating temperatures. However, not all granite slabs behave the same. Exotic varieties that contain resin are not suited for outdoor conditions since UV exposure can affect the finish.

Working with an experienced fabricator helps homeowners choose the right granite for exterior conditions while maintaining a smooth finish throughout the year.

Professional Fabrication Protects Long‑Term Value

The value of granite depends heavily on how well it is fabricated and installed. Precision matters because natural stone must be measured, cut, reinforced, and mounted correctly to prevent long‑term issues.

A quality fabrication team:

  • Aligns the slab layout with the room’s focal points
  • Produces tight, clean seams
  • Strengthens edges to reduce the chance of chipping
  • Completes sealing to support stain resistance
  • Ensures the countertop is fully supported and level

These steps have a direct impact on how well the surface performs over the next several decades.

A Practical and High‑Value Upgrade for Wichita Homeowners

Granite countertops give homeowners a combination of natural beauty, structural durability, and long‑term value that few other materials can match. From daily functionality to increased resale appeal, granite continues to be a smart upgrade for homeowners in Wichita and the surrounding region.

Ready to Explore Granite for Your Wichita Home?

Artistic Marble & Granite provides in‑house fabrication, material guidance, and a wide selection of high‑quality granite slabs. If you’re ready to enhance your kitchen or bathroom with a durable, value‑boosting surface, our team is here to help.

Visit our Wichita showroom or request a free consultation to begin your project.

The Best Wood for Countertops: Choosing the Right Surface for Your Kitchen

Wood countertops have made a remarkable comeback in kitchen design, offering warmth, natural beauty, and timeless appeal. While stone surfaces like granite and quartz remain popular, wood is increasingly being used for kitchen islands, butcher blocks, and accent surfaces. 

Choosing the best wood for countertops depends on your style, budget, and how you plan to use your kitchen. This guide explores the most durable and attractive wood species, their benefits, and maintenance tips.

Why Homeowners Love Wood Countertops

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), natural materials such as wood are seeing renewed popularity, especially in kitchens that blend modern design with rustic or organic elements. Beyond aesthetics, wood provides a surface that’s renewable, repairable, and more eco-friendly than many synthetic materials.

1. Maple: The Classic Choice

Maple is one of the most common woods used for countertops and butcher blocks. It’s dense, durable, and light in color, making it a versatile choice for both modern and traditional kitchens. Maple resists wear and tear, and its fine grain makes it ideal for food preparation areas. According to Fine Woodworking Magazine, maple ranks 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, giving it excellent durability.

2. Walnut: Rich Color and Luxury Appeal

Walnut offers deep brown tones and striking grain patterns, adding sophistication to any kitchen. While softer than maple, walnut’s natural beauty and color depth make it a favorite for decorative islands or bar tops. Its Janka hardness rating is around 1010, providing a balance between resilience and workability.

3. Cherry: A Timeless Favorite

Cherry wood darkens beautifully with age, developing a rich patina over time. It’s a medium-hard wood that combines elegance with practicality, making it a great choice for homeowners who appreciate natural color changes. Cherry’s reddish-brown tones pair beautifully with marble or granite accents.

4. Oak: Strength and Character

Oak is a traditional favorite known for its prominent grain and exceptional strength. Available in both red and white varieties, oak ranks between 1290 and 1360 on the Janka scale. Its durability makes it suitable for high-traffic kitchens or busy households. It also accepts stains well, allowing for a wide range of design options.

5. Teak: Naturally Water-Resistant

For homeowners who love durability and low maintenance, teak stands out as one of the best wood options for countertops. Naturally rich in oils, teak resists water damage and decay, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. The Forest Products Laboratory (U.S. Department of Agriculture) notes that teak’s natural oils help prevent warping and cracking, even in humid environments.

Maintenance and Care Tips

While wood countertops are durable, they require regular care to stay beautiful:

  • Oil Regularly: Use food-safe mineral oil to maintain moisture and prevent cracking.
  • Avoid Standing Water: Wipe up spills promptly to protect the surface.
  • Use Cutting Boards: Prevent scratches by avoiding direct cutting on the surface.
  • Sand and Refinish: Unlike stone, wood can be sanded and refinished to restore its original appearance.

Eco-Friendly Benefits

Sustainably sourced wood is one of the most environmentally friendly countertop materials available. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recognizes wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as a renewable resource that contributes to eco-conscious design.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best wood for countertops depends on your needs—whether it’s the strength of maple, the luxury of walnut, or the resilience of teak. Each offers a unique balance of functionality and charm that can elevate your kitchen’s design. With proper care, wood countertops can last for decades, bringing warmth and natural beauty to your home.

Ready to explore countertop materials? Contact Artistic Marble & Granite today to discuss custom countertop options that bring craftsmanship and style to your kitchen.

Quartzite Countertop Project in Wichita, KS

Quartzite Countertop Project in Wichita, KS

Project Backstory

This kitchen renovation showcases the refined elegance of White Lux Quartzite, a natural stone known for its luminous white background and soft, flowing veining. Chosen for both countertops and backsplash, White Lux Quartzite creates a seamless, unified look that enhances space and light. The polished finish reflects natural light beautifully, adding brightness and sophistication to the room. Highly durable and heat resistant, quartzite provides lasting strength and timeless beauty for everyday kitchen use.

The continuous use of White Lux Quartzite across surfaces eliminates visual breaks, creating a clean, modern design. Its subtle veining complements both warm and cool tones, offering versatility with cabinetry and fixtures. Easy to maintain and resistant to scratches, this quartzite surface blends functionality with elegance. This project shows how White Lux Quartzite countertops and backsplash elevate a kitchen into a bright, cohesive centerpiece that combines natural beauty with long-term durability.

Material used: Quartzite

Location: Wichita, KS

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about our quartzite countertops here.

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Quartzite is a natural stone formed when sandstone undergoes intense heat and pressure within the Earth’s crust. This process fuses the quartz grains together, creating an extremely hard and dense surface. Because of its durability and striking veining, quartzite is often chosen as a natural alternative to marble for countertops and backsplashes.

Yes. Quartzite is one of the most durable natural stones available for countertops. It ranks 7–8 on the Mohs hardness scale—harder than glass or steel knife blades—and is highly resistant to scratches, heat, and everyday wear. When properly sealed, quartzite also resists stains and moisture, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

Quartzite is a porous material, so sealing helps prevent liquids from penetrating the surface and causing stains. Most fabricators recommend sealing quartzite annually or as needed, depending on usage. For daily care, simply wipe the surface with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasives to preserve the stone’s natural polish and long-lasting beauty.

What our Customers are Saying

"We've used Artistic for countertops in our kitchen remodel and three bathrooms now. Great quality and outstanding service every time. On our latest bathroom project, Holly was especially helpful, the process smooth and stress-free. We highly recommend Artistic for anyone looking for top-notch craftsmanship and exceptional customer service."
Kooper S.
Past Customer
"I would highly recommend Artistic Marble! I worked with Jaimee and I was not the easiest client. I was looking for a very specific looking quartzite for my full kitchen remodel. He pulled slabs for me, stayed late at work to accommodate my work hours, and we finally had to end up searching for a bundle online. He found the PERFECT bundle and the install went smoothly. I just love my waterfall island and countertops."
Erica V.
Past Customer
If you need help with your project, give us a call today (316) 944-8713 or click here to get a quote.
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How Countertop Thickness Impacts Perceived Kitchen Luxury

When it comes to designing a luxurious kitchen, it’s not just the material or color of the countertops that makes an impact—the thickness plays a major role, too. The subtle visual cue of a thicker edge can shift a kitchen from builder-basic to custom-crafted in an instant. For homeowners, designers, and builders alike, understanding the influence of countertop thickness can elevate not just aesthetics, but long-term satisfaction.

The Standard vs. The Statement

Standard countertop thickness typically ranges from 2cm (approximately 3/4″) to 3cm (approximately 1-1/4″). While both can be used in residential kitchens, the 3cm slab is often associated with higher-end projects. It creates a more robust, sculptural appearance, especially in open kitchens with island focal points.

Thinner profiles can still look beautiful, especially in modern or minimalist designs, but they may require build-ups (laminated edges) to appear thicker, which can sometimes read as less authentic to trained eyes.

Pro Tip: Go thicker on islands and focal areas for a designer impact. Use standard thickness on perimeter counters to balance cost and keep the room from feeling visually heavy.

Why Thickness Communicates Luxury

  • Visual Weight & Presence: A thicker countertop visually anchors the space. It draws the eye and communicates permanence—key qualities of upscale kitchen design.
  • Edge Profile Flexibility: Thicker slabs allow for more detailed edge treatments like ogee, bullnose, or mitered waterfall edges. These intricate designs aren’t just decorative—they signal custom craftsmanship.
  • Structural Integrity: Especially with natural stones like granite and quartzite, thicker slabs tend to be more resistant to cracking during fabrication or transport. This reduces the need for reinforcement and offers peace of mind during installation.
  • Material Truth: For discerning homeowners and designers, using a full-thickness slab instead of a laminated edge sends a signal of quality and honesty in design.

Materials and Thickness Considerations

Different materials carry thickness differently. For instance:

  • Granite and Quartzite: These stones are naturally dense and durable. Choosing 3cm thickness for these materials enhances their natural beauty and reduces the need for plywood support.
  • Quartz: Engineered quartz often comes in both 2cm and 3cm options. While 2cm may suit bathroom vanities or vertical applications, 3cm remains the preferred choice for kitchens where durability and luxury matter.
  • Marble: Due to its softer nature, marble in 3cm helps minimize the risk of chipping at edges and corners—particularly useful in busy kitchens.
  • Porcelain: Often available in thinner formats (1.2cm or even less), porcelain creates a sleek, ultra-modern aesthetic. However, it may require mitered edge builds to give the illusion of thickness and reduce the risk of chipping.

Pro Tip: Consult your fabricator about edge buildup vs. full-slab thickness. A seamless mitered edge on a waterfall island can mimic the luxury of thicker stone while optimizing material use.

How Designers and Builders Use Thickness Strategically

Interior designers and custom homebuilders often use countertop thickness to cue style direction:

  • Modern kitchens may lean toward thinner slabs with sharp edges.
  • Traditional kitchens benefit from thicker counters and ornate edge details.
  • Transitional styles blend the two—a thicker slab with a soft eased edge keeps it timeless.

For commercial projects or high-traffic homes, going with a thicker, more durable slab also reduces long-term wear concerns.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget vertical applications—a full-thickness backsplash or bookmatched waterfall edge can dramatically elevate perceived value.

Final Thoughts: Think Beyond the Surface

When planning a kitchen countertop upgrade, remember: thickness isn’t just a technical detail. It’s a design decision that influences style, durability, and resale value.

Whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation or working on new construction, our team at Artistic Marble & Granite can help you find the right balance of form and function.

Ready to make a bold impression with the right countertop thickness?

Contact Artistic Marble & Granite today to schedule a free design consultation. Whether you’re a homeowner, designer, or builder, we bring precision craftsmanship and decades of expertise to every project.

How to Incorporate Dark Marble Countertops for a Bold and Sophisticated Look

When it comes to luxury materials, marble stands out as the pinnacle of what you can expect in a countertop. There’s nothing that comes close to matching its look and feel, and if you have an airy, open space, light marble is about the most beautiful choice you can make.

But what if you want a space that feels more intimate? Dark marble is sophisticated, sleek, and– dare we say it?– even a little sexy. When you want a space that’s sure to impress, dark marble is an amazing choice. Here’s how to style this remarkable stone in your home.

Pairing With Lighter Cabinetry

One of the most effective ways to highlight the beauty of dark marble is by pairing it with lighter cabinetry. The contrast between dark countertops and white or pale-toned cabinets creates visual interest and a sense of depth. In kitchens, this high-contrast pairing can make the entire room feel brighter while allowing the marble to stand out as the centerpiece.

The same applies in bathrooms, where white vanities topped with deep charcoal or black marble create a spa-like sophistication. Whether polished or honed, the finish of the marble will influence how much light it reflects, offering flexibility based on the mood you want to create.

Embracing Monochrome For Drama

For those seeking a bolder aesthetic, dark marble countertops can anchor a fully monochromatic design. Black cabinets paired with black marble can look sleek and architectural, especially when metallic hardware or open shelving is added for contrast. To avoid a space feeling too heavy, lighting becomes especially important. Under-cabinet lighting, pendant fixtures, and reflective surfaces help maintain balance and prevent the room from feeling too closed in– but more on that shortly.

Using Lighting To Enhance Depth

Dark surfaces absorb more light than lighter materials, so thoughtful lighting design is essential. Pendant lighting over an island or task lighting under cabinets ensures the marble’s character is visible and appreciated. The more light that reaches the surface, the more pronounced the veining and natural details will appear.

Glossy finishes amplify this effect, reflecting ambient and direct light to highlight subtle color shifts and mineral patterns. Matte finishes create a softer, more understated appearance while still maintaining depth.

Highlighting Veining As Art

Every slab of marble is unique, and darker varieties often feature dramatic veining that can act as a design focal point. Instead of hiding this natural beauty, let it shine. A waterfall edge, for example, can carry the veining pattern down the sides of an island, turning the countertop into a sculptural feature. In open-concept kitchens or large bathrooms, consider choosing slabs with bookmatched veining, where the mirrored patterns create a sense of symmetry and movement.

Blending With Wood And Natural Materials

To bring warmth into a room with dark marble, incorporating natural elements like wood is an effective strategy. Mid-toned or warm wood cabinetry softens the starkness of darker stone and brings a grounded, organic feel to the space. Open wood shelving, butcher block accents, or wood-paneled walls can all play a role in creating contrast that feels inviting without diminishing the impact of the marble. This mix of materials is especially useful in transitional designs, where the goal is to merge modern aesthetics with more traditional textures and finishes.

Incorporate Luxury That Lasts

Marble has always been a material associated with luxury, and darker variations bring a contemporary twist to this timeless stone. When properly sealed and maintained, marble countertops perform well in both kitchens and bathrooms, providing a functional surface with unmatched visual appeal.

At Artistic Marble & Granite, we specialize in helping you select the perfect marble slab to match your vision. Whether you’re designing a bold modern space or a classic room with a twist, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free quote for your countertop project!

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