Countertops

Jan 21 2026

Marble vs Granite: Pros, Cons, and What Works Best for Kansas Homes

Choosing between marble and granite is one of the most common decisions Kansas homeowners face when planning a kitchen or bath renovation. Both materials are natural stone. Both add long-term value. But they behave very differently once installed, especially in homes across Wichita and surrounding Kansas communities where kitchens are built for daily use, not display only.

Understanding how marble and granite perform in real homes helps homeowners, designers, and builders make decisions that hold up over time.

How Kansas Homes Use Their Kitchens

Kansas kitchens tend to be practical spaces. Families cook often, entertain regularly, and expect surfaces to handle real activity. That context matters when selecting stone.

Temperature swings throughout the year, frequent use, and open kitchen layouts mean countertops are always on display. Wear patterns become visible quickly, so material choice directly affects long-term satisfaction.

Granite Countertops: Strength and Everyday Reliability

Granite is often chosen for its durability and predictability. As an igneous natural stone, it handles heat well and resists scratches under normal kitchen use.

Pros of Granite

Handles hot cookware better than many surfaces
Less prone to visible scratching
Stands up well to busy kitchens
Natural variation gives each slab a unique look

Cons of Granite

Patterns can be bold and unpredictable
Edges can chip if struck with force
Requires thoughtful selection to match cabinetry

Granite works especially well for households that cook frequently or for builders who want a material that appeals to a broad range of buyers.

Pro tip: When selecting granite, view full slabs in person rather than relying on small samples. The movement and color shifts across a slab matter more than the sample piece.

Marble Countertops: Visual Appeal with Tradeoffs

Marble has long been associated with classic kitchens and refined interiors. Designers often favor marble for its soft veining and lighter color range.

Pros of Marble

Clean, timeless appearance
Stays naturally cool, helpful for baking tasks
Surface scratches blend into the stone over time

Cons of Marble

More sensitive to acids and spills
Shows etching from common kitchen ingredients
Requires careful daily habits

Marble is best suited for homeowners who appreciate natural wear as part of the stone’s character or for spaces where cooking is lighter.

Pro tip: Honed marble finishes make etching less noticeable than polished surfaces, which can help marble age more evenly in Kansas kitchens.

Maintenance Expectations Matter More Than Looks

One of the biggest differences between marble and granite is how they respond to daily habits. Granite tends to forgive missed cleanups. Marble asks for attention.

Kansas homeowners who prefer straightforward maintenance often lean toward granite. Those working closely with designers and willing to adjust kitchen routines may enjoy marble long-term.

Pro tip: Be honest about how your kitchen is used. A material that fits your routine will always feel like the better choice.

Resale Value in the Kansas Market

Both marble and granite add value, but they attract different buyers.

Granite appeals to buyers looking for function and durability. Marble attracts design-focused buyers who value aesthetics and are comfortable with patina.

In Wichita and nearby areas, granite typically has broader resale appeal. Marble can still be a strong selling point when paired with thoughtful design and clear maintenance expectations.

Fabrication and Installation Make the Difference

Stone selection is only half the equation. Proper fabrication and installation directly affect how countertops perform over time.

Accurate templating, clean seams, and proper support help prevent issues regardless of material. This is especially important with marble, which is more forgiving visually but less forgiving structurally.

Which Stone Works Best for Your Project?

There is no universal answer. Granite fits high-use kitchens and builder projects. Marble fits design-forward spaces and homeowners who value character over perfection.

For mixed-use households, granite is often the safer long-term choice. For statement kitchens or baking-focused spaces, marble can still shine when expectations are clear.

Pro tip: Bring cabinet samples and flooring selections when choosing stone. Lighting and surrounding materials change how both marble and granite read in a finished space.

Ready to Choose the Right Stone?

Marble and granite both offer lasting value when selected with purpose and installed correctly. The best choice comes down to how the space will be used and how you want it to age.

If you are renovating a kitchen, building a new home, or specifying stone for a project in Wichita, KS, contact Artistic Marble & Granite. Their team helps homeowners, designers, and builders select the right material and guides each project from slab selection through installation.

Start your project with confidence and choose a countertop that works for how Kansas homes truly live.

Dec 11 2025

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.

Oct 21 2025

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.

Aug 19 2025

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.

Jul 15 2025

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!