Month: June 2025

Choosing the right countertops is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a kitchen remodel. Your countertops not only serve as a functional workspace but also set the tone for your kitchen’s style and feel. With so many materials available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one best fits your home, lifestyle and budget.

At Coastal Stone & Cabinetry, we specialize in helping homeowners find high-quality, custom-fit surfaces—including granite countertops near me—that meet both aesthetic goals and everyday needs. Here’s your complete guide to choosing the perfect countertops for your kitchen.

Pros & Cons of Popular Countertop Materials

Granite
A long-time favorite, granite is durable, natural and comes in a wide range of unique patterns and colors.

• Pros: Heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, visually striking
  
• Cons: Needs periodic sealing, can be heavy and costly
  
• Best for: Busy kitchens with high traffic and frequent cooking
  
• Looking for granite near me? Explore our selection of granite countertops
  

Quartz
An engineered material made from natural quartz and resin, quartz offers consistency and low maintenance.

• Pros: Non-porous, doesn’t require sealing, very durable
  
• Cons: Less heat-resistant than granite, can be pricier
  
• Best for: Homeowners who want a sleek, uniform look with easy upkeep
  

Marble
Known for its elegance and timeless appeal, marble is a showstopper but requires careful handling.

• Pros: Luxurious appearance, naturally cool surface
  
• Cons: Prone to scratching, staining and etching
  
• Best for: Low-traffic kitchens or baking enthusiasts who need a cool work surface
  

Butcher Block
A warm, inviting alternative made from natural wood, butcher block adds rustic charm.

• Pros: Great for food prep, visually warm and soft
  
• Cons: Can be scratched, stained or warped if not maintained
  
• Best for: Accent areas or islands in combination with stone countertops
  

Solid Surface
A man-made material that mimics the look of stone, often used for seamless installations.

• Pros: Repairable, customizable, non-porous
  
• Cons: Not as durable as quartz or granite
  
• Best for: Homeowners wanting a modern look at a mid-range price
  

How to Choose the Best Countertop for Your Kitchen

When selecting your kitchen countertops, consider the following:

• Lifestyle: Do you cook often? Need heat resistance or stain resistance? Quartz may be better than marble.
  
• Style: Choose a material that complements your cabinetry and flooring. Granite offers unique natural variation, while quartz offers uniformity.
  
• Budget: Granite and quartz typically cost more, while laminate or solid surface may offer budget-friendly options.
  
• Maintenance: If you prefer low-maintenance materials, quartz or solid surface may be ideal over high-maintenance marble.
  
• Resale Value: Natural stone countertops like granite and marble can increase home value and attract future buyers.
  

Our team can help guide you through the selection process at our Fairhope showroom, ensuring you find countertops that suit your kitchen and your life.

Maintenance & Care Tips for Long-Lasting Beauty

Regardless of the material you choose, proper care can extend the life and look of your countertops:

• Granite: Seal annually, clean with pH-neutral cleaner, avoid harsh chemicals
  
• Quartz: Wipe spills quickly, use non-abrasive cleaners, avoid direct heat exposure
  
• Marble: Clean spills immediately, seal frequently, use cutting boards and trivets
  
• Butcher Block: Oil regularly, clean with mild soap, avoid standing water
  
• Solid Surface: Use a soft cloth and gentle cleaner, avoid harsh abrasives
  

Want more tips? Visit our FAQs or speak with a Coastal Stone expert for personalized care recommendations.

Whether you’re searching for granite countertops near me, exploring the benefits of quartz or considering a bold marble statement, we’re here to help you choose the perfect fit. Visit our Fairhope showroom to see our full range of countertop materials and speak with a design consultant today.

At Coastal Stone & Cabinetry, we help you bring your vision to life—one surface at a time.

When it comes to choosing countertops, granite and quartz are two of the most popular options for homeowners. Both offer durability, beauty and long-term value, but they come with key differences that could make one a better fit for your space. If you’re searching for “granite countertops near me” or comparing quartz options, this guide will help you make the right choice based on your needs, style and lifestyle.

Let’s break down how granite and quartz stack up when it comes to appearance, performance and maintenance.

Appearance & Style

Granite:
Granite is a 100% natural stone, quarried directly from the earth and cut into slabs. Each piece is unique, with natural veining, patterns and color variations. If you love organic movement and one-of-a-kind designs, granite offers a bold, timeless look.

• Offers natural variation in color and pattern
  
• Ideal for traditional, rustic or high-end custom kitchens
  
• No two slabs are the same
  

Quartz:
Quartz countertops are engineered using crushed natural quartz mixed with resin. This allows for more controlled colors, consistency and pattern. Quartz is available in a wide variety of hues, including marble-look and concrete-inspired styles.

• More uniform in color and pattern
  
• Great for modern, minimalist or contemporary spaces
  
• Can mimic marble or natural stone without the maintenance
  

Durability & Performance

Granite:
Granite is incredibly strong and resistant to heat, making it a great option for high-use kitchens. However, because it’s porous, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining or bacteria buildup.

• Heat- and scratch-resistant
  
• Porous—requires sealing
  
• Naturally durable, long-lasting
  

Quartz:
Quartz is non-porous, meaning it doesn’t need to be sealed and is resistant to stains and bacteria. It’s extremely hard, though it can be sensitive to high heat and should not be used with hot pans directly on the surface.

• Non-porous—no sealing required
  
• Stain- and bacteria-resistant
  
• Less heat-resistant than granite
  

Maintenance & Care

Granite:

• Seal once a year to maintain protection
  
• Clean with mild soap and water or stone-safe cleaner
  
• Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners
  

Quartz:

• Wipe with a damp cloth and mild cleaner
  
• No sealing or polishing needed
  
• Avoid harsh chemicals and direct heat
  

Looking for help maintaining your countertops? Check out our FAQs or ask one of our consultants in our Fairhope showroom.

Flooring is one of the most important design choices you’ll make in your home. It affects not only the look and feel of each space but also its function, durability and maintenance. The right flooring can tie your home together and reflect your personal style—while standing up to everyday life. At Coastal Stone & Cabinetry, we help homeowners find the best flooring solutions for every room, from cozy bedrooms to high-traffic kitchens.

Living Room & Common Areas

In shared spaces like the living room, durability and style go hand in hand. These areas see a lot of foot traffic, so you’ll want a floor that holds up over time and still looks great.

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) offers the look of hardwood with added water resistance
  
• Hardwood provides warmth and timeless appeal
  
• Large-format tile works well in open-concept spaces and is easy to clean
  

Neutral tones and wood-look patterns continue to be top choices for their ability to complement a range of décor styles.

Kitchen

Kitchen floors take a beating—spills, drops and daily foot traffic are common. You need flooring that’s moisture-resistant, easy to maintain and stylish.

• Tile flooring is a go-to for its durability and water resistance
  
• LVP is another excellent option, offering comfort underfoot and easy upkeep
  
• Stone flooring adds a high-end touch with long-term performance
  

No matter your kitchen layout or design preferences, we can help you find a floor that works as hard as you do.

Bathroom

Bathrooms demand flooring that can handle humidity and frequent cleaning. Safety and comfort also matter, especially in master bathrooms or guest spaces.

• Porcelain or ceramic tile is water-resistant and long-lasting
  
• Textured tile offers slip resistance and added comfort
  
• Natural stone gives a spa-like feel and timeless look
  

Pairing your bathroom flooring with a coordinated vanity and countertop can help you create a cohesive and relaxing space.

Bedroom

In bedrooms, comfort takes center stage. Flooring should be quiet underfoot and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

• Engineered hardwood offers beauty and durability
  
• Vinyl plank is a budget-friendly alternative with a similar look
  
• Tile works well in warmer climates and for allergy-friendly environments
  

Choosing the right flooring in bedrooms can help set the tone for rest and relaxation.

Laundry Room & Mudroom

Utility spaces like mudrooms or laundry areas need durable, low-maintenance flooring that can stand up to moisture and messes.

• Tile flooring is a popular pick for its strength and easy cleaning
  
• LVP offers similar benefits with a softer feel underfoot
  
• Textured finishes can help prevent slips in wet conditions
  

Functional flooring doesn’t have to sacrifice style—ask our team about patterns and layouts that add personality to practical spaces.

Visit Our Showroom to Find the Right Fit

Every room in your home has unique needs, and the right flooring makes all the difference. At Coastal Stone & Cabinetry, we offer a curated selection of flooring materials to suit any lifestyle, budget and design style.

Visit our Fairhope showroom to explore samples in person and work with a design expert who can help you choose the best flooring for each space. Whether you’re building new or remodeling your home, our team is here to make the process easy and enjoyable.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or stop by to get started.