Choosing countertops for your home can seem like somewhat of an overwhelming task. They say the kitchen is the heart of the home—and at St. Pierre Construction, we couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re preparing meals, gathering with loved ones, or simply enjoying your morning coffee, your countertops are the centerpiece of daily life. And it’s not just the kitchen—bathrooms, laundry rooms, bar areas, and even outdoor spaces all benefit from thoughtful, well-chosen surfaces.
At St. Pierre Construction, we believe selecting the right stone countertop isn’t just a design decision—it’s a lifestyle choice. The right stone balances beauty with functionality, reflects your home’s personality, and stands the test of time.
1. Shop with a Plan
Walking into a slab yard for the first time can be exhilarating—and overwhelming. Towering stone slabs in every imaginable color, pattern, and finish can leave even the most decisive homeowner feeling uncertain.
Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
Schedule an appointment in advance. Staff will be ready to safely move slabs, walk you through options, and answer questions.
Preview inventory online. Most suppliers have up-to-date websites showing available slabs. Identify colors, patterns, and finishes that fit your vision. Listed below are two local Charleston slab suppliers.
Decide on your vibe. Are you drawn to clean, modern looks or something natural and dramatic? Knowing this helps narrow choices. Search online to gain inspiration that can match your overall vision for your project. Here is a great online article that outlines some of the top kitchen countertop trends that you’ll see in 2025.
Bring your blueprints. Yard staff can estimate how many slabs you’ll need, helping you avoid running short, overspending, and help ensure seams are placed appropriately for your layout.
Understand pricing tiers. Many suppliers categorize slabs by letter, number, or symbol to indicate cost. Prioritize premium materials for focal areas like the kitchen and primary bathroom, while saving money in lower-traffic spaces, such as the laundry and secondary bathrooms.
Discuss edge profiles. Waterfall edges, thickened mitered finishes, or laminated decorative edges affect both look and budget, so be sure to plan early!
2. Understand the Types of Stone
One thing to remember when selecting the best countertops for your kitchen or home is that not all stone is created equal. Knowing the properties of each material helps you choose surfaces that fit your lifestyle.
Granite
Extremely durable, heat resistant and comes in many bold and soft color variations, this stone can do it all. Granite is also considered to have very low maintenance although it may require annual sealing. Great for busy kitchens, outdoor spaces, or families with children.
Natural Quartzite
This unique stone covers the entire color wheel with it comes to appearance! It is extremely dense and durable but may be more susceptible to etching from acidic stains. Natural quartzite stone is typically higher in cost than granite and most engineered stones.
Marble
Timeless elegance with soft or bold veining, marble has been used in homes for centuries. Marble is softer and more porous than its stone counterparts and can scratch, stain, and etch over time. This stone is going to change and age with you and your custom home.
Soapstone
While soapstone is known for its high heat resistance and subtle veining, it can scratch and will patina and darken more than most options. Regular care with mineral oil may help blending in darkening areas. Great for farmhouse kitchens, fireplace surrounds, or vintage-inspired spaces
Porcelain
Porcelain is scratch, stain and heat resistant but will have issues with the edges being more prone to chipping. Also most porcelain slabs do not have the color/pattern running the entire thickness of the slabs so clients many opt for the heavy cost of adding a finished mitered edge to the countertops.
Engineered Quartz
This countertop is ground natural quartz mixed with resin to offer a non-porous, highly durable and easy to maintain surface. Engineered quartz offers uniformity within the pattern options which is excellent for families seeking both style and practicality.
3. Don’t Ignore Maintenance
While you’re researching different types of stone countertops for your kitchen and home its important to take maintenance of the material into consideration. Even the highest quality stone countertops won’t make you happy if it’s a hassle to maintain. Ask yourself:
- Are you okay with periodic sealing? (Needed for granite, quartzite, marble)
- Are you fine with patina and natural wear over time? (Think marble or soapstone)
- Do you want wipe-and-go simplicity? (Quartz or porcelain)
Pro tip: The St. Pierre team is more than happy to provide honest advice on upkeep before making your final decision. You can find more details about the care and cleaning of natural stone by visiting the website for the Natural Stone Institute.
4. Consider the Scale & Layout
Slab sizes vary, typically ranging from 105–120 inches long and 55–65 inches wide. For large islands, full-height backsplashes, or waterfall edges, it’s crucial to plan ahead when choosing countertops for your home , kitchen , or bathroom.
- Will you need multiple slabs for vein matching?
- Are you adding mitered or seamless corner details?
- Does the design for your stone countertops call for book-matched slabs (mirror-image veining)?
Discuss these details early with your builder so they can source the right amount, and the correct type of material for your stone countertops.
5. Budget Wisely Without Sacrificing Style
Countertop prices can range from $40 to over $200 per square foot depending on material, rarity, finish, and fabrication.
Smart strategies to stay on budget:
- Use premium stone in focal areas like the kitchen and primary bathroom
- Choose economical options (granite, remnants) in guest baths or laundry rooms.
- Explore local stone yards and remnant pieces—you might find a hidden gem at a discount!
- Ask about bundle deals when purchasing multiple slabs.
6. Think Beyond the Kitchen
Stone countertops are incredibly versatile beyond just the kitchen:
- Bathrooms: Marble or quartz for sophisticated vanities
- Laundry Rooms: Practical granite or quartz for durability
- Outdoor Kitchens: Weather-resistant granite or soapstone
- Bar Areas: Bold quartzite or porcelain for an eye-catching statement
7. Sustainability & Stone Sourcing
If sustainability is a priority in your research for choosing countertops for your home, then talk to your builder or supplier about:
- Locally stocked stone and remnants to reduce transportation emissions
- Recycled-content quartz products read more details here
- Ethical sourcing and fabrication practices from quarries and suppliers
- Remnants from local suppliers are a great way to help save on your overall budget
- US-based quarries While Georgia marble and the Vermont Danby quarries are typically used for the military and government-based projects, you can still source the gorgeous American stones for your home.
Making an environmentally conscious choice can add meaningful value to your home.
8. Alternative Options to Stone Countertops
Wood Surfaces
Countertops made of butcher block, natural walnut and even white oak can be a beautiful alternative to stone. These earthy, warm-toned surfaces offer natural beauty that can be maintained with regular sealing and proper cleaning methods. The downside to wood countertops is that without proper sealing, they can harbor bacteria in wet areas that get a lot of traffic and use.
Concrete
Concrete is a durable, heat-resistance surface that adds a soft, natural aesthetic to any space. With so many different textures, finishes and colors, this product is completely customizable to fit your style. However, due to size restrictions on the forms, you may find you need additional seams for proper crack-prevention and support. Regular sealing is required and even with the proper seal, the concrete is extremely porous and may be more susceptible to stains.
In Closing: Your Countertops Should Work as Hard as You Do
Choosing the right stone countertops is about more than aesthetics—it’s about aligning beauty, functionality, budget, and lifestyle. A well-selected countertop can elevate your home’s design and enjoyment for decades.
At St. Pierre Construction, we partner with homeowners from blueprint to installation, guiding you through the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) world of stone selection. We’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—and we’re here to help you make a choice that’s as timeless and solid as your home.