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PRO-TOPS, the parent company of The Complete Kitchen and Bath Design Studio, is a leading manufacturer and installer of high-quality granite, quartz, and quartzite countertops for kitchens and bathrooms. We serve homeowners and businesses across Charlotte and Charleston while offering competitive prices.
With unmatched expertise in design and assembly, we deliver countertops that meet the highest industry standards. Our local facility, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, ensures each piece is crafted with precision, efficiency, and lasting quality.
Getting new countertops involves several key steps:
After selecting your preferred countertop material, determining the size and style, and approving our estimate, you’ll visit our factory or one of our premier suppliers to choose the slab for your countertops. We have hundreds of granite slabs in stock, and for quartz and quartzite, we offer 7×5 samples in various colors and styles, with full slab viewings available upon request.
Next, our technician will visit your home for templating, measuring your space, and creating a precise template for your future countertops. During this visit, they will also discuss additional options like sinks, faucets, and backsplashes, as well as any necessary preparations.
Your existing countertops should be removed at least a day before installation to ensure a smooth process. Plumbing adjustments should be scheduled for at least a day after installation. From order to completion, your new countertops will typically be installed within three weeks.
For years, quartz and granite have dominated the countertop market, but today homeowners also choose from a wide range of premium surfaces such as marble, quartzite, soapstone, porcelain, and engineered stone. Each material offers its own aesthetic, durability, and maintenance benefits.
Below is an overview of the most popular countertop options:
Quartz
Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces created by blending natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments. This process results in a durable, uniform material that is easy to maintain and resistant to everyday wear. Quartz delivers a clean, cohesive look and works well in both modern and traditional kitchens.
Granite
Once considered an exclusive luxury, granite became more accessible as quarrying expanded worldwide. Today, granite is available in an extensive selection of colors and patterns, ranging from subtle designs to bold, exotic slabs. Its natural beauty and strength make it a timeless choice for kitchen countertops.
Marble
Marble remains a favorite for upscale kitchens due to its elegant appearance and distinctive veining. Available in numerous shades and patterns, each slab is unique. While highly desirable, rarer marble styles tend to come with a higher price and require proper care to preserve their beauty.
Porcelain
Porcelain countertops are manufactured from large-format slabs that are cut to size for a sleek, modern finish. Known for exceptional durability, porcelain resists scratches, stains, heat, and bacteria, making it a low-maintenance and hygienic option. It’s available in a wide variety of finishes, including designs that mimic natural stone.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone prized for its striking colors and subtle veining. Ranking high on the Mohs hardness scale, it offers superior resistance to scratches, heat, and acidic substances. With minimal maintenance requirements and excellent durability, quartzite is one of the toughest natural stone options available.
Soapstone
Soapstone features a smooth, soft feel and a non-porous surface. Highly resistant to heat and stains, it performs exceptionally well in busy kitchens. Because it does not absorb liquids or bacteria, soapstone is also a sanitary choice for food preparation areas.
Travertine
Travertine is a naturally formed stone known for its textured surface and earthy color variations. Due to its porous structure, sealing is recommended to protect against stains and surface damage. When properly maintained, travertine adds a warm, natural look to kitchen spaces.
Venetian Marble
Venetian Marble is an engineered material designed to replicate the appearance of natural marble. Made using recycled stone materials, it is an eco-conscious alternative that offers the elegance of marble with improved durability. Compared to natural marble, it is more budget-friendly, easier to care for, and less susceptible to staining and etching.
Choosing the right kitchen countertop can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available—from unique, exotic stone slabs to budget-friendly engineered surfaces. With such a wide selection of materials, finding the perfect balance between style, durability, and cost is essential.
Whether you’re replacing old countertops or designing a brand-new kitchen, understanding the price range of different countertop materials will help you make a confident and informed decision before investing.
Although natural stones like granite and marble are often seen as the premium choice in many homes, there are several affordable alternatives that deliver the same visual impact. Many quartz and engineered surfaces are designed to replicate the look of natural stone while offering excellent performance and value.
Both natural materials—including granite, quartzite, marble, and soapstone—and engineered options such as quartz and porcelain offer cost-effective styles that combine long-lasting durability with refined aesthetics.
Average Countertop Costs (Installed)
Kitchen countertop pricing typically falls between $60 and $300 per square foot installed, depending on the material, design, and installation requirements:
Granite: approximately $50 to $150 per square foot installed
Quartz: generally ranges from $55 to $125 per square foot installed
Marble: averages between $75 and $250 per square foot installed
Quartzite: typically costs $75 to $200 per square foot installed
Soapstone: ranges from $60 to $150 per square foot installed
Porcelain: usually priced between $55 and $120 per square foot installed
These ranges allow homeowners to choose from a variety of surfaces that fit both their design preferences and their budget.
Choosing the right countertop for your home involves more than just appearance. Several practical factors should be evaluated to ensure the surface you select meets your lifestyle, budget, and design goals.
Key Factors to Consider
Durability
Some countertop materials are built to handle heavy daily use better than others. Options like granite and quartz are known for their strength and ability to withstand impacts, heat, and frequent use. Consider how much activity your kitchen sees before making a decision.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance varies widely by material. Quartz, being an engineered surface, does not require sealing and is easy to care for. Most natural stones—including granite, marble, and quartzite—benefit from periodic sealing to protect the surface. Marble, in particular, should typically be sealed at least once per year.
Budget
Countertop materials are available across a wide range of price points. Establishing your budget early will help narrow down options that align with both your financial plan and design expectations.
Design & Style
Your countertop should enhance the overall look of your kitchen and complement the architectural style of your home. Whether you prefer a modern, classic, or transitional aesthetic, there is a surface that fits your vision.
Stain & Etch Resistance
Certain materials are more sensitive than others. When not properly sealed, marble is especially vulnerable to stains and etching. Stains occur when substances like oil, coffee, or wine penetrate the surface, while etching happens when acidic liquids such as vinegar or citrus juice react with the stone, leaving dull or discolored marks.
Popular Countertop Materials at a Glance
Granite
Highly durable and resistant to heat, granite is a long-lasting option. However, it requires sealing and can fall on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Quartz
Quartz countertops offer excellent durability, resistance to staining, and low maintenance. While convenient and versatile, they may come at a premium cost.
Marble
Marble stands out for its timeless beauty and unique veining. That said, it requires regular maintenance and is more susceptible to scratches, stains, and surface etching.
When selecting a countertop material, it’s important to weigh your practical needs alongside your aesthetic preferences. Visiting a showroom or consulting with a design professional can provide valuable insight into how each material performs in real-world settings. Our Countertop Selection Guide is also a helpful resource for exploring available materials and finding the best option for your space.
Below are general care recommendations to help keep different countertop materials looking their best over time. Proper maintenance not only preserves appearance but also extends the lifespan of your surfaces.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are known for their ease of care and minimal upkeep. Routine cleaning with mild soap and water is all that’s needed, and sealing is not required. To maintain the surface finish, avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, or rough scrubbing tools that may reduce its shine.
Marble
Marble surfaces benefit from regular sealing to help guard against stains and surface damage. Clean with gentle soap and water, and always wipe up spills promptly. Acidic products and abrasive cleaners should be avoided, as they can cause etching and dull the stone’s natural finish.
Granite
Granite countertops should be sealed periodically to protect against moisture, stains, and bacteria. Daily cleaning can be done with mild soap and water or a cleaner designed specifically for granite. Avoid abrasive pads or cleaners that could scratch or wear down the surface.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a low-maintenance natural stone that does not require sealing. Cleaning with mild soap and water is sufficient for everyday care. To preserve the surface, steer clear of acidic substances and abrasive products that could cause etching or surface wear.
Porcelain
Porcelain countertops are non-porous, making them highly resistant to stains and easy to maintain. They can be cleaned using gentle soap and water and do not require sealing. Abrasive cleaners and scouring pads should be avoided to prevent surface scratches. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for optimal care.
Travertine
Sealing is a key part of travertine maintenance and is typically recommended every one to three years, depending on usage and exposure. Clean travertine with a pH-neutral cleaner only, as acidic products can damage the stone. Avoid abrasive tools, and keep the surface clean by regularly dusting and promptly wiping up spills to reduce the risk of staining.
Venetian Marble
Venetian marble should be cleaned using pH-neutral products to protect the surface finish. Abrasive cleaners and scrubbing pads can cause scratches and should not be used. Routine dusting and immediate spill cleanup help maintain appearance. To prevent dents or damage, avoid placing heavy objects directly on the surface and use cutting boards and trivets to protect against heat and sharp tools.
Prefabricated countertops are manufactured in advance and finished in standardized dimensions, making them a practical solution for many kitchens and bathrooms. These countertops are produced from popular materials such as granite, marble, travertine, quartz, and other stone surfaces, already cut and polished to fit the most common countertop layouts.
One of the main benefits of prefabricated countertops is affordability. Because they are produced in standard sizes, they typically cost less than fully custom countertops. Installation is also faster and simpler, since the slabs arrive ready for placement and can often be installed in just a few hours by a professional or experienced homeowner.
Standard prefabricated granite and quartz countertops usually measure 112 x 26 inches with a 2 cm thickness, while island pieces commonly measure 108 x 42 inches, also at 2 cm thick. Edges are finished with laminated, polished flat profiles, creating a total edge thickness of approximately 1.5 inches for a clean and durable finish.
Explore our available prefabricated slab colors in quartz, granite, marble, travertine, Venetian marble, quartzite, and porcelain to find the perfect match for your space.
