× Close Get a Quote

Kitchen Countertops

Custom Kitchen Countertops - Denver, CO

Kitchen Design Layout & Countertops

Granite and Marble Designs provides expert kitchen design, fabrication and installation services in Denver, CO and the surrounding areas. The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is arguably the most important space that takes on day-to-day living.

Our design consultants are experienced in kitchen design and creating a functional space that is cohesive and customized to your expectations. Aside from functionality, we know how important the aesthetic of your kitchen design is. We specifically educate our clients on the pros and cons of each of our stone material profiles when used in kitchen design because we want your stone to be purposeful and intentional.

Attention to Detail

Kitchens are generally one of the highest trafficked rooms that requires comprehensive design. Based on your style and preferences, we can suggest types of slabs that not only perform to your needs, but have the colors and patterning you’re looking for. The array of slabs for each stone profile are practically endless, and we know we can find exactly what you’re looking to fulfill in your kitchen design.

Our certified craftsmen have fabricated hundreds of kitchen countertops, peninsulas and islands in residential projects across the Front Range. For every stone material, we require all cabinetry or the surface for your stone material to be permanently and safely secured to handle the weight of your stone.

Our skills and attention to detail are evident in every kitchen we install. From design to fabrication and installation, we take intricate steps to perfect every detail, including hiding the seams and lining up every vein and vessel to illude one, solid slab of stone. This sets us apart from our competitors.

The quality of our work is guaranteed in every kitchen, and we take it a step further with our StoneDoneRight™ Approach. Granite and Marble Designs has the knowledge, skills and experts to design, fabricate and install your stone design kitchen.

Get a Quote

Schedule your stone consultation for your kitchen design.

Contact Us

Using Granite in Your Kitchen Design

Granite is the most popular stone material and is ideal for your kitchen! Granite is extremely hard and tolerates most everyday messes. It is a natural stone that is porous but with a proper sealant, it is not highly susceptible to factors such as staining, etching or scratches. This natural stone stands up to heat, so it is perfect for hot pots and pans in the kitchen.

Even though it has one of the hardest stone material profiles, we do not recommend cutting on this surface, not for the sake of your granite, but for the sake of your knives. Granite will easily dull blades. It should be maintained through cleaning and may require refinishing down the road. If properly cared for, your granite kitchen countertops will last a lifetime.

Using Marble in Your Kitchen Design 

Marble is elegant and timeless. With proper care and maintenance, it can be a great countertop that you will find yourself unapologetically pleased with. It is commonly used in upscale projects and has become a common stone in kitchen designs. The natural luminescence and veining in marbles have become defining characteristics – making it a great option for underlit countertops or islands. Marble is highly heat resistant which is ideal for baking or cooking. We can also design an undermount sink in your kitchen out of marble to match your countertops.

Marble is a natural stone, so it is susceptible to staining and etching. It is also a softer stone than granite, so we recommend not cutting on this surface to avoid scratches. A polished finish will help disguise staining or scratches while a honed finish will reduce etching (because it is pre-etched with this finish).

It’s very important to first understand the obligations that come along with marble before making a decision. Marble requires a strong sealant, especially when used for a kitchen. Any spills should be promptly cleaned, and we recommend avoiding any concentrated or acidic liquids – such as wine, spaghetti sauce, or acidic fruits. Marble may not be practical in kitchens for everyone, especially perfectionists, but we have several other stone choices that offer the beauty of marble and durability of other stones.

Read More

Using Travertine in Your Kitchen Design 

Travertine is not typically the first stone of choice for kitchen designs. It can be easily scratched and can be sensitive to acidic substances which cause etching or staining. This makes it extremely important to apply a high-end, protective sealant to prevent these from occurring. We recommend not cutting on this surface due to its ability to scratch and dull your knives.

Regardless, depending on the use for your countertops, travertine should be considered in your kitchen design. This stone has many pros, including:

  • Durability
  • Tolerance of hot and cold temperatures
  • Natural earthy color tones

It is not penetrated by typical kitchen messes from food and water (unless acidic) when properly sealed. Travertine is also suitable for backsplashes and even outdoor kitchens. Properly cleaning and resealing your travertine will increase its longevity and performance in the kitchen.

Using Limestone in Your Kitchen Design 

Limestone performs similarly to travertine in kitchen designs, but is slightly more resilient. Like travertine, it is reactive to acidic liquids and susceptible to scratches. Limestone is however, not easily chipped and also tolerant of temperature fluctuations. Even though it is mostly heat resistant, it can be scratched from your typical pots and pans, so we recommend not setting these directly on this surface.

Limestone can be used for kitchen countertops or backsplashes, but will require some upkeep and resealing. Limestone, as well as travertine, are better suited for low traffic areas such as bathroom countertops or fireplace surrounds.

Using Soapstone in Your Kitchen Design 

Soapstone is the hulk of all stones. It is heat resistant and is the only natural stone that is non porous. It is an impenetrable surface that does not react to acidic substances or harsh chemicals such as wine, spaghetti sauce, acidic fruit, and oils. Soapstone can be used nearly anywhere, whether for countertops, backsplashes or outdoor applications.

It’s important to be aware that even though your soapstone is resistant to scratches, they can still arise in your soapstone countertops, especially when using knives or sharp tools. However, if scratches occur, they can practically be removed by being sanded off – another pro of soapstone. Since soapstone is non porous, it is a hygienic stone surface that fights against bacteria and offers favorable traits for your kitchen.

Using Onyx in Your Kitchen Design

Onyx makes for a beautiful backsplash or inlay in your kitchen. It is a translucent stone that reflects light and can be easily backlit. Onyx is a rare choice for kitchen countertops because it is more fragile than natural stones typically are. Onyx may not be able to take on everyday functions in the kitchen such as setting down cookware or preparing food. It can be prone to scratches or staining when not properly cared for. It requires routine maintenance and cleaning. Onyx can be used for kitchens, but performs optimally when used for indirect applications or low-traffic areas.

 

Using Semiprecious in Your Kitchen Design 

If you’re looking for a unique, yet versatile stone to incorporate in your kitchen design, look no further. Semiprecious is a hand-made stone material that consists of bounding various types of gemstones for a truly one-of-a-kind, eye-catching kitchen. In general, semiprecious is heat, scratch and stain resistant when given a proper sealant. It is also non porous so it can be used for preparing food and is easily maintained without collecting bacteria. In general, it is very low-maintenance and will not require regular sealings.

Semiprecious does not fall short in versatility and functionality as many people seem to assume rendered by its name. It can make for stunning kitchen countertops, tabletops, backsplashes, or islands. This is an absolute breathtaking stone that will have you falling head over heels for years to come.

Using Quartz in Your Kitchen Design 

Quartz is, by-far, the best choice for your kitchen design. It is an engineered stone which means that it is extremely durable, versatile and unlike natural stones, non porous. So it is resistant to staining, etching and even bacteria. It is not easily scratched and takes on the toughest messes in the kitchen.

With this said, it is a very hard stone that can dull kitchen knives, so it should not be used as a cutting board. This material is highly hygienic and very low-maintenance, so it does not require much cleanup – ideal for any kitchen. Not only is quartz practical for your kitchen design, but it makes a beautiful countertop, peninsula or island. Before deciding on the stone for your kitchen, we highly suggest considering quartz as an option.

Using Quartzite in Your Kitchen Design 

Quartzite is a practical stone material for high-traffic areas such as kitchens. Quartzite is even harder than granite and arguably superior. Even though quartzite is a natural stone and porous, it can withstand stains, etches and scratches and is even UV resistant. Therefore, it can be used for both indoor and outdoor kitchen designs. In addition, it can tolerate heat from hot pots and pans. The incredible strength and durability of quartzite, along with its natural beauty, make it a functional stone for your kitchen design.

Read More

Get a Quote

Schedule your stone consultation for your kitchen design.

Contact Us

Using Porcelain in Your Kitchen Design 

Porcelain is a perfect option to use in your kitchen design. It is a man-made material so it is non porous, meaning it repels bacteria and moisture. In addition, it is highly heat resistant so it will not be harmed by hot pots or pans. This material can be used for indoor or outdoor kitchens because it is UV resistant and will not fade from sunlight. Porcelain can be used just about anywhere in the kitchen – for a backsplash, island, peninsula, countertops, or an undermount sink.

Since it is man-made, it comes in large slabs, allowing for one solid application with little to no seams, mastered by our professional craftsmen. Porcelain can mimic any stone or natural material in terms of looks and aesthetic, including marble, wood, onyx, or concrete. This makes it not only practical, but an ideal choice to accomplish the overall style you’re going for with your kitchen design.

Granite and Marble Designs Can Help

Any of these stone materials can be used for your kitchen. However, depending on its function and your tolerance, some stones are more practical in this space than others. Understanding the maintenance and warranties for each stone may help aid in your decision making. Our Inspirations Gallery features many of our kitchen design projects. Granite and Marble Designs’ team of experts are here and ready to get started on your kitchen project!