Granite vs. Quartz Countertops in Pittsburgh: Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?

By Kelli Rau
Armina Stone

Granite and quartz are the two most popular countertop surfaces in Pittsburgh kitchens, and both are excellent choices. The right one for you comes down to the look you want, how you use your kitchen, and how much upkeep you prefer. Here is a clear, side-by-side guide from our team.

The Quick Answer

Choose granite if you love natural stone with one-of-a-kind movement and do not mind a simple periodic seal. Choose quartz if you want a consistent look and the lowest possible maintenance. Both are heat- and scratch-resistant when used normally, and both last for decades.

Granite at a Glance

Granite is 100% natural stone. Every slab is unique, with the depth and movement only nature produces. It is very hard, handles heat well, and because you pick your exact slab, no two granite kitchens look the same. Granite is porous, so it should be sealed periodically to stay stain-resistant. In our showroom you can hand-select the specific slab that goes in your home.

Quartz at a Glance

Quartz (engineered stone) is made from natural quartz combined with resins, producing a hard, non-porous surface. Because it is engineered, the pattern is consistent from slab to slab, which many homeowners prefer for a clean, uniform look. Quartz never needs sealing and wipes clean easily, making it a favorite for busy family kitchens.

Granite vs. Quartz: Side by Side

Which Should You Choose?

If you want a surface that is truly one of a kind and you enjoy natural materials, go with granite countertops in Pittsburgh. If you would rather have a uniform look with the least maintenance, quartz countertops in Pittsburgh are hard to beat. The best way to decide is to see full slabs in person, the difference is obvious once you are standing in front of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

See Granite and Quartz Slabs in Person

Visit an Armina Stone showroom in Cheswick, Robinson or Cranberry to compare full granite and quartz slabs side by side, and talk with our team about the right fit for your kitchen. Request a quote to get started.

Quartzite Countertops in Pittsburgh

By Kelli Rau
Armina Stone

Quartzite has quietly become the surface of choice for Pittsburgh homeowners who want the beauty of marble with the toughness of granite. Formed under intense heat and pressure, it delivers dramatic natural veining and a hardness that stands up to everyday kitchen life. At Armina Stone, we carry a rotating inventory of premium quartzite slabs across our three Greater Pittsburgh showrooms.

Why Choose Quartzite Countertops?

For Pittsburgh kitchens and baths, quartzite hits a rare sweet spot between natural beauty and real-world durability:

• Marble Look, Granite Strength: Quartzite gives you the soft veining and luminous depth of marble, with a hardness on the Mohs scale comparable to granite.
• Heat Resistant: Hot pans and bakeware are far less of a worry than they are on softer stones or engineered surfaces.
• One-of-a-Kind Veining: No two slabs are alike. Every Pittsburgh kitchen finishes with a countertop that cannot be replicated.
• Scratch and Etch Resistant: Properly sealed quartzite resists the etching that affects marble and stands up to daily prep work.
• Adds Home Value: Natural stone is a recognized premium feature that buyers notice.

Popular Quartzite Selections at Armina Stone

Our showrooms feature sought-after quartzite varieties sourced from premier quarries:

Quartzite availability changes with each shipment. We recommend scheduling a showroom visit to see our current selection in person.

Caring for Your Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite is one of the lowest-maintenance natural stones available:

• Seal once a year: A professional-grade sealant keeps the surface stain-resistant.
• Clean with mild soap and water: Skip acidic or abrasive cleaners.
• Wipe spills promptly: Quick cleanup of wine, citrus and oils keeps the surface pristine.
• Use trivets for very hot cookware: Quartzite handles heat well, but a trivet adds an extra margin.

Quartzite vs. Granite vs. Quartz vs. Marble

Prefer a different material? See our guides to quartz countertops in Pittsburgh, granite countertops in Pittsburgh, and marble countertops in Pittsburgh.

Visit Our Pittsburgh-Area Showrooms

See and touch our quartzite slabs in person:

Ready to Bring Quartzite Into Your Home?

Schedule a showroom visit to explore our full quartzite collection. Our team will help you select the perfect slab, plan your layout, and manage every step from fabrication to installation.

Marble Countertops in Pittsburgh

By Kelli Rau
Armina Stone

Few materials carry the timeless elegance of natural marble. Prized for centuries in architecture and design, marble delivers a level of sophistication that transforms any kitchen, bathroom, or living space into a statement. At Armina Stone, we carry over 30 premium marble slabs, including sought-after Calacatta and Carrara varieties, available across our three Greater Pittsburgh showrooms.

Why Choose Marble Countertops?

Marble has been the material of choice for luxury homes and high-end spaces for thousands of years:

• Timeless Luxury: Marble’s rich veining and luminous surface create an unmistakable sense of elegance that never goes out of style.
• Naturally Cool Surface: Marble stays cool to the touch, making it a favorite for baking enthusiasts and pastry work.
• Unique Character: Every marble slab has its own veining pattern. Your countertop will be truly one of a kind.
• Versatile Applications: Beyond countertops, marble is ideal for bathroom vanities, shower surrounds, fireplace hearths, and accent walls.
• Increases Home Value: Marble countertops are a recognized premium feature that adds measurable value to your property.

Premium Marble Selections at Armina Stone

Our showrooms feature some of the most sought-after marble varieties, sourced from premier quarries in Italy and around the world:

Marble availability changes with each shipment. We recommend scheduling a showroom visit to see our current selection.

Caring for Your Marble Countertops

Marble is a calcareous stone that requires a bit more attention than granite or quartz. With proper care, marble countertops maintain their beauty for generations:

• Seal regularly: Professional-grade sealant protects against staining. Reseal every 6 to 12 months.
• Clean gently: Use a mild, pH-neutral stone cleaner. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or citrus-based products.
• Wipe spills promptly: Marble can etch from acidic substances. Quick cleanup prevents lasting marks.
• Use cutting boards: Marble is softer than granite. Cutting boards help prevent surface scratches.
• Embrace the patina: Over time, marble develops a natural patina that many homeowners appreciate as part of its character.

Marble vs. Granite vs. Quartz

Visit Our Pittsburgh-Area Showrooms

See and touch our marble slabs in person:

Prefer a natural stone with the beauty of marble and more everyday durability? See our guide to quartzite countertops in Pittsburgh.

Ready to Bring Marble Into Your Home?

Schedule a showroom visit to explore our full marble collection. Our team will help you select the perfect slab, plan your layout, and manage every step from fabrication to installation.

Quartz Countertops in Pittsburgh

By Kelli Rau
Armina Stone

Walk into nearly any modern Pittsburgh kitchen this year and you will likely find one material gleaming under the pendant lights: quartz. Once considered the upstart cousin of granite, engineered quartz has become the top-selling countertop material in the Greater Pittsburgh area. At Armina Stone, we offer one of the widest quartz selections in the region across our three showrooms in Cheswick, Robinson, and Cranberry Township.

If you are remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or commercial space, here is everything you need to know about quartz countertops — why they are taking over the local market, and how to choose the right slab for your home.

What Makes Quartz Different (and Why It Matters)

Quartz countertops are not slabs cut from a quarry like granite or marble. They are engineered, manufactured by combining roughly 90 to 95 percent crushed natural quartz with polymer resins and pigments. The result is a non-porous, exceptionally hard, virtually maintenance-free surface that captures the beauty of natural stone with the consistency and durability of modern engineering.

That single fact unlocks most of quartz’s biggest advantages over natural stone.

Why Pittsburgh Homeowners Choose Quartz

Quartz is the most popular countertop material we sell in Pittsburgh, and the reasons line up with what local homeowners care about most:

• Durability that lasts: quartz resists scratches, chips, and impact better than most natural stones. Drop a glass on it and the glass loses.
• Virtually maintenance-free: because it is non-porous, quartz does not need to be sealed, ever. A simple wipe with mild soap and water is all the daily care it needs.
• Stain resistant: coffee, wine, citrus, and tomato sauce can sit overnight and clean off without leaving a mark — perfect for busy households.
• Hygienic: the non-porous surface does not harbor bacteria or mold, which makes it a favorite for kitchens, baths, and even hospitals.
• Endless design options: quartz is manufactured, so the color and pattern possibilities are nearly limitless — from crisp marble-look whites to bold blacks and warm earth tones.
• Consistent appearance: unlike natural stone, every slab of a chosen color looks the same. What you see in the showroom is exactly what arrives at your home.

Premium Quartz Selections at Armina Stone

We carry top quartz brands trusted by designers and builders across the country. Each offers its own personality, palette, and price point:

Pittsburgh homeowners often gravitate toward white-and-grey marble-look quartz for the timeless look, but bold dark and warm-toned quartz options are on the rise for islands and statement walls.

Armina Signature Collection

When selecting a surface for your home, the options can feel endless. That’s why Armina Stone developed its Signature Collection of quartz, a curated line of premium quartz surfaces that combines timeless design with everyday practicality. Inspired by the beauty of natural stone, the collection features a range of colors and patterns, from soft marble-inspired veining to bold contemporary designs. Each selection is chosen for its aesthetic appeal, durability, and versatility, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other high-traffic spaces. Whether you’re planning a complete renovation or a simple refresh, the Armina Signature Collection offers thoughtfully selected designs that bring lasting style and value to any project.

Quartz vs. Granite vs. Marble

If you are weighing your options, here is how the three popular choices stack up at a glance:

Quartz tends to win for everyday Pittsburgh kitchens, granite for cooks who run hot pans constantly, and marble for design-driven luxury spaces. If marble is your direction, see our guide to marble countertops in Pittsburgh.

Caring for Your Quartz Countertops

Quartz earns its low-maintenance reputation, but a little care extends its life and good looks:

• Wipe down daily with mild soap and warm water. Skip abrasive scrubbers and harsh chemicals.
• Use trivets for hot pots and pans. Quartz handles warm dishes, but extreme heat over time can leave marks.
• Clean spills promptly. Quartz resists stains, but lingering pigments can still leave a faint shadow on light colors.
• Avoid sharp impacts on the edges. Quartz is tough but not indestructible, especially at corners and seams.
• Never use bleach or oven cleaner. These products can dull the finish over time.

That is the entire care routine. No sealing, no special polishes, no fuss.

Visit Our Pittsburgh-Area Showrooms

See our quartz collection in person. Lighting, scale, and feel all matter — and a slab can look very different in your home than on a digital screen:

Ready to Bring Quartz Into Your Pittsburgh Home?

Whether you are planning a full kitchen remodel, refreshing a single bathroom, or designing a brand new build, our team handles every step — from slab selection to digital templating, custom CNC fabrication, and professional installation.

Schedule a Showroom Visit →

Granite Countertops in Pittsburgh

By Kelli Rau
Armina Stone

Granite remains one of the most sought-after natural stones for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Each slab is uniquely formed over millions of years, offering distinctive patterns and colors that no engineered material can replicate. At Armina Stone, we carry one of the largest granite selections in the Pittsburgh area — with over 150 slabs available across our three showrooms in Cheswick, Robinson, and Cranberry Township.

Why Choose Granite Countertops?

Granite countertops bring lasting value to any home. As a 100% natural stone, granite offers a combination of beauty, strength, and durability that has made it a favorite for both residential and commercial projects throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area:

• Unmatched Durability: Granite is one of the hardest natural stones available. It resists scratches, chips, and heat — perfect for busy kitchens.
• One-of-a-Kind Appearance: No two granite slabs are identical. Every countertop features unique veining, speckling, and color variations.
• Long-Term Value: Granite countertops are a proven investment that can increase your home’s resale value. With proper sealing, granite surfaces last decades.
• Low Maintenance: Regular sealing keeps granite resistant to stains and bacteria. Daily care is as simple as wiping down with a mild cleanser.
• Heat Resistant: Place hot pots and pans directly on the surface without worry — granite handles high temperatures with ease.

Popular Granite Options at Armina Stone

Our Pittsburgh showrooms feature an extensive selection of granite from quarries around the world:

Availability varies by location and shipment. We recommend visiting one of our showrooms to see the full range of granite options in person and find the perfect match for your project.

From Showroom to Installed — Our Granite Countertop Process

At Armina Stone, we handle every step of the granite countertop experience in-house:

1. Stone Selection: Visit any of our three showrooms and work with our stone experts to select your ideal granite slab.
2. Templating: Our team visits your home to create precise measurements, confirming all details including sink and cooktop placement, edge profiles, and seam locations.
3. Digital Layout: We provide a digital preview showing exactly how the natural patterns in your selected slab will flow across your countertops.
4. Fabrication: Our state-of-the-art laser-jet cutting technology and hand-polishing process ensure precision cuts and flawless edges.
5. Installation: Professional installation by our experienced team, completing most projects in a single day.

Granite vs. Quartz vs. Marble

Selecting the right countertop material depends on your lifestyle, design preferences, and budget:

If marble is your direction, see our guide to marble countertops in Pittsburgh.

Visit Our Pittsburgh-Area Showrooms

See and touch our granite slabs in person:

Prefer a different look? See our guide to quartz countertops in Pittsburgh.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Granite Countertop?

Schedule a showroom visit with one of our stone experts and start bringing your vision to life. With over 150 granite slabs in stock across our three Pittsburgh-area locations, your perfect countertop is waiting.

Schedule a Showroom Visit →

Armina Stone’s Masterful Stonework at the Heart of Nemacolin Grand Lodge Renovation

By Kelli Rau
Armina Stone

Beyond their expertise in residential stone fabrication and installation, Armina Stone has built a reputation for delivering exceptional results in large-scale commercial projects. Their recent work on the prestigious Nemacolin Grand Lodge renovation in Farmington, PA, stands as a true showcase of their capabilities—combining artistry, precision, and innovation under an ambitious 90-day timeline.

A Project of Grand Scale

Led by Chief Operating Officer Mike Reynolds, the Armina Stone team faced a monumental challenge: 56 marble bathrooms, 120 wet bars, eight custom fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling column thresholds, two restaurant bars, and one oversized circle bar—all completed with flawless execution. The result is a transformed Grand Lodge that exudes luxury at every turn, setting a new benchmark for stone craftsmanship in the industry.

Exquisite Marble Bathrooms

One of the most remarkable aspects of the renovation was the creation of 56 marble bathrooms, each designed for both beauty and durability. Mike Reynolds and owner Emre Basman personally traveled to Italy to hand-select the marble slabs used in the project. The penthouse suite’s master bath is the crown jewel: double showers in arabascato marble, a stone-wrapped bathtub, and double vanities that extend seamlessly through the hallway. Every surface, from the floor-to-ceiling marble showers to the leathered slab flooring, reflects meticulous preparation and precise installation.

Marble Fireplaces with Timeless Presence

During the same trip to Italy, Reynolds and Basman oversaw the fabrication of four grand fireplaces for the lobby level and the Fawn & Fable private dining room. Each was carved from solid blocks of marble and shipped directly to Nemacolin. The installation demanded exacting precision—given the weight and complexity of each piece, there was no margin for error. The result is a collection of statement fireplaces that embody both strength and elegance.

Mindful Craftsmanship at Every Step

Visitors to The Grand Lodge’s main dining room, Fawn & Fable, are welcomed by four-foot-wide marble-wrapped columns and thresholds that frame the space. To safely support the heavy stone, Armina Stone engineered a welded tracking system for ceiling and column suspension. This innovation extended to the wine room, where the team drilled more than 100 precise holes in the marble to accommodate an integrated wine bottle display system. Every detail reflects the company’s commitment to blending technical expertise with design excellence.

Marble Surfaces that Define Luxury

From the lilac-veined marble in the Patisserie to the rounded jade marble of the lavish Circle Bar, Armina Stone’s work throughout The Grand Lodge leaves a lasting impression. Each surface is a testament to the craftsmanship, planning, and dedication invested in the project. “It was an honor to be a part of this amazing renovation,” says Reynolds. “I’m proud of our team and the high caliber of work and dedication they exhibited. We look forward to continuing to deliver stonework that reflects our passion.”

With phase two of Nemacolin’s renovation at The Chateau already underway, Armina Stone continues to push boundaries—bringing world-class stonework to life for projects that demand nothing less than perfection.

Armina Stone Elevates Pittsburgh’s Homes with Curated Natural Stone from Around the World

By Kelli Rau
Armina Stone

If you live in Pittsburgh, chances are you’ve seen the distinctive black-and-white Armina Stone box truck cruising through the city—wrapped with striking images of spokesperson Celina Pompeani Mathison and showcasing dreamy, sophisticated kitchens. Since its founding in 2015 by Emre Basman, Armina Stone has become the trusted source for high-quality natural stone and quartz surfaces, offering Pittsburgh’s homeowners, designers, architects, builders, and developers access to the finest materials from around the globe. With three showrooms—located in Cheswick, Robinson, and Cranberry Township—Armina Stone has built a reputation as the go-to destination for exceptional stone in both residential and commercial projects.

Beyond the Countertop: The Endless Possibilities of Armina Stone

By Kelli Rau
Armina Stone

At Armina Stone, we believe stone is more than a surface—it’s a canvas for creativity. While many know us for our exceptional custom quartz countertop installations in Pittsburgh, PA, our work extends far beyond the kitchen. From luxurious bathrooms and dramatic fireplaces to vibrant home bars and striking commercial spaces, we transform natural stone into breathtaking designs that elevate any environment.