What Should I Know Before Buying Countertops?

The fun (and smart) guide for Upstate SC homeowners ready to upgrade their kitchen or bath with new countertops.

A couple examines a selection of stylish tiles in a modern showroom, carefully considering their options for home improvement.

Let’s be honest—when you admire your beautiful new countertops, you probably aren’t thinking about how they got there. But every slab has a story. And whether you chose granite, quartz, or quartzite for your kitchen or bathroom, that story likely started thousands of miles away in a quarry, carved straight from the earth.

At Blue Ridge Granite, we love what we do—and we think the process of bringing stone from raw material to polished centerpiece is pretty amazing. So, come along for the ride! Here’s how your countertop makes its epic journey to your Greenville, SC home.

Thinking about upgrading your countertops? First of all—congrats! Whether you're remodeling your Greenville home, moving into a new place in Greenville, or just tired of staring at outdated laminate, fresh countertops can instantly transform your space.

But before you dive into the world of quartz, granite, and beyond, there are a few things you should know. At Blue Ridge Granite, we help Upstate homeowners every day, and we’re breaking it all down for you here—no confusing industry jargon, we promise.

Let’s get into it.

1. Not All Stone Is Created Equal

Let’s start with the big question: What type of countertop is right for you? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Quartz – Engineered stone that’s non-porous, super durable, low-maintenance, and comes in tons of patterns (even ones that mimic marble). A favorite for busy Greenville families or people who want a clean, modern look.

• Granite – 100% natural stone, known for its one-of-a-kind beauty. Needs sealing to protect from stains, but it’s great if you love dramatic veining or an earthy, organic feel.

• Quartzite – Looks like marble but is harder than granite. A luxury option with natural elegance and excellent durability.

Still unsure? Don’t worry—you can see all three in person at our local showroom.

2. Your Lifestyle Matters (Like, a Lot)

If you’re a “leave a wine glass overnight” kind of person (guilty), then you’ll want something that’s stain-resistant and low-maintenance, like quartz.

Love baking? Go for something that handles heat and rolling dough like a champ—granite and quartzite are both excellent picks.

Have kids or grandkids? You’ll want a surface that can handle juice boxes, Play-Doh, and the occasional mystery sticky spot. (Again: quartz might be your best friend.)

3. Get the Measurements Right

You don’t need to show up with blueprints (unless you want to!), but having a rough idea of your layout and dimensions helps move things along. That said, we always send someone out to measure precisely before fabrication, so don’t stress.

Need help visualizing? Come into our Greenville-area showroom—we’ll walk you through it.

4. Think About the Cutouts

It’s not just about the stone—it’s about how you’re going to use it.

You’ll need cutouts for:

• Sinks (undermount or drop-in?)

• Cooktops

• Faucets

• Green Eggs Grills (yes, we do those!)

The design you choose affects the layout, which affects the slab you need. That’s why working with local experts (like us) can save you headaches and money.

5. Edges, Finishes, and Other Fancy Stuff

Want a sleek, modern edge? Or a more traditional ogee profile? How about a honed finish instead of polished?

We’ll guide you through these options, but it’s a good idea to come in with Pinterest boards or photos of looks you love.

6. Installation Is Quick—but Plan Ahead

Once your stone is chosen and cut, installation usually takes just a few hours. However, the entire process—from selecting your slab to templating and fabrication—can take 1–2 weeks.

If you’re working on a kitchen remodel in Greenville, keep your timeline in mind so we can help you coordinate everything.

7. You Don’t Have to Know Everything—That’s Why We’re Here

At Blue Ridge Granite, we make the process smooth, stress-free, and even fun. We’re locally owned and operated, and we truly love helping homeowners across Greenville County find the perfect stone.

Ready to Shop Countertops with Confidence?

Drop by our showroom, check out full slabs, and let’s talk about what will work best for your home, your budget, and your style. Whether you're going granite glam or keeping it cool with quartz, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Contact Us Now