HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT COUNTERTOP

Slab Buying Guide

Upgrading your kitchen or bathroom countertops is one of the most exciting steps in a remodel. But with so many options—granite, quartz, quartzite, marble—it can feel overwhelming. At Caravel Select, our goal is to make slab shopping simple, enjoyable, and stress-free. Here’s everything you need to know before you buy.

STEP 1

Understand Your Lifestyle

Countertops aren’t just about looks—they have to fit your daily life.

Step 1: Understand Your Lifestyle

Countertops aren’t just about looks—they have to fit your daily life.

  • Busy family kitchens: Durable, low-maintenance quartz or granite hold up best to spills, scratches, and constant use.

  • Entertainer’s dream: Quartzite or marble bring that “wow” factor with elegant natural movement and color variation.

  • Rental or secondary property: Durable, budget-friendly options like quartz can handle heavy use without extra upkeep.

  • Busy family kitchens:
    Durable, low-maintenance quartz or granite hold up best to spills, scratches, and constant use.
  • Entertainer’s dream:

    Quartzite or marble bring that “wow” factor with elegant natural movement and color variation.
  • Rental or secondary property:

    Durable, budget-friendly options like quartz can handle heavy use without extra upkeep.

How It Works

STEP 1

Understand your Lifestyle

Step 2

Learn the Material Basics

Step 3

See and Touch In Person

Step 4

Think About Color & Style

Step 5

Plan the Details

Step 6

Partner With the Right Fabricator

STEP 2

Learn the Material Basics

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular choices:

  • Granite: Natural stone, heat-resistant, unique patterns, requires periodic sealing.

  • Quartz: Engineered, highly durable, consistent color/pattern, non-porous, very low maintenance.

  • Quartzite: Natural, harder than granite, striking veining, more resistant to scratches, usually sealed.

  • Marble: Timeless beauty, soft and porous, develops a patina with age, ideal for those who love character.

STEP 3

See and Touch in Person

Photos online never do slabs justice. At Caravel Select’s Logan warehouse, you can:

  • Walk the aisles and see full slabs under natural light.

  • Run your hand across the surface to feel texture and finish.

  • Compare edge profiles, thickness, and veining side-by-side.

  • Reserve the exact slab you fall in love with—no surprises later.

STEP 4

Think About Color & Style

Your slab sets the tone for the entire space. Ask yourself:

  • Do you want bold movement or a clean, consistent look?

  • Are you pairing with light or dark cabinets?

  • Do you want your slab to blend in or make a statement?

Pro Tip: Bring cabinet doors, paint chips, or flooring samples to your visit. It makes matching much easier.

STEP 5

Plan the Details

Don’t forget the finishing touches:

  • Finish: Polished for shine, honed for matte, leathered for texture.

  • Edges: Eased, beveled, ogee, waterfall—your edge adds personality.

  • Thickness: Standard 3 cm is durable, but waterfall or double-stacked edges can make a bold statement.

STEP 6

Partner With the Right Fabricator

Caravel Select supplies the slabs—you choose your installer. A good fabricator will:

  • Template your kitchen with precision.

  • Cut and finish your slab with care.

  • Seam and install so it looks seamless and lasts for decades.

We can connect you with trusted local fabricators if you don’t already have one.

Decoration Ideas

Refined Surfaces. Endless Horizons.

To choose Caravel Select is to elevate the foundation of design. It is to surround yourself with surfaces that evoke the majesty of the natural world—anchored in craftsmanship, and destined to endure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Granite countertops are natural stone, durable, and heat-resistant.

  • Quartz countertops are engineered, non-porous, and very low-maintenance.

  • Quartzite countertops are natural, harder than granite, and offer bold veining.

  • Marble countertops are timeless and elegant but softer, requiring more care.
    Each option offers unique benefits, so your choice depends on lifestyle and design preference.

Yes, slabs are sold as full pieces. Your fabricator will cut the slab to fit your project, and any remaining material may be kept as extra for future use. 

If you want low-maintenance countertops, quartz is ideal. For families that cook often, granite or quartzite can handle heat, spills, and heavy use. If you love character and don’t mind patina, marble countertops are a great fit.

Yes. Natural stone slabs (granite, marble, quartzite) are one-of-a-kind, with unique veining and movement. Quartz slabs offer more consistency in color and pattern. That’s why visiting our slab warehouse in Logan, Utah to see them in person is so important.

Absolutely. At Caravel Select, the exact granite, quartz, quartzite, or marble slab you reserve in our Logan warehouse is the one your fabricator installs in your home—no substitutions.

Caravel Select supplies the slabs, while professional Utah countertop fabricators handle cutting, edging, and installation. If you don’t have a fabricator yet, we can connect you with trusted local partners.

Prices vary by material, rarity, and slab size. Granite and quartz slabs typically start in a more affordable range, while quartzite and marble slabs cost more due to their rarity. We offer wholesale-direct countertop pricing in Utah so you save thousands compared to retail.

  • Polished countertops have a glossy, reflective finish.

  • Honed countertops are smooth and matte, offering a softer look.

  • Leathered countertops have a textured, natural feel that hides fingerprints well.

  • Quartz countertops: Just clean with soap and water, no sealing needed.

  • Granite & quartzite countertops: Seal once a year and wipe spills quickly.

  • Marble countertops: Avoid acidic cleaners and expect natural patina over time.

Once you select and reserve your countertop slab in Utah, your fabricator handles templating, cutting, and installation. Most projects take about 2–4 weeks depending on scope and fabricator schedule.