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When you imagine your kitchen, you probably want more than a surface that just looks good for a season. You want something that feels solid, stays beautiful, and brings a sense of pride every time you walk in. Natural stone does that.  Granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, and limestone bring depth, character, and long-term strength that you notice in daily use. After decades of working with these materials, we’ve seen how they settle into a home and make it feel more comple

Most homeowners step into the engineered stone vs natural stone conversation with a few things they’ve heard from friends, big-box stores, or quick online searches.  Engineered stone gets called “maintenance-free.” Natural stone gets labeled “harder to care for.” But the real story shows up in actual kitchens, not polished showroom displays.  Natural stone countertops and engineered options each bring strengths, limits, and their own long-term personality. This guide walks yo

What do natural stone countertops really offer that man-made surfaces cannot? How do granite, marble, quartzite, limestone, and soapstone behave once they are in a busy kitchen? Which stones age gracefully, and which ones demand more attention?  These are questions we hear every week in our showroom and indoor slab gallery. After years of fabricating and installing stone across the Flathead Valley, we know the practical answers homeowners are looking for. What Makes Natural S

Can granite handle hot pans? What if it’s just for a few seconds? Could that hot skillet actually cause long-term damage to your granite countertop? And how does granite compare to other kitchen countertop materials like quartz or laminate when it comes to heat resistance? At Distinctive Countertops and Cabinetry, we’ve spent decades working with granite slabs and answering questions like these. The short answer is yes, granite can withstand the heat briefly. But no, you shou

Smart care tips for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces where freezing temps and dry air meet natural stone. You might think natural stone is too tough to be bothered by winter. After all, granite is one of the most durable countertop materials out there. But cold climates introduce risks most homeowners don’t consider, such as thermal shock, moisture absorption, and even cracking. Whether it’s your outdoor kitchen or your main prep space indoors, the way cold temperature

If you’re considering natural stone countertops for your kitchen or bath remodel in 2025, you’re not just picking a surface; you’re choosing texture, character, and materials that last. Granite, quartzite, marble, and soapstone are beautiful, durable, repairable, and timeless. At Distinctive Countertops and Cabinetry, we’ve spent decades working with stone slabs straight from the earth, and we’re here to help homeowners find the perfect natural stone for their lifestyle, thei

Quartz gets a lot of love for being low maintenance, but does that mean it’s the better choice over natural stone? Not always. If you're drawn to real materials, natural texture, and the timeless beauty of granite, marble, or quartzite, you might be underestimating what natural stone countertops bring to the table. We’ve worked with stone cut straight from the earth for nearly 40 years, and we know when real stone is the better investment and when quartz just won’t match up.

If you’re considering granite or quartzite for your kitchen remodel, you’re already on the right track. Both are durable, timeless natural stones that outperform synthetic materials like quartz in heat resistance and longevity. Whether you're drawn to the bold patterns of granite or the marble-like elegance of quartzite, these stones can elevate your space if you choose wisely. At Distinctive Countertops and Cabinetry, we’ve worked with every type of natural stone surface, an

You chose quartzite countertops for a reason: their natural beauty, strength, and long-lasting appeal. And you’re right: quartzite is one of the toughest natural stones available, offering durability comparable to granite and a look often similar to marble. Still, even a stone this strong needs mindful care and maintenance to preserve its polished surface. With nearly four decades of experience working with quartzite slabs across Montana, Distinctive Countertops and Cabinetry

How durable are your granite countertops really? What happens if you forget to seal them or use the wrong cleaner? How often should you clean up spills or check for wear? These are the questions that define whether your granite surface keeps its natural beauty or starts to lose it. With nearly four decades of experience crafting and maintaining natural stone countertops, Distinctive Countertops and Cabinetry explains what proper care really means, and how to keep your granite

You’ve probably heard that all quartz countertops are the same, just different names stamped on identical slabs. But that’s far from true. Brands like Cambria, Silestone, and Caesarstone each bring their own approach to design, craftsmanship, and performance. After nearly four decades helping homeowners and designers choose the right premium quartz surfaces, we’ve seen firsthand how brand differences affect quality, longevity, and style. Understanding what sets these quartz c

What’s more important to you: natural stone with one-of-a-kind patterns, or an engineered surface that resists stains and never needs sealing? Is heat resistance your priority, or low maintenance? Are you remodeling for beauty, longevity, or both? If these sound like the questions running through your head, you’re in the right place. With decades of experience crafting granite and quartz countertops, we’ll help you sort fact from assumption and choose the countertop that trul

What’s the real difference between marble and quartzite? Is one truly more durable or just harder? Which one resists stains, which one etches, and which looks better over time? Are you choosing based on facts or on what someone at a showroom said in passing? We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners weigh these exact questions. And we know the stakes: this isn’t just about picking a stone. It’s about picking the right countertop for the way you live. Let’s walk through it together—

Homeowners often hear that Cambria quartz is “better” than other quartz brands, but what does that actually mean? Like all quartz countertops, Cambria is durable, stylish, and low-maintenance, but it stands out for its American-made origin, quality controls, design variety, and warranty. That doesn’t mean it’s the only strong option, though. We'll break down what makes Cambria different from other quartz, where it’s similar, and what to consider when choosing the right counte

You might’ve heard that quartzite is more durable than granite, but that depends on more than just the stone. While quartzite is harder, granite is also very durable, and real-world performance depends on how each surface is used, sealed, and maintained. After 39 years of working with granite and quartzite countertops across Montana homes, at Distinctive Countertops & Cabinetry, we’ve seen how the right grade and proper care impact long-term durability. Let’s unpack what real

You’ve probably heard granite countertops are nearly indestructible,  but how true is that, really? Granite is incredibly durable, yes, but there’s more to the story. It’s a natural stone, resistant to scratches, heat, and stains when properly sealed. But durability isn’t just about toughness. It’s also about how the material performs over time, and that depends on things like sealing, installation, and daily use. In this article, we’ll separate fact from hype, explain the di

Spacious modern kitchen featuring a large, marble-patterned island with seating, surrounded by sleek white cabinetry, reflecting a...

A contemporary kitchen showcases elegant dark-finished cabinetry, enhanced by stainless steel appliances and a stunning marble island...

You fall in love with marble at first glance—because marble doesn’t whisper, it says  something. It feels timeless. Personal. Like it...

Granite countertops are stunning—but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. While granite is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom...