Side by side comparison

Engineered Stone vs Granite vs Quartzite — which is right for your kitchen?

Granite
Natural stone — unique, extremely durable
MaintenanceAnnual sealing
Sealing neededOnce per year
Heat resistanceExcellent
Scratch resistanceExcellent
Pattern consistencyUnique — varies by slab
Style rangeWide natural variety
Price rangeMid to high
View granite slabs
Quartzite
Premium natural stone — marble look, granite strength
MaintenancePeriodic sealing
Sealing neededEvery 1–2 years
Heat resistanceExcellent
Scratch resistanceBetter than granite
Pattern consistencyUnique — dramatic veining
Style rangeMarble-like luxury
Price rangePremium
View quartzite slabs
In stock at Carson

Sample slab styles —
see them in person.

Engineered Stone

Calacatta Nova

Quartzite

Giada Pearl

Engineered Stone

Gold Royale

Quartzite

Arctic Veil

Engineered Stone

Calacatta Lunar

100+ styles in stock

Come see the full slab yard at our Carson showroom
Get Directions →
Common questions

Countertops Carson FAQ

Frequently asked questions from Carson and South Bay and Los Angeles homeowners.

Apex Granite Outlet has a countertop showroom and slab yard at 19751 S Figueroa St, Carson, CA 90745, open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm. You can view full-size engineered stone, granite, and quartzite slabs in person — no appointment needed. Use Google Maps for directions.

Engineered stone is manufactured from natural quartz crystals and resin — giving you a non-porous surface that never needs sealing and offers consistent pattern and color. Granite is 100% natural stone — unique per slab, requires annual sealing, and offers exceptional heat resistance. Both are excellent choices depending on your lifestyle and aesthetic. Visit our Carson showroom to compare them side by side.

No — engineered stone countertops are non-porous and never require sealing. This is one of the main reasons engineered stone is the most popular countertop choice in Carson and South Bay kitchens. Granite and quartzite are natural stones that are porous and require periodic sealing to maintain stain resistance.

In-stock slabs are available for same-week pickup at our Carson warehouse. Countertop slabs require fabrication before installation — lead times for fabrication vary depending on your contractor. Contact us or visit the showroom to confirm slab availability before making the trip.

Yes — a free 3D kitchen design is included with every quote at our Carson showroom. Bring your kitchen measurements and our design team will create a full visualization showing your countertop selection paired with your chosen cabinet style. No charge, no appointment required, no purchase obligation.

Quartzite is a natural metamorphic rock — harder than granite and with dramatic veining that resembles marble. It is not the same as engineered stone. Quartzite is better suited to buyers who want the aesthetic of marble with superior hardness and durability. It does require periodic sealing. Come to our Carson showroom to compare quartzite, engineered stone, and granite side by side — the differences become immediately clear in person.

Service area

Serving Carson and
the South Bay.

Los Angeles
Long Beach
Torrance
Compton
Inglewood
Gardena
Hawthorne
Lakewood
Cerritos
Downey
Lawndale
Wilmington