Solid slab granite is the most popular option for natural stone countertops. Beginning life as a quarried slab of solid natural stone, granite countertops are fabricated to specification and installed by professional crews.

Solid granite slabs make very heavy and durable countertops. No two pieces of granite are alike, making each countertop entirely unique. Long considered a premium building material, granite countertops tend to improve home real estate values.

But you will need a substantial kitchen remodel budget for granite. Granite is a fairly expensive material. Like many other types of natural stone, granite requires periodic sealing in order to protect it from stains. Not at all a DIY-friendly material, granite must be installed by pros.