The Three Stones Side by Side
RDC Renovation & Design Concepts is a countertop and stone contractor in Phoenix, Arizona, and sells and installs all three stones.
| Factor | Quartzite | Granite | Marble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Generally the hardest | Very hard | Softest, scratches easier |
| Etch resistance | High | High | Low, etches from acid |
| Look | Marble-like veining, natural | Bold flecks & movement | Soft luxurious veining |
| Sealing | Periodic, long-lasting | Periodic, long-lasting | Most frequent |
| Best for | Busy kitchens wanting marble look | Durable everyday value | Low-use luxury spots |
| Installed / sq ft | $100–$200 | $45–$100 | $80–$180 |
| For a 55 sq ft kitchen | $5,500–$11,000 | $2,475–$5,500 | $4,400–$9,900 |
Please note: these are typical ranges; premium marble and exotic quartzite slabs run higher. Final pricing is set individually for each customer based on the actual slab, edge profile, and scope, confirmed in your free written estimate. Call or text (602) 788-1446, or see financing options.
Granite countertops in a white Mesa kitchen: durable, full of natural movement, and the lowest-priced of the three stones.
Quartzite: The Durable Marble Look
Quartzite is the answer for anyone who loves marble's soft veining but needs a stone that can take a real kitchen. It's generally the hardest of the three, highly etch-resistant, and each slab is one of a kind. It's a natural stone, so it seals periodically, but its density makes that easy.
For busy kitchens in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley that want the marble look, quartzite is the stone to compare first. Read the full quartzite countertops guide.
Veining up close on a quartz countertop from an RDC kitchen in Phoenix. Compare real quartzite, granite and marble slabs in person at the showroom.
Granite: Durable, Bold, and Great Value
Granite is very hard, very etch- and heat-resistant, and the lowest-priced of the three in RDC's price table ($45-$100 per sq ft installed). Its look leans toward bold flecks, crystals, and dramatic movement rather than soft marble veining, so it suits homeowners who want their counter to make a statement. Compare it head-to-head with quartz in our quartz vs. granite guide.
Marble: Pure Luxury, Handled Honestly
Marble is the softest and the most demanding of the three. It's softer, etches from acid even when sealed, and develops a patina over time, which some owners adore and others don't.
It's magnificent in bathroom vanities, powder rooms, bar tops, and baking areas where its beauty leads and heavy abuse is limited. RDC installs it where you'll love it and steers you elsewhere where you won't. See the full marble countertops guide.
Marble-look porcelain tile in a Phoenix bathroom, a low-care way to get the marble look.
How to Choose for Your Phoenix Home
- Busy kitchen, want the marble look: quartzite.
- Durable everyday value, bold pattern: granite.
- Luxury statement in a low-use spot: marble.
- Want zero sealing at all: consider engineered quartz instead, see quartz vs. granite.
The best way to decide is to see the real stones in person. You can see all three at RDC's Bell Road showroom and choose the actual slab there. RDC gives honest, no-pressure guidance about which fits how you actually live. Showroom hours: Sun-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat closed.
Serving Countertop Comparisons Across the Valley
RDC installs quartzite, granite, and marble countertops throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Tempe, Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Buckeye, Anthem, New River, and Happy Valley. Whichever stone fits your home and budget, RDC installs it to the same standard, backed by a 1-year workmanship warranty.
Dive deeper: quartzite countertops, marble countertops, quartz vs. granite, installation costs, all countertop services, or get a free estimate.