Why Choose Artistic Stone for Your Kitchen & Bath
Some decisions need to be made with more than just your eyes. When you’re choosing the countertops that will become the centerpiece of your kitchen, you need the full picture. You need to run your hand over the cool, smooth surface of polished granite and feel the subtle texture of honed quartzite. You need to see how the light catches the unique mineral flecks in a slab of quartz. These are the details that a photograph can never capture. At Artistic Stone, we invite you to experience our materials firsthand. A visit to our showroom allows you to engage all your senses, helping you make a choice that not only looks beautiful but feels right for your home.
Have you been considering upgrading the countertops, vanities, backsplashes, or kitchen island in your home or business? While we’re always happy to help you via email or phone, the best way to get started on your project is to visit us at one of our showrooms! Here’s why:
True-to-Life Product Color and Patterns 
Photos can give you an idea of how materials look, but they’re a poor substitute for seeing our beautiful products in person. Variations in lighting can create shadows that may alter the look of the patterns or colors; cameras also tend to add in unnatural tones. This can distort how the stone looks and make it more difficult to know what they truly look like—which can lead to mistakes in color selection or simply a less satisfying result. By viewing the materials in person, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting and how well it will work with your existing aesthetics.
Feel the Texture for Yourself
Have you ever noticed the texture and temperature are different depending on the type of stone you’re touching? This is another feature that’s lost by looking at photos alone. Each type of stone has different properties that can affect how they feel to the touch. When you visit our showrooms, you’ll have the opportunity to touch the materials and see how they feel for yourself. Although this may not be high on your list of priorities, it might surprise you to find that you prefer the sensation of one stone over another!
Get a Feel for the Size of Available Products 
If you’ve never had upgrades to your home, it can be difficult to know the size of the materials you’ll need. Seeing our products in person can give you a good idea of the slab size you’ll need, and it can also help you better visualize the project as a whole.
Judge the Quality with Your Own Eyes
Some stores provide higher-quality samples of stone than what is actually sold; at Artistic Stone, we are completely transparent. We have different levels of pricing for products of differing quality—and we’re always happy to explain why or show you the differences so that you can choose the best product for your project.
Let’s Find the Right Match for Your Project
Depending on what type of surface you’d like installed and how you plan to use it, some types of stone may work better than others. When you visit our showrooms, we can discuss factors like:
- Whether the surface will be in a high-traffic area
- Whether the surface will be exposed to heat or UV light
- Your maintenance and cleaning requirements
- Your budget
After we understand what you’re looking for, we can make recommendations on the best materials for your project.
Your One-Stop Shop for Kitchen and Bath Remodeling
Choosing new surfaces is just one part of a remodel. You also have to think about design, fabrication, and installation. Juggling different contractors for each step can be a major headache. That’s why we handle everything you need for your countertops, tiles, and cabinets right here. We simplify the process by offering design assistance, a huge selection of materials, and professional installation services all under one roof. This integrated approach means your project runs smoothly from the initial idea to the final reveal, ensuring a cohesive look and saving you from the stress of coordinating multiple vendors. We are here to guide you through every decision.
More Than Just Countertops
While we’re known for our stunning countertops, our selection goes much further to help you create a complete and harmonious space. We believe that every element in your kitchen or bathroom should work together beautifully. That’s why we’ve curated a comprehensive collection of high-quality materials to cover all your remodeling needs. From the foundation of your design to the finishing touches, you can find everything you need in our showrooms. This allows you to see and feel how different materials and textures complement each other, making your design choices easier and more confident.
Prefab and Custom Countertop Options
Every project has a unique budget and vision, which is why we offer both prefab and custom countertop solutions. Prefabricated countertops are a fantastic, cost-effective option that comes in standard sizes with popular edge profiles, perfect for straightforward layouts. For those with a specific design in mind or unconventional dimensions, our custom countertops provide complete creative freedom. You can select the exact slab, specify the cut, and choose a unique edge design to create a truly one-of-a-kind surface that perfectly fits your space and style.
Cabinets, Tiles, and Backsplashes
The right cabinets and tiles are essential for tying your room together. We offer a wide variety of cabinets to suit any aesthetic, from modern and sleek to classic and traditional. To complete the look, explore our extensive collection of tiles, which are perfect for flooring, shower walls, and eye-catching backsplashes. A well-chosen backsplash not only protects your walls but also serves as a major design element, adding color, pattern, and texture to your kitchen or bathroom. Our team can help you pair the perfect tile with your new countertops for a seamless design.
Specialty Surfaces for Fireplaces and BBQs
Your design ambitions don’t have to stop at the kitchen and bathroom. We also create beautiful, durable surfaces for other areas of your home. A natural stone fireplace surround can become a stunning focal point in your living room, adding warmth and elegance. For your outdoor living space, consider a custom stone surface for your BBQ and outdoor kitchen area. These surfaces are built to withstand the elements while providing a sophisticated and functional space for entertaining friends and family. Let us help you extend your style throughout your entire home.
Serving Residential and Commercial Clients
We apply the same level of care and expertise to every project, whether it’s a cozy home kitchen or a large-scale commercial space. Our team is fully equipped to handle the unique demands of both residential and commercial projects. For homeowners, we provide personalized design guidance to create spaces that reflect their personality and lifestyle. For our commercial clients, including contractors, architects, and business owners, we deliver durable, stylish, and functional surfaces that meet the rigorous standards of high-traffic environments like hotels, restaurants, and office buildings. No matter the scale, we are committed to delivering exceptional quality and service.
Comparing Granite and Quartz Countertops
Granite and quartz are two of the most popular countertop materials on the market, and for good reason. Both offer incredible durability and timeless style, but they have key differences that might make one a better fit for your home than the other. Granite is a 100% natural stone, mined from quarries, which means every slab is completely unique. Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered stone made from about 90% ground quartz and 10% resins and pigments. This manufacturing process allows for a consistent appearance and a wider range of colors. Understanding their distinct characteristics is the first step in making a choice you’ll love for years.
Appearance: Natural Beauty vs. Engineered Consistency
Your choice between granite and quartz often comes down to personal aesthetic preference. Granite boasts one-of-a-kind beauty, with unique veining, specks, and swirls that nature created over millions of years. No two slabs of granite are ever exactly alike, giving your kitchen a distinct, earthy character. It’s celebrated for its natural depth and movement. In contrast, quartz offers a uniform and consistent look. Because it’s engineered, the patterns and colors are predictable, which is ideal if you want a clean, modern aesthetic or need to match multiple slabs for a large area without worrying about variations.
Durability and Maintenance
Both granite and quartz are known for their strength, but they handle daily life a bit differently. Granite is incredibly hard and resistant to heat and scratches, making it a workhorse in the kitchen. However, because it’s a porous natural stone, it requires some upkeep to keep it looking its best. Quartz is also highly durable and scratch-resistant. Thanks to the resins used in its creation, it is non-porous, which gives it an edge in stain resistance and makes it one of the lowest-maintenance countertop options available. Your lifestyle and how much time you want to dedicate to maintenance can be a deciding factor.
Heat and Scratch Resistance
When it comes to standing up to daily kitchen activities, both materials perform exceptionally well. Granite is formed under immense heat and pressure, so it can handle a hot pan placed directly on its surface without damage. It’s also very difficult to scratch. Quartz is also very hard and scratch-resistant, holding up well against knives and other kitchen utensils. However, the resins in quartz can be damaged by extreme heat, so it’s always recommended to use trivets for hot pots and pans to avoid discoloration or damage to the surface.
Stain Resistance and Sealing Requirements
Here’s where the two materials really differ. Because granite is a porous stone, it can absorb liquids, which may lead to staining if spills aren’t cleaned up quickly. To protect it, granite countertops need to be sealed upon installation and typically resealed every one to two years. This simple process helps maintain its resistance to stains. Quartz, being non-porous, is highly resistant to staining from wine, coffee, and oil without any sealing at all. It’s incredibly low-maintenance; a simple cleaning with soap and water is all it takes to keep it looking new.
Cost Comparison
The budget is always a key consideration in any remodeling project. The prices for granite and quartz can overlap, making them competitive. Generally, installed granite countertops can range from $95 to $225 per square foot, depending on the rarity and complexity of the stone. Quartz countertops typically fall between $105 and $185 per square foot, installed. While some entry-level granite might be less expensive than quartz, exotic and rare granite slabs can be significantly more. It’s always a good idea to get an estimate for the specific materials you’re interested in to get an accurate comparison for your project.
The Enduring Appeal of Granite
There’s a reason granite has remained a top choice for countertops for decades. Its timeless appeal comes from its natural origins, bringing an element of the outdoors inside your home. Each piece tells a geological story, adding a layer of depth and sophistication that engineered products often try to replicate. Granite’s durability means it can last a lifetime with proper care, making it a sound investment for your home. It’s not just a trend; it’s a classic material that continues to be highly sought after by homeowners for its ability to blend natural artistry with everyday functionality, creating a kitchen that is both beautiful and built to last.
Longevity and Impact on Home Value
Investing in granite countertops is more than just a design upgrade; it’s a smart move for your home’s long-term value. Granite is a premium material that homebuyers consistently look for. Its durability and timeless elegance make it a feature that can significantly increase your home’s appeal and resale price. Because it’s a natural stone that can last for decades, potential buyers see it as a lasting, high-quality feature that they won’t need to replace. Adding granite countertops is a reliable way to make your home more valuable and attractive on the market.
Installation Considerations
Proper installation is critical to ensuring your granite countertops look great and last for years. The process requires precision and expertise, from creating an accurate template of your cabinets to cutting the stone and finishing the edges. Seams must be carefully planned to be as inconspicuous as possible, and the countertop must be perfectly leveled and secured. Because of the skill involved, professional installation is essential. Our experienced team handles every detail to ensure a flawless fit and finish, so you can enjoy the beauty of your new countertops without any worries.
Weight and Cabinet Support
One of the most important practical considerations for granite is its weight. Granite is an extremely heavy material, and your cabinetry must be structurally sound enough to support it. Before installation, it’s crucial to assess your cabinets to ensure they are level, stable, and strong enough to handle the load without sagging or breaking. In some cases, older or less sturdy cabinets may need to be reinforced. Our installation experts will evaluate your existing setup to confirm it’s ready for the weight of your new stone countertops, ensuring a safe and secure installation.
Our Process: From Selection to Installation
We know that a remodeling project can feel overwhelming, so we’ve streamlined our process to make it as simple and enjoyable as possible. We guide you through every step, starting from the moment you walk into one of our showrooms. Our team is here to help you choose the perfect stone, taking into account your style, budget, and functional needs. Once you’ve made your selection, we handle all the technical details, including precise measurements, expert fabrication in our state-of-the-art facility, and finally, professional installation. Our goal is to provide a seamless experience from start to finish, turning your vision into reality with minimal stress.
The Countertop Installation Journey
Your journey to new countertops begins with a visit to one of our showrooms, where you can explore our vast selection of materials. Our knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect option for your project. Next, our team will visit your home to take detailed laser measurements, ensuring a perfect fit. Back at our fabrication shop, we use these precise templates to cut and finish your stone. The final step is the installation, where our skilled crew will carefully place, level, and secure your new countertops, leaving you with a beautiful and functional new space.
Shop with Confidence
We stand behind the quality of our products and our workmanship. Our commitment to excellence means we only source high-quality materials and employ experienced professionals for every fabrication and installation job. We want you to feel completely confident in your investment and love your new surfaces for years to come. That’s why we are transparent about our process and dedicated to ensuring your complete satisfaction. From your initial consultation to the final walkthrough, we prioritize clear communication and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring your project is completed to the highest standards.
Our Two-Year Installation Warranty
To give you even greater peace of mind, we back our work with a comprehensive two-year warranty on our installation. This warranty covers any issues that may arise due to the installation process, ensuring that your investment is protected. We take pride in our craftsmanship, and this guarantee reflects our confidence in the quality and durability of our work. Should you have any concerns after your project is complete, our team is just a phone call away, ready to provide support and ensure your countertops remain as beautiful as the day they were installed.
Get Expert Advice with a Free Color Consultation
With over 100 colors of granite, marble, quartz, and quartzite, choosing the right color for your project can be a bit overwhelming! That’s why we offer a free color and countertop design consultation. Bring in photos for us to look at and we’ll offer suggestions based on nearly 20 years of experience in countertop, vanity, and kitchen island design. With our expertise, we can help you quickly narrow down your choices and find materials that will maximize the beauty of your kitchen.
Get the Information You Need 
Some information can be difficult to accurately (and fully) convey over the phone or by email, especially when it comes to talking about things with a visual component. By visiting us in person, we can make sure that we’re answering any questions or concerns completely. This can also be very helpful if you’re more of a visual person; we can show you physical examples of what we’re talking about, or even draw a quick sketch.
Get the Information You Need
We’re always happy to chat on the phone or answer an email, but some details are best seen in person. It’s tough to fully capture the intricate veining of a marble slab or the subtle shimmer in a quartz countertop through a photo. When you visit our showroom, we can give you clear, complete answers to your questions because we can point to exactly what we’re discussing. This is especially helpful if you’re a visual person. We can show you physical examples of different edge profiles or even sketch out how a custom countertop will fit into your layout, so you can feel completely confident in your decision.
To make your visit even more productive, bring a few samples from home with you. A cabinet door, a floor tile, or a paint swatch can make all the difference. Placing these items directly against our full-sized slabs lets you see exactly how the colors and textures will interact in real life, under proper lighting. This simple step takes the guesswork out of matching from memory or a photo on your phone. It helps you visualize the final look and ensures every element, from your backsplash to your countertops, works together beautifully. Once you’ve found the perfect combination, it’s easy to move forward and get an estimate for your project.
Shop with Confidence and Avoid Surprises
Finally, when you visit our showrooms, there are no surprises! You’ll be able to see all the materials you’re purchasing first-hand and experience the service you can expect to receive throughout your project. We’ll take plenty of time to work with you and are happy to explain the entire fabrication and installation process, so you’ll never be left wondering.
Visit Artistic Stone in San Leandro or Mountain View Today!
Anytime you visit Artistic Stone, you’ll also have the advantage of receiving our full customer experience. We strive to make every visit exceptional with full-service and complete satisfaction in mind. Each project starts with us asking ourselves, “what we would want if it was our own kitchen?” From there, we ensure you have the best materials, colors, patterns, design, and installation to make your dream a reality.
Visit Artistic Stone today at 1800 Williams St. in San Leandro or 2407 East Charleston Rd. in Mountain View. We look forward to working with you!
Showroom Hours and Locations
When you’re ready to see our products in person, we’re here to help. Visiting one of our showrooms is the best way to get a true feel for the colors, patterns, and textures that will bring your space to life. We have two locations for your convenience, making it easy to stop by and get inspired for your project.
- San Leandro Showroom: 1800 Williams St., San Leandro, CA. We’re open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Mountain View Showroom: 2407 East Charleston Rd., Mountain View, CA. We’re open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. We encourage appointments for Saturday visits to ensure we can give you our full attention.
No matter which location you visit, our team is ready to answer your questions and guide you toward the perfect materials for your home or business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring with me when I visit a showroom? To make the most of your visit, I highly recommend bringing samples of the other finishes in your space. A cabinet door, a floor tile, or even a paint swatch from your wall can be incredibly helpful. Placing these items next to our full stone slabs allows you to see how the colors and textures work together in person, which takes all the guesswork out of creating a cohesive design.
What’s the real difference between prefab and custom countertops? Think of it in terms of budget and flexibility. Prefabricated countertops are a fantastic, cost-effective option cut to standard dimensions with popular edge styles already finished. They are perfect for straightforward projects. Custom countertops, on the other hand, give you complete creative freedom. You get to choose the exact slab you love and we will cut and shape it to fit your unique layout, no matter how unconventional.
I’m stuck choosing between granite and quartz. How do I decide? This decision often comes down to your personal style and how you use your kitchen. If you love the idea of a one-of-a-kind surface with natural, flowing patterns and don’t mind a little upkeep, granite is a beautiful choice. If you prefer a more consistent, uniform look and want a countertop that requires almost no maintenance, then quartz is likely the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Do you handle the entire process, or just sell the stone? We manage your entire project from start to finish. Remodels can be stressful, so we simplify things by being your one-stop shop. After helping you select the perfect materials in our showroom, our team handles the precise measurements, expert fabrication, and professional installation. You won’t have to worry about coordinating different contractors; we take care of it all.
What happens after I pick my material in the showroom? Once you’ve found the perfect stone, our process is straightforward. First, our team will schedule a time to visit your home and take detailed laser measurements of your space to ensure a perfect fit. Next, we use those precise measurements to cut and finish your slab in our own fabrication facility. The final step is when our skilled installation crew carefully delivers and secures your new countertops, completing the transformation of your space.
Key Takeaways
- Visit a showroom to make a confident choice: Photos can be misleading, so seeing materials in person is the best way to appreciate their true color, texture, and scale. This hands-on experience helps you select a countertop that not only looks right but feels right for your space.
- Understand the key differences between granite and quartz: Your choice depends on your aesthetic and maintenance preferences. Granite offers unique, natural patterns and high heat resistance, while engineered quartz provides consistent color and is non-porous, making it exceptionally low-maintenance and stain-resistant.
- Simplify your remodel by working with a single team: Juggling multiple contractors can be stressful. A one-stop shop handles everything from design and material selection to fabrication and professional installation, ensuring a smooth process and a cohesive final look for your project.