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Materials
What material is best for you?
Choosing your material type is often one of the most exciting parts of the design process. Each option has its own unique characteristics, and even within the same category, variations can occur. Your BAGM sales associate will guide you through these differences to ensure you select the best product for your project. Different edge profiles available along with and different finishes, depending on the material selected.
“Natural Stone” refers to products quarried from the earth and used for thousands of years in construction and design. Popular choices at BAGM include Granite, Quartzite, Marble, and Soapstone, though we can also work with other natural stones upon request.
Granite
- The most common natural stone used by BAGM.
- A hard, crystalline igneous rock made primarily of quartz, mica, and feldspar.
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant, making it ideal for kitchens and high-use spaces.
Quartzite
- Increasingly popular for its unique patterning and depth of color.
- Harder and denser than granite, but also more difficult to fabricate.
- May limit edge profile options and design flexibility.
- Often more porous, requiring sealing and specialty care over its lifetime.
Marble
- Valued for its timeless beauty and elegance.
- Softer and more porous than granite or quartzite, prone to scratches, stains, and etching.
- Develops a “patina” over time, which some customers appreciate.
- BAGM generally does not recommend marble for high-use areas; a customer sign-off is required.
Soapstone
- A metamorphic rock softer than granite and quartzite but harder than marble.
- Naturally non-porous and the most heat-resistant natural stone, ideal for fireplaces.
- Requires periodic waxing for countertops and extra care to prevent scratches.
Natural Variation & Characteristics
- Each lot of slabs varies in color and pattern; always view your slabs in person before finalizing.
- Common natural features include fissures, chipping, inclusions, inconsistent polish, and resin fills.
- These are industry-accepted characteristics and do not affect the integrity of the stone.
- BAGM follows Natural Stone Institute standards for professional repairs.
More info: https://www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/
Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made by combining approximately 90–95% ground quartz (a natural mineral) with 5–10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This process creates a very hard, non-porous surface with a consistent appearance.
Key Characteristics
- More stain resistant than natural stone, but not as scratch or heat resistant as granite.
- Darker colors may show fingerprints, smudges, or water spots.
- More uniform than natural stone, though still subject to minor imperfections.
Dye Lot Variation
- Quartz is produced in dye lots, similar to tile.
- Samples may not perfectly match your slabs.
- Viewing slabs before fabrication is recommended.
Acceptable Characteristics
- Variations in color, pattern, or aggregate size not visible beyond 6 feet.
- Resin or pigment pooling up to the size of a U.S. quarter.
- BAGM uses industry standards to determine acceptability.
Repairs & Maintenance
- Quartz is more difficult to repair than natural stone.
- Chips or cracks may be repaired but can remain visible.
- Avoid excessive heat and cutting directly on the surface
With all of the quartz options out there BAGM has negotiated the best pricing for the best quartz colors in the marketplace…BAGM 40.
We have ensured the quality and availability of these select quartz colors. Ensuring the highest quality end product at the best possible price. Come into any of our 3 showrooms to view and select your quartz colors from a large 40’’ X 54’’ sample. These larger samples allows you to see the entire range of color and design in each quartz color.
View our live inventory today!
Porcelain and ultra-compact materials (such as Dekton by Cosentino) are man-made products created under high heat and pressure. They combine minerals, glass, and other raw materials to form dense, durable surfaces.
Key Characteristics
- Resistant to scratching, UV light, and extreme temperatures.
- Non-porous and highly resistant to staining.
- Patterns are surface-applied (not full body), so edge treatments require special planning.
Common Applications
- Vertical installations: full-height backsplashes, showers, fireplaces, and exterior cladding.
- Outdoor kitchens, thanks to UV resistance.
- Countertops (though BAGM recommends porcelain more for vertical use due to fabrication challenges).
Considerations
- Available thickness ranges from ¼’’ to ¾’’.
- Fabrication is more challenging than quartz or natural stone.
- Edges may require miters or custom treatments for a seamless appearance.
Repairs & Maintenance
- Very low-maintenance; simple cleaning with non-abrasive products.
- More heat resistant than quartz, though trivets are still recommended.
- Repairs are extremely difficult if the surface is chipped or damaged.
Use our live inventory to see 3D edges with your selected color.
The finish of your material refers to the surface polish and texture. Some stones are available in multiple finishes, while others are limited to just one. The finish you choose affects both the appearance and maintenance of your countertops.
Polished
- Highly reflective, showing the full vibrancy and depth of the material.
- Most durable and resistant to stains.
- The most popular choice for both natural stone and quartz.
Leathered
- A textured, matte finish with a soft, natural feel.
- Helps disguise minor imperfections or fingerprints.
- Less durable than polished but more durable than honed.
- Primarily an aesthetic choice for customers who prefer a subtler look.
Honed / Suede
- A smooth, matte finish without texture.
- More susceptible to staining and water spotting due to the open surface pores.
- Requires extra maintenance and is generally not recommended by BAGM except for specific materials (such as soapstone or select marbles).