When you think about upgrading your home, your mind probably jumps to the big wins: new decks, better landscaping, maybe even that full bathroom spa-retreat.
But if you want a renovation that touches every single day of your life and gives you one of the highest financial returns when it’s time to sell, there’s only one true champion: the kitchen countertop.
The kitchen is the engine of the home where memories are made, meals are shared, and life unfolds. Your countertops are the main stage. If they’re chipped, dated, or just plain tired, that feeling seeps into everything around them.
The good news? Replacing them is one of the smartest investments you can make. It’s the highest-leverage move in the remodeling playbook. And through American Stone’s partnership with MSI Surfaces, you can access world-class materials, designer trends, and expert guidance all in one place.
Because when it comes to getting it right, we help you make the smart choices that make every project stronger.
The Financial Truth: Countertops Are an Equity Powerhouse
We know you’re not just investing time and money; you’re investing in your future.
Trusted sources like the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report show that minor kitchen remodels (which almost always include new countertops) can recoup 85% to over 96% of their cost at resale.
Why such a high return?
- Countertops are the first thing buyers see, touch, and judge. They are the ultimate visual and functional centerpiece.
- A premium surface signals a home that’s been well-maintained and thoughtfully upgraded.
- Psychological Win: The “wow” factor of beautiful stone helps buyers instantly imagine living there, that shortens the time on the market and getting you closer to your asking price.
Simply put: investing in a premium surface like quartz, granite, or quartzite is a move that increases your home’s appeal, durability, and long-term value.
Selection for Function and Value
At American Stone, we’ve partnered with MSI Surfaces because their selection meets our highest standards for quality, consistency, and value. Whether you’re a contractor managing a remodel or a homeowner upgrading your own space, we’ll help you find the right surface for your project and the right price to match.
Quartz Countertops: The Modern ROI King
Engineered for performance, quartz combines natural quartz crystals with durable resins for a surface that’s beautiful, low-maintenance, and endlessly practical.
Why it matters: non-porous, stain-resistant, and never needs sealing. Perfect for busy families and even busier kitchens.
Design trends: warm whites and soft veining are dominating right now, our Calacatta Abezzo™ and LumaTaj™ Quartz are redefining timeless style.
The Equity Boost: Real estate professionals widely note that quartz countertops signal a home is updated and low-maintenance, which is a powerful selling point, especially in mid-range and modern luxury homes.
Granite Countertops: The Timeless, Durable Classic
Granite is a 100% natural stone, formed deep within the earth. It is prized for its completely unique, one-of-a-kind patterns and its unparalleled durability.
Why it matters: ultra heat-resistant, naturally unique, and built for generations of use.
Design trends: dramatic darks like Nero Mist and sophisticated neutrals like Colonial White add contrast and richness to any design.
The Heat Factor: If you are an avid cook or building an outdoor kitchen, granite's supreme heat resistance makes it an indispensable choice.
Quartzite Countertops: Natural Beauty, Engineered Strength
Often mistaken for quartz, Quartzite is a natural stone that is significantly harder and more durable than granite. It delivers the stunning, intricate veining of marble but with granite-level durability.
Why it matters: Quartzite is nature’s powerhouse in countertop form — extremely hard (often a 7–8 on the Mohs scale), scratch-resistant, and built to stand up to heavy use, heat, and time.
Design trends: Bold veining and dramatic movement are driving quartzite’s popularity. Think marble-inspired white backgrounds with rich, sweeping veins of gold, taupe, or charcoal.
The Value Factor: With quartzite, you’re getting one-of-a-kind beauty and industrial-level durability. It’s the kind of surface that gives your kitchen or bath serious “wow” moments today and holds value tomorrow.
Marble Countertops: Timeless Luxury, Effortless Elegance
For centuries, marble has been the hallmark of refined design, it’s the material of choice for artists, architects, and homeowners who want to make a lasting impression. Known for its soft veining and natural luminosity, marble brings instant sophistication to kitchens, baths, and statement surfaces alike.
Why it matters: Marble has always been the heavyweight in elegance and style. Re-formed from limestone under pressure and heat, it brings natural crystalline beauty and a unique surface pattern to any space.
Design trends: Cool-white and warm-white marbles with long, flowing veins are trending hard. The emphasis is on striking contrast and luxe simplicity.
The Impression Factor: If you want a space that stops visitors in their tracks, marble delivers. It’s the signature surface that says “crafted” and “premium,” and when you source it right through a trusted supplier, you get the look without losing control or sacrificing professional install choice.
Travertine Countertops: Warm Character, Old-World Charm
Travertine offers a sense of history and authenticity that few materials can match. Formed by natural mineral springs, its subtle movement and earthy tones create a warm, organic aesthetic that feels both grounded and inviting. It’s perfect for Mediterranean, rustic, or timelessly classic designs.
Why it matters: Travertine brings organic texture, warm earth-tones, and an understated sophistication that natural stone lovers crave. It’s formed by mineral deposit build-up, polished and refined for countertop use in slabs and tile options.
Design trends: Textural surfaces, vein-cut finishes, and warm neutral palettes (creams, beiges, subtle greys) are dominating travertine’s resurgence. These tones blend beautifully with wood, metal, and soft contemporary finishes.
The Natural factor: Travertine gives you natural character with less flash and more authenticity. It’s a smart choice for homeowners and contractors who want stone with personality, warmth, and good durability and when paired with expert guidance, you avoid surprise variation and get the look you intended.
The American Stone Plan: Guidance, Selection, and Confidence
We are the stone experts, and our job is to ensure your project goes better than you planned. Whether you're a homeowner or a contractor, here is our simple plan to guarantee you get the best countertop for your needs:
- Get Inspired: Visit the incredible MSI Showroom in Salt Lake City (or another regional MSI facility) to see full slabs and installed countertops. See the Calacatta quartz in person and confirm the movement of the granite before you pick your slab.
- Get the Expertise: Bring your measurements and questions to American Stone. We provide the local expertise to talk fabrication, edge details, durability, and most importantly, honest pricing that helps contractors win bids and homeowners save money against big-box store complexity.
- Get the Assurance: You receive high-quality MSI materials sourced through our dependable channels, ensuring minimal delays and consistent product. This is the kind of certainty that allows you to confidently tell your client, "This is going to last."
You deserve the peace of mind that comes from making a smart, high-equity investment with a trusted partner.
Ready to start your high-impact countertop upgrade?
The High-Impact Upgrade: How New Countertops Deliver Happiness and Home Equity