While masonry is the craft of giving shape and structure to a building using brick or stone and mortar, it’s often the stone we find inside that we notice most. Valued for their inherent beauty and durability, stone countertops are a central feature in any home design. While materials such as granite or marble are timeless options, quartzite and quartz are seeing a rise in popularity, and for good reason. There is plenty to love about each of these materials, and so many choices available to any homeowner.
From a classic neutral granite such as Dallas White to a warm, earthy Santa Cecelia, or a bold blue-green quartzite illuminated from beneath to sophisticated marbles such as Carrara or Calacatta, there is something for every taste. Finishes can range from polished to deeply leathered, and man-made quartz may offer the most luxurious patterns in an accessible entry point for any budget, with the added bonus of simple upkeep. The choices are seemingly endless, and the value is undeniable.
Bobby Gladu, president and founder of Artisan Masonry & Granite LLC, shares the following considerations for countertop materials:
Natural Stone
· Durability: Stone countertops can last a lifetime.
· Aesthetic Appeal: Each slab is one of a kind.
· Weather resistant: Granite is an excellent choice for outdoor applications, resisting fading or cracking.
· Maintenance: Often requires periodic sealing.
Man-made Quartz
· Durability: Scratch and chip resistant, antimicrobial, and resists staining.
· Consistency: Offers uniformity from one slab to the next.
· Design variability: Quartz comes in a vast array of colors, patterns, and styles, often mimicking those found in natural stone.
· Low maintenance: No sealing required and cleans easily with soap and water.
· Heat sensitivity: Heat protection against hot pans is recommended.
· Weather resistance: Not suitable for outdoor installations.
Artisan Granite’s service begins with a thorough consultation and assessment of needs, followed by fabrication and installation of your chosen material. Learn more at artisanmasonry.com.
Artisan Masonry & Granite LLC has been serving Rockwall County and the surrounding areas for over 30 years with a commitment to top-tier service and quality work that stands the test of time. Services range from custom brick, limestone, stucco, insulated concrete forms, and rain screen panel systems to stone countertops and other renovation services.
Founder Bobby Gladu is a devoted husband with deep ties in his community. He serves as a Blue Tie Guy Ambassador for the Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County, helping spread awareness and raise critical funds for child victims of abuse. As a graduate of the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2025, he helped build a sensory garden at Patriot Paws for service dogs training to support veterans across the US. He also leads a team of volunteer divers through the nonprofit HEAL-CORP Search & Recovery Dive Team, directing search efforts for missing persons. In 2025, Bobby and his team promoted and built free life jacket loaner stations for public use in Rockwall County, and this life-saving program continues to expand under his leadership.
Valued for their inherent beauty and durability, stone countertops are a central feature in any home design.