It all comes down to personal preference for budget, design, and maintenance. Engineered stones like quartz are very low-maintenance, affordable, and available in a wide range of styles and colors. Stones like granite, marble, and quartzite are each unique, natural, and resistant to high heat but natural stone is porous and must be sealed by the homeowner periodically to keep it water resistant. Marble is quite soft and is not recommended for high-traffic counters like kitchens due to how easily it scratches. For outdoor use, we often recommend Dekton or porcelain slabs which are warrantied to withstand the elements.Additional information on edges: https://www.solidsurfacesolutions.com/stone-knowledge