Many kitchen designers have thought that the rise of quartz comes at the expense of granite’s popularity. In recent years, practical Alabamians in urban and suburban areas have favored the engineered material due to its nonporous nature, which helps reduce maintenance costs. Although quartz remains in fashion, granite is poised to reclaim its title as the darling of homeowners in Mobile, AL, planning to buy new countertops in 2026.
Resurging Like It Never Left — Because It Never Did
For context, granite accounted for 27.9% of the countertop market share in the United States in 2025, and no other had a larger slice. It’s a testament to the natural stone’s enduring appeal, even after quartz gained currency in the early 21st century. The fact that granite still leads the market despite supposedly falling out of fashion proves it has hardly lost its allure.
That’s why GMQ TOPS, one of the best places to buy granite countertops in the state, maintains a significant inventory space for this natural stone, even when quartz was all the rage. Its countertop showroom in Mobile, AL, features a broad selection of granite colors, slab dimensions, finishes and patterns to cater to buyers’ diverse preferences and align with ever-changing trends.
Behind the Renewed Interest in Granite
The primary drivers of granite’s revival are residents of Alabama’s growing desire to stay put and the reasonable return on investment when they decide to sell.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, the average homeownership tenure was 6.47 years statewide, up 2% quarter over quarter and 7.2% year over year. These figures indicate that those who sold their houses during that period had owned their properties longer than those who sold in the third quarter of 2025 and in the same quarter of 2024.
Moreover, homeowners who stay put for a couple more years and want to make minor kitchen remodels prefer a beautiful, durable countertop for personal use. This way, the feature may fetch more money than it costs once the property changes hands. It’s a sound strategy, considering that the 2025 Cost vs. Value report revealed that a midrange minor kitchen remodel in Alabama and nearby states recouped 104.7% of the job cost at resale.
Granite is a safe bet for homeowners who plan to stick around in the near term but may sell down the road. The material resists heat, scratches and moisture when properly sealed and preserves its perceived value over time. For those looking to buy granite countertops in Mobile, AL, GMQ TOPS even treats surfaces with STAIN-PROOF® Dense Stone Impregnating Sealer to protect against oil-based stains, salts and water for decades. The company only has to install this product once and backs it with a 25-year stain warranty.
Desirable Granite Countertop Features in 2026
Some home designers say that natural stones with depth and texture, such as leathered granite, are in vogue. If you wish to modernize your space without completely giving up glossy surfaces, GMQ TOPS’ dual-finish granite slabs are a solid choice.
In terms of color, neutrals and deep tones can be fashionable. Some shades of browns seem overused, but grays, blacks and whites are refreshing alternatives. They can also be budget-friendly because of GMQ TOPS’ special color deals. The company’s SlabWare-powered live inventory shows you when new top-quality slabs arrive in real time, so you can inquire about low prices and place your order immediately while supplies last.
2026 is Granite’s Year
Granite countertops have always been in style, and the perception that they’re no longer popular is shattering in 2026. With GMQ TOPS, the best place to buy granite countertops in Mobile, AL, you only need to speak with one team to purchase, fabricate and install these stone features and enjoy a fast turnaround time. When you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen, GMQ TOPS’ valued customer service team will be ready to talk about your vision and needs.
GMQ Tops of Mobile • 1854-B East I-65 Service Rd N. 356-2751
