I assume this is just referring to a particular grade of product, meaning price point? Prices within granite and other surfaces vary wildly; other comparable or "better" materials (in terms of price) could mean marble, quartz/Caesarstone, even some grades of Corian, soapstone and more

Thanks Becky. I was just wondering what would cause me not to choose granite, based on a comment by my layout designer. So, besides some excellent counter-top-related posts on Houzz.com, Google led me to an overview that includes features and pricing by square foot for a wide variety of materials. ( http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08145/884412-30.stm
) Getting informed is so fun! Thanks for supporting my kitchen remodel in the planning stages.