Granite, Quartz, Marble, Soapstone, Limestone. Choosing the Right Material for your Countertops

Stone Countertop Samples

One of the most important decisions you need to make about your new kitchen is the material used for your countertops. Not only will the product you choose have a tremendous impact on the overall design and feel of your room, the materials you choose will affect how you clean and care for your kitchen. You have some stunning choices for your kitchen countertops, from the delicate, traditional marble to tough and more modern granite; thinking about how you use your kitchen, how often you cook and even your interest in maintaining your counters can help you decide which surface is best.

Granite: The Enduring Favorite

There’s a reason so many homeowners opt for granite. Available in a vast range of colors, hardy and sturdy, this material is enduringly popular. With granite, you can whip up a cozy family meal and serve it in comfort or host a wine and cheese gathering with sophisticated snacks – versatile granite makes an ideal setting for both crowds.

Like other natural materials, granite is porous and should be sealed and cared for properly. It is not as porous as marble, though, so if you want a balance between beauty and low maintenance, granite is often the way to go.

Quartz Earth’s Durable Option

Quartz is one of the toughest and hardest materials on earth, so if you want a workhorse of a countertop that still has great looks, this is an excellent option for most kitchens.

Marble: Tough but Porous

Surprisingly sturdy and durable for its delicate appearance, marble creates a sophisticated, luxurious feel for your kitchen. It’s heat resistant, so if you accidentally put down a hot pan, you’re covered – and even if you drop an item, your marble isn’t likely to chip, but beware of colorful stains and ingredients.

Marble is very porous so that red wine spill might end up taking a long time to remove if you don’t catch it right away. The more you spill, the less you’ll enjoy marble, and if you often work with food colors or staining ingredients, you might want to opt for a less porous material entirely.

Soapstone: Aging to Perfection

Soft and enduring limestone is not nearly as porous or stainable as its harder counterparts. Instead, it develops a lovely patina with age, creating a well-loved appearance. While this soft stone is not porous, it can be scratched if you don’t use a cutting board or accidentally drop something on the surface.

Limestone: Warm and Friendly Atmosphere

Use limestone to warm up the feel of your kitchen and ensure that everyone feels right at home. Limestone can be a divisive material – homeowners either absolutely love it or don’t care for it at all. Those who enjoy it love the warmth and textural, almost buttery quality of the stone. Extra care is required for this stunning material because it is both porous and easily chipped or scratched.

No matter what material you choose, precise, professional installation will help you make the most of the stone’s natural beauty and ensure you get the most from your investment for years to come.