Natural stone countertops will be the last countertop you’ll ever need to buy.
Investing in natural stone countertops is a long-term investment in your kitchen. These countertops offer unparalleled beauty complete with functionality and durability.
The most challenging part you’ll find as a homeowner is deciding which type of natural stone is best for your kitchen countertops. Those unfamiliar with the variety of styles and materials can find shopping for countertops overwhelming!
Don’t feel stressed or overwhelmed. Instead, follow this guide on what you need to know about natural stone countertops.
What Sets Natural Stone Countertops Apart
Despite their elegance and cost, these countertops are durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. For most homeowners, a natural stone countertop is the last one they ever need.
Natural stone countertops simply consist of solid natural stone. There aren’t any resins, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), or other potentially harmful materials in the countertops. This gives them a unique appearance and makes them safe for your home and family.
Real natural stone countertops offer the richest appearance of depth and luster. Every pattern and color is unique. You’ll also enjoy a wider selection of colors and patterns when choosing a natural stone countertop.
What Is the Best Natural Stone for Countertops?
The best natural stone countertops are the ones you love. Sounds cliche but if you don’t like the look or function of your countertops, you won’t enjoy the rooms you install them. Finding the right stone material and color will help.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of countertop stone.
Granite
The most common natural stone countertops homeowners love is granite and for good reason. Granite is extremely durable and requires little to no maintenance. You can find a wide selection of granite colors and patterns to ensure your countertop matches your unique style.
Granite is a porous stone that requires a sealer to protect the stone. The sealer won’t affect the look and feel of the stone but it won’t prevent staining. If you spill any food or drinks, you’ll need to clean them right away.
A bonus of granite is its affordability. Most homeowners dismiss the idea of natural stone countertops believing they’re too expensive. Granite Countertops, however, can be an affordable cost and will yield greater benefits than any synthetic countertop.
Soapstone
Do you prefer the appearance of a modern kitchen or bathroom sporting dark bold accents? Natural soapstone countertops will elevate the look of your home. Soapstone features dark colors similar to granite with the elegant light veining found in marble.
As soapstone ages, it will darken. For a timeless look, pair dark soapstone countertops with lighter cabinets and accents in your kitchen.
Marble
Marble boasts unique vein patterns and comes in a variety of different colors. Made from metamorphosed limestone, marble has a truly unique appearance you can’t find anywhere else. If you’re looking for an elegant and sophisticated styled countertop, then marble countertops are the right natural stone material for your home.
The main benefits of marble include its durability and resistance to heat. It doesn’t stain as easily as granite and is also easy to maintain.
Porcelain
You may find it surprising to learn that porcelain is an incredibly durable and strong natural stone. It can easily hold up appliances, spills, knives, and stains with ease. It requires minimal maintenance and will continue to impress you with its gorgeous appearance for years.
Porcelain Countertops comes in a range of unique colors and patterns. You’ll have the option of choosing between a polished or matte finish.
Quartzite
Quartzite Countertops are Natural Stone Countertops that are similar to Marble, but more durable. Quartzite Natural Stone Countertops are much more scratch resistant and less porous than other natural stones like granite or marble.
Quartzite comes in many different colors and patterns, making them a great option for those looking for not only beauty but durability as well!
Quartz
Modern and sleek are the two words that come to mind with quartz countertops. If you look at today’s modern kitchens and bathrooms, you’ll find quartz to be the most popular material.
While quartz is a material consisting of natural stone, many consider it an engineered countertop. Quartz countertops consist of over 90% loose quartz, silicon dioxide, dye and some other synthetic materials that help bind everything together.
The result? A stunning countertop with a variety of colors, durability, and resistance to stains and bacteria.
Quartzite is a natural stone made from heated and pressurized sandstone. It offers a similar appearance to quartz with the bonus of extra durability.
Dekton
Dekton is another engineered countertop consisting of natural stone materials, similar to glass and quartz. This stone material offers a unique finish along with an incredible amount of durability.
There are no two natural stone countertops that look alike. With a variety of materials, colors, and patterns, you’re sure to find the perfect countertop for your home.
Benefits of Natural Stone Countertops
Besides their beauty and durability, natural stone countertops offer several lesser-known benefits. Here are more reasons why you should consider natural stone countertops.
Green Natural Stone Countertops
Natural stone countertops are environmentally friendly. The mining and production of these stones require significantly less energy and materials compared to synthetic countertops. The production of these stone countertops doesn’t create VOCs or cause air pollution.
Best Natural Stone for Kitchen Countertops
If you use your kitchen regularly, you know your kitchen countertops can take a beating. Natural stone such as marble and granite are excellent countertop options for your kitchen. They’re extremely durable and easy to clean.
Cost of Natural Stone Countertops
The upfront cost of natural stone countertops can cost more than some synthetic options. Investing in a stone countertop will save you money over time.
Its durability will prevent it from melting, cracking, or breaking from everyday use. You won’t need to constantly replace or fix your countertops.
If you’re looking for a long-term investment with a greater ROI, choose a stone countertop. Adding these countertops to your kitchen or bathrooms will increase your home’s value. Homebuyers love the look and feel of natural stone countertops, which can help you sell your home faster.
You’ll Love Living with Natural Stone Countertops
Are beauty, easy maintenance, and durability your top desires in a countertop?
Anyone needing a long-lasting countertop should consider the benefits and beauty of natural stone countertops. You’ll find natural stone countertops to be the last one you’ll ever need.
Planning a kitchen or bathroom countertop renovation can be stressful. If you need help finding the right countertops, let us know! Our team is happy to help you with any of your countertop needs.
