Natural stone countertops are easy to love. Their timeless style and durability make them a popular choice when designing both commercial and residential spaces. If you’re considering putting in new counters or updating the ones you have, keep reading to learn more below.
4 Types of Natural Stone Countertops
1. Granite
Granite countertops provide an excellent balance of looks and sturdiness. The naturally-occurring minerals in the stone add unique depth and character to a room without fading. The durability of granite is also unparalleled, as it’s resistant to scratching, heat, and staining. In fact, using your knives on a granite countertop will actually dull the blade before damaging the surface.
2. Marble
Cool and sophisticated, marble is a favorite for upscale interior design. The variation in striations, shading, and markings in this natural stone can create an elegant appearance for any kitchen or bathroom. Since marble can stain with exposure to acids – like coffee, citrus, or tomato juice – they do require some additional maintenance with regular sealing. For many owners, however, these countertops are worth a bit of extra expense and attention.
3. Quartzite
Though not technically a natural stone itself, the majority of quartzite countertops are actually fabricated from a mix of ground natural quartz sandstone with a combination of resin and pigments. As a result, these popular countertops provide a wide range of colors that deliver a uniformly sleek, high-end finish. Because quartzite counters are non-porous, they don’t need sealing. Cleaning and disinfecting is simple as well, with quartz being less prone to harbor germs and bacteria.
4. Soapstone
A light-to-medium neutral gray when untreated, soapstone becomes a richer, darker charcoal color when treated with mineral oil. This natural stone is a favorite countertop material with designers and homeowners who want understated style that is both practical and striking. So dense as to be non-porous, soapstone is easy to clean and care for. It stands up well to daily use and heat. Though it can be scratched, any surface imperfections can be buffed out or sanded down.
Any of these 4 natural stone countertops would be a beautiful addition to a commercial or residential space for their separate qualities, but their similarities are pretty compelling, too. All 4 options are family-friendly and hold up well under the usual stress of daily life. Even better, all add value to the price of your property when you’re ready to sell!
Outfitting your kitchen and bathroom is an important choice that can affect the look, feel, and style of your entire home. View our gallery of work and contact us for a professional consultation. We’ll work with you every step of the way when selecting and installing your natural stone countertops.