Stone Kitchen Countertop Materials – Advantages And Disadvantages Of Common Stone Countertops

One of the hottest trends in home design today is stone kitchen countertops. These durable, heat resistant and luxurious countertops are a beautiful and practical addition to any home. But with all the different types of natural and engineered stone out there, selecting the right one for your home can seem overwhelming. The research can take a bit of time, but each of these countertop materials has pros and cons, so it’s important to assess which one is right for your needs.

granite countertops

Granite is a common type of igneous (volcanic) rock that forms beautiful crystalline textures. A type of hard rock, granite is well-suited for use as a countertop in kitchens and bathrooms because it is resistant to heat and scratches. Granite is formed by heat and pressure over hundreds of years, so no two pieces of this natural stone are exactly alike. This unique feature is particularly attractive to homeowners who want a truly unique space. Granite countertops are available in a wide range of natural colors and patterns, from neutrals to bold blues and greens. Countertops made of natural stone like granite generally increase the value of your home more than engineered stone like quartz, as buyers tend to gravitate toward natural materials.

However, despite its prestigious reputation, granite countertops have several disadvantages. First of all, granite is a relatively porous stone, which means it must be chemically sealed to resist staining. The sealing process is simple, but occasionally it must be repeated; some people view this need for routine maintenance as a negative. Second, granite tends to be an expensive material. While granite tiles can be used instead of granite slabs to lower the price of the countertop, not everyone can afford a granite countertop.

marble countertops

Many homeowners are drawn to the luxurious appearance of marble countertops. The distinctive appearance of marble can greatly increase the value of your home, as it is generally considered a prestigious and sophisticated material. Additionally, marble countertops are the preferred surface of serious bakers, as cold stone is ideal for pie crusts, pastries, and other baked goods. Marble countertops are also available in a wide range of colors, from delicate blushes to vibrant blacks, each uniquely formed by nature.

Marble has a few distinct drawbacks as a countertop material. For starters, marble is a much softer stone than granite, so it is more prone to scratching and marring than granite countertops. Furthermore, polished marble is vulnerable to etching when acidic liquids are invariably spilled on it. These spots and marks can destroy the finish on your countertop; You can avoid this problem by choosing a matte finish over a polished finish, but most homeowners prefer the look of polished marble. Finally, marble is a porous and absorbent stone, which means that it tends to stain. While some homeowners like the patina on their marble countertops to develop over the years, many consider it a drawback.

soapstone countertops

You’re likely familiar with soapstone from your high school chemistry lab; those black tables were made of soapstone. Today, soapstone is becoming popular for kitchen countertops due to its extreme resistance to staining. It is also heat resistant and does not burn.

One drawback to soapstone countertops is that they are only available in a limited number of dark colors. Soapstone is generally grayish in color in nature, although it is usually oiled to a black finish for commercial and residential use. Soapstone counters are also vulnerable to scratches. However, soapstone countertops can actually be sanded to remove nicks and marks, so this susceptibility to scratching isn’t always considered a major shortcoming.

limestone countertops

Limestone is a sedimentary rock with qualities similar to marble. Available in a wide range of neutral colors and whites, limestone countertops have a smooth appearance, unlike granite. Formed from the sand and shells of aquatic life, limestone frequently includes small fossils and shells; some homeowners particularly value this unique aspect of limestone countertops.

However, like marble, limestone is a soft rock: it tends to stain and scratch easily and is susceptible to etching. Your limestone countertop can be sealed to help prevent stains and etching, but limestone is not recommended for high-use areas, such as kitchens.

quartz countertops

Quartz countertops are constructed of an engineered stone made from 93% quartz, pigment, and resin. This stone countertop material has many of the same qualities as granite, but without the maintenance issues. Quartz countertops are heat and scratch resistant and will not stain. And unlike granite, quartz never needs to be sealed. As a man-made material, quartz countertops have a uniform color and pattern. Some homeowners prefer this consistent look to the unique aspects of natural stone. It also means that if a segment of your quartz countertop is damaged, an identical replacement section can be obtained from the manufacturer without worrying about matching.

While it may seem like quartz countertops are inherently superior, they do come with a number of drawbacks. The main problem is that, despite a similar cost, engineered quartz countertops do not add to the value of your home as much as granite countertops. Home buyers prefer the natural material over the man-made counter, so you’ll want to keep this in mind if he’s remodeling his kitchen as an investment. Also, while quartz countertops are designed to mimic the natural look of granite, some people believe that quartz lacks the depth and beauty of granite. To be sure which look you prefer, be sure to check out engineered and natural stone samples. Finally, with quartz, your color and pattern options are more limited than with natural stone. There are a plethora of colors available, but especially if you’re trying to match exactly with your current color scheme, you may prefer the limitless rainbow of natural stone.

Corian Countertops

Corian is another type of engineered stone similar to quartz. This type of solid surface stone countertop offers most of the advantages of granite and quartz, as well as several unique benefits. Like granite and quartz countertops, Corian countertops are resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. It’s also not porous, so sealing will never be necessary. Plus, Corian has the added benefit of being kosher certified. Unlike granite, Corian countertops can also be fully integrated with Corian backsplashes and sinks to create a visually uniform surface.

However, Corian also has disadvantages. It is heat resistant, but only to 212ºF. Higher temperatures will damage your countertop, so you will almost always need to protect your Corian countertop from hot objects. Also, as with quartz, some people prefer the natural appearance of granite to the smooth, consistent appearance of Corian. Corian countertops are only available in limited colors and patterns, which some people don’t like.

With these advantages and disadvantages in mind, you are now armed with the information you need to choose the perfect kitchen countertop material for your home. Visit your local stone countertop showroom or installer to view samples and learn more about making your dream of beautiful stone countertops come true.