There are so many great options when it comes to choosing a stone countertop that it can get overwhelming pretty quickly. Whether your preference is aimlessly traditional or stunningly sleek, we can help you pick the right stone for you.
The Natural Stone Countertop
We absolutely love natural stones like granite, marble, or soapstone. Each slab is absolutely one of a kind. The veining and speckled details are created by mother nature herself, and while the manufactured stone is getting better at replicating her work nothing is quite like the real thing.
Natural stone is also quite durable depending on the rock you choose. Both Granite and Marble can stand the test of time, but marble will patina more over time. If that’s not something you’re interested in we recommend going with granite. When sealed properly it can resist stains, chips, and scratches. These stones are also highly heat resistant due to the processes they undergo when forming in the earth. While we recommend always using a hot pad just to be safe, you don’t have to be overly cautious about keeping hot dishes off the counter.
Quartz
This manufactured stone has become incredibly popular these days. Because it’s made in a factory the range of colors is only limited by your imagination. They have many natural stone look-alikes as well as vibrant bold options that could never be found in nature. Quartz also offers consistent color because each slab resembles the next. If you have a large project you can be sure that all of the product will match perfectly.
Another perk of quartz is that it’s even more durable than natural stone. Because it’s made from one of the hardest minerals on earth and is non-porous you don’t have to worry about scratching or staining the surface. It’s also very low maintenance. You can use almost any cleaning product without worry.
The Solid Surface Countertop
These countertops are another manufactured option but are made of acrylic or polyester rather than natural minerals. They come in many colors and are low maintenance because it’s a non-porous surface. They are also more affordable than natural options, however, they are not nearly as durable. You must be very careful not to drop any heavy objects or place a hot pan on the countertop. Always use a cutting board as this surface is not very scratch-resistant.
Laminate
Decades ago laminate seemed like the future of countertops. They’re made of layers of plastic bonded to particle board to create a solid surface. They are very affordable and come in a wide variety of colors, which is why they’re still very common today. The downside is they’re not very durable. They’re not very stain-resistant and a hot pan could melt the plastic-based material. They’re also known to chip over time. If you’re on a tight budget and can commit to taking good care of these countertops then they could still be a great option.
Recycled Surfaces
Recycled surfaces are great for eco-conscious buyers. They’re made in a similar way to quartz, but using only environmentally friendly products. Each countertop is a unique pattern and color depending on the materials used. They’re resistant to heat and scratches but aren’t quite as durable as the other options on the market.
There are many different countertop options and within each category, there are many other choices to be made. Still, we hope this gives you a good starting point. If you’re interested in using natural stone or quartz in your next project give us a call to get started.
