Do It Once.
Do It With Stone.
Countertops come in a variety of options and styles, but natural stone gives you the added benefit of beauty and durability. Known for being affordable while adding an elegant look to any room, natural stone countertops are a little slice of well-made luxury.
Better yet, you have your choice of stones! Countertops are often made from granite, marble, quartzite, travertine, soapstone, and limestone, and each has its pros and cons. You know whatever you choose will stand out when you first walk into a space, so the most difficult part is choosing which style fits you the best.
Granite Countertops
As the most popular choice in the world of countertops, you can’t go wrong with granite. Designed to give a picture-perfect touch to any room, granite countertops are most often used in kitchens to complement the aesthetic of cabinets.
colors
- One amazing perk of going with granite is knowing that you'll have a unique look.
- Your color options range from darker hues and shades of black and gray to pinks and rich tones of red.
Durability
- Granite is extremely durable, meaning it will hold up to everyday wear and tear.
- It works so well in kitchens because it allows you to cook big meals and doesn't crack or break under the pressure of holding many dishes at once.
Affordability
- The biggest con to going with granite is the price. It's on the higher end of the market when compared to options such as limestone.
If you’re looking for durability and a wide array of color options, granite has what you need. However, if you’re looking to save money but still want that durability, you may want to review other natural stone options.
Marble Countertops
Created from heating limestone, marble is interior designers’ most-selected countertop stone. It has a soft glow to it, allowing you to highlight the room with a simple touch.
colors
- Marble is typically rich with crystals, so you'll find countertops coming in shades of cream, white, rose, and charcoal with an almost milky pattern.
Durability
- Compared to other natural stone countertops, marble is quite a bit softer and more difficult to cut without creating unnatural breaks.
- It is easily stained and must be maintained constantly. If a piece of it chips, it's easier to replace the entire slab rather than repair the damaged parts.
Affordability
- Marble is often more costly than granite.
- It is a higher-end stone compared with most natural stone options, and typically is more difficult to cut and shape.
Renovators without a strict budget may find marble countertops to be a dream option, but those who are prone to messes or short on time to maintain this stone might want to choose a more durable option. For those who want luxury on a more cost-friendly level, travertine or soapstone might be a better choice.
Granite Countertops
As the most popular choice in the world of countertops, you can’t go wrong with granite. Designed to give a picture-perfect touch to any room, granite countertops are most often used in kitchens to complement the aesthetic of cabinets.
colors
- One amazing perk of going with granite is knowing that you'll have a unique look.
- Your color options range from darker hues and shades of black and gray to pinks and rich tones of red.
Durability
- Granite is extremely durable, meaning it will hold up to everyday wear and tear.
- It works so well in kitchens because it allows you to cook big meals and doesn't crack or break under the pressure of holding many dishes at once.
Affordability
- The biggest con to going with granite is the price. It's on the higher end of the market when compared to options such as limestone.
If you’re looking for durability and a wide array of color options, granite has what you need. However, if you’re looking to save money but still want that durability, you may want to review other natural stone options.
Marble Countertops
Created from heating limestone, marble is interior designers’ most-selected countertop stone. It has a soft glow to it, allowing you to highlight the room with a simple touch.
colors
- Marble is typically rich with crystals, so you'll find countertops coming in shades of cream, white, rose, and charcoal with an almost milky pattern.
Durability
- Compared to other natural stone countertops, marble is quite a bit softer and more difficult to cut without creating unnatural breaks.
- It is easily stained and must be maintained constantly. If a piece of it chips, it's easier to replace the entire slab rather than repair the damaged parts.
Affordability
- Marble is often more costly than granite.
- It is a higher-end stone compared with most natural stone options, and typically is more difficult to cut and shape.
Renovators without a strict budget may find marble countertops to be a dream option, but those who are prone to messes or short on time to maintain this stone might want to choose a more durable option. For those who want luxury on a more cost-friendly level, travertine or soapstone might be a better choice.
Quartzite Countertops
While it’s not as popular as granite or marble, quartzite has been making waves in the last few years. Mostly quartzite is adored for its cool colors and swirling motion patterns, making it eye-catching.
colors
- Color options are typically limited to more neutral and earth tones.
- Rarer and pricier quartzite can be found in blues, greens, pinks, and reds.
- Its patterns aren't as unique compared to other natural stone options, but those that do exist are often exquisite.
Durability
- Quartz material is known for resisting UV damage, which makes it a great option for rooms that may have heavy exposure to sunlight.
- It is incredibly strong and heat-resistant, allowing you to place hot pans on it without worry.
Affordability
- Quartzite comes in a range of prices depending on thickness and cut.
- It can be a little rarer than some options, meaning it is often more expensive than granite.
- Thinner and less-unique color patterns are often more affordable.
Quartzite creates a durable countertop and is great for bright rooms, but if you’re looking for more options when it comes to design and color you may want to consider granite or limestone.
Quartzite Countertops
While it’s not as popular as granite or marble, quartzite has been making waves in the last few years. Mostly quartzite is adored for its cool colors and swirling motion patterns, making it eye-catching.
colors
- Color options are typically limited to more neutral and earth tones.
- Rarer and pricier quartzite can be found in blues, greens, pinks, and reds.
- Its patterns aren't as unique compared to other natural stone options, but those that do exist are often exquisite.
Durability
- Quartz material is known for resisting UV damage, which makes it a great option for rooms that may have heavy exposure to sunlight.
- It is incredibly strong and heat-resistant, allowing you to place hot pans on it without worry.
Affordability
- Quartzite comes in a range of prices depending on thickness and cut.
- It can be a little rarer than some options, meaning it is often more expensive than granite.
- Thinner and less-unique color patterns are often more affordable.
Quartzite creates a durable countertop and is great for bright rooms, but if you’re looking for more options when it comes to design and color you may want to consider granite or limestone.
Travertine Countertops
Travertine countertops resemble marble and are known for their bright earthy colors. While many people confuse them with marble, they hold quite a few traits that set them aside.
colors
- Travertine typically comes in lighter colors and has a reflective exterior which helps brighten up a room.
- Many people use the material for sinks, showers, backsplashes, and other items that might look best in neutral hues.
Durability
- It is easy to cut and often used for more than countertops.
- The biggest issue is that travertine may react harshly to citrus and other acids, making it difficult to clean or leaving stains.
- Travertine must be resealed every few years to maintain its strength.
Affordability
- Travertine is one of the cheaper natural stone options since it's easy to cut, but it still looks great and gives off a classy look.
Travertine adds a great look to your kitchen or bathroom if you’re in the market for lighter colors, but you may want to consider other natural stone options like soapstone or quartzite for longer-lasting countertops.
Travertine Countertops
Travertine countertops resemble marble and are known for their bright earthy colors. While many people confuse them with marble, they hold quite a few traits that set them aside.
colors
- Travertine typically comes in lighter colors and has a reflective exterior which helps brighten up a room.
- Many people use the material for sinks, showers, backsplashes, and other items that might look best in neutral hues.
Durability
- It is easy to cut and often used for more than countertops.
- The biggest issue is that travertine may react harshly to citrus and other acids, making it difficult to clean or leaving stains.
- Travertine must be resealed every few years to maintain its strength.
Affordability
- Travertine is one of the cheaper natural stone options since it's easy to cut, but it still looks great and gives off a classy look.
Travertine adds a great look to your kitchen or bathroom if you’re in the market for lighter colors, but you may want to consider other natural stone options like soapstone or quartzite for longer-lasting countertops.
Soapstone Countertops
Since it’s not popularly known, you can count on a unique look in your kitchen or bathroom should you choose to have soapstone installed.
colors
- Your color choices typically align with neutral or darker colors.
- Mostly you'll find hues of gray, black, dark blue, and occasionally greens.
Durability
- Soapstone's history dates back to the Native Americans, who used it to craft pots and jewelry.
- Its heat-resistant exterior makes it easy to cut yet difficult to crack.
- Soapstone is not very durable and tends not to last as long as other natural stones.
Affordability
- Soapstone slabs typically run on a medium-to-high price range for countertops.
- It’s more affordable than granite or marble, but is still a little on the higher end.
Soapstone is a great option if you’re looking for a unique look, but granite or quartzite might better suit your needs if you’d prefer something more durable.
Soapstone Countertops
Since it’s not popularly known, you can count on a unique look in your kitchen or bathroom should you choose to have soapstone installed.
colors
- Your color choices typically align with neutral or darker colors.
- Mostly you'll find hues of gray, black, dark blue, and occasionally greens.
Durability
- Soapstone's history dates back to the Native Americans, who used it to craft pots and jewelry.
- Its heat-resistant exterior makes it easy to cut yet difficult to crack.
- Soapstone is not very durable and tends not to last as long as other natural stones.
Affordability
- Soapstone slabs typically run on a medium-to-high price range for countertops.
- It’s more affordable than granite or marble, but is still a little on the higher end.
Soapstone is a great option if you’re looking for a unique look, but granite or quartzite might better suit your needs if you’d prefer something more durable.
Limestone Countertops
Limestone is aesthetically pleasing and brings you a timeless, one-of-a-kind appearance. It’s probably the most uniquely sourced countertop, as it is created from bits of ocean life.
colors
- Limestone typically comes in shades of gold and gray, separating it from other countertops that offer 50+ colors and patterns.
Durability
- Limestone's durability handles banging around without denting or cracking.
- It does pick up scratches, though, so you'll need to be mindful of that fact.
Affordability
- Compared to other countertop options, you can use limestone for your countertops as well as your floors without drastically overspending.
- Limestone is softer to quarry and work than options, so prices are typically more affordable.
If you’re looking for a gorgeous option for your countertops but don’t want to spend your entire savings, limestone makes a great option.
Limestone Countertops
Limestone is aesthetically pleasing and brings you a timeless, one-of-a-kind appearance. It’s probably the most uniquely sourced countertop, as it is created from bits of ocean life.
colors
- Limestone typically comes in shades of gold and gray, separating it from other countertops that offer 50+ colors and patterns.
Durability
- Limestone's durability handles banging around without denting or cracking.
- It does pick up scratches, though, so you'll need to be mindful of that fact.
Affordability
- Compared to other countertop options, you can use limestone for your countertops as well as your floors without drastically overspending.
- Limestone is softer to quarry and work than options, so prices are typically more affordable.
If you’re looking for a gorgeous option for your countertops but don’t want to spend your entire savings, limestone makes a great option.
Maintenance for Your Natural Stone Countertops
Natural stone such as marble or granite is simple to maintain so long you have warm water, soap, and a gentle washcloth. You’ll want to ensure your countertops are properly sealed after installation to keep them looking their best for as long as possible, and use only natural stone-appropriate cleaners to clean up spills or polish the surfaces.
Deciding on Your natural stone countertops
If you’re unsure which countertop style you’d like to go with or the material you like the best, consult an expert! They work with countertops daily and will know the newest and best products on the line.
At A&S Home Interiors, we aim to help you pick out the countertops that best fit your needs, so contact our team today to set up a consultation.
