Countertops: Stone Types, Popular Styles, and More

best stone for countertops

Stone countertops offer a lot. They can be a gorgeous addition to nearly any space, and they can come in a wide range of colors, materials, and configurations. With a range of different stone types, there are many stone countertop options to choose from.

Different types of stone might offer varying degrees of resistance to common countertop challenges like staining, scratching, and heat damage, making them a versatile subset of materials. But what kinds of stones are used to make countertops? And what might you need to know about them?

The truth is, there are a ton of different types of stones that can be used to make countertops, and they can offer different benefits. Which type of rock is best for countertops may hinge on the intended use for the countertops. To better understand, let’s explore some of the best countertop stone types and discuss some of their benefits.

Glorious Granite

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Granite is a highly desirable countertop material. One of the great things about granite is its wide variety. Granite can come in a wider range of colors because of its natural variations. While we may often think of granite as being dark, there is a wide range of lightness levels that can be achieved with granite, ranging from dark gray to white.

Granite is known for being highly durable and hard. It’s often used in kitchens because of these characteristics, and it can resist scratching, heat, and staining quite well, especially if it’s properly sealed.

Granite is often very heavy, which means its weight must be properly supported during installation. Additionally, as we mentioned, it may need to be sealed in order to properly resist staining, then require resealing periodically.

Majestic Marble

Marble is a gorgeous stone known for its distinctive, often light appearance with gorgeous veining throughout. The veining can vary widely, making marble aesthetically versatile. Marble’s primary strength lies not only in its natural beauty but in its tolerance to heat. While marble is a durable stone material, it may be more prone to staining and scratching than other materials, such as granite.

Marble is highly durable, though it may not resist scratching and staining as well as other stones. As such, it’s often an excellent choice for non-cooking surfaces in kitchens or elsewhere. Still, marble can be used for cooking, but it may require careful attention to avoid staining and scratching.

As we discussed, marble can be more prone to staining and scratching than other materials. This doesn’t mean it can’t be used in cooking areas, but it may require more careful maintenance and prompt cleaning. Marble can also be sealed to afford a higher degree of protection.

Quintessential Quartzite

Quartzite, often confused with quartz, is highly durable. Quartzite is gorgeous and offers heat, stain, and scratch resistance. It can range in color and is often found in light shades of white and gray with minor color variations included. Still, it can come in darker shades as well.

Quartzite is a prime material for durability, affording a high level of resistance to staining, scratching, and heat, making it an often ideal kitchen material. While quartzite is a hard surface, it needs to be sealed to protect it from stains, like other porous stones.

Stellar Soapstone

Soapstone is another gorgeous natural stone. It can range in colors and is often dark—it comes in gray, blue, black, and green hues, with lighter veining throughout. It’s known for its soft feel and the patina it can develop over time. While soapstone is less resistant to scratching than some of the other stones we’ve discussed, it is less porous, meaning it doesn’t require sealing to achieve the same degree of stain resistance.

As we’ve discussed, soapstone is highly durable, but with some important caveats. While it does excel in terms of stain resistance, it is more prone to scratching. However, it also offers a very high degree of resistance to heat, making it an ideal choice for kitchens.

Time to Upgrade Your Countertops?

Stone countertops are an excellent choice in the kitchen, bathroom, or nearly anywhere else. Still, there’s a lot to consider. The first step is to understand the different types of stones available. Some of the most popular choices include granite, marble, quartzite, and soapstone. These materials all offer their own unique strengths, so it’s important to consider the material’s intended use.

Remember, if you’re looking for expert installation and high-quality stone countertops, we’re here to help. At K.G. Stevens, we carry a wide selection of gorgeous and durable stone countertop materials. To learn more or get started, get in touch for a free consultation today.

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