Selecting the right stone to suit your needs is an important step in the process! Different stones have unique advantages and unique risks, and for best results it's important to know more about your chosen slab than what it looks like. Every option has many colors and patterns. We will guide you through your decisions, but ultimately you are going to be affected most by your decision in stone. Here is your guide to your various options!
Granite
Marble
Quartz
Porcelain
Granite is an igneous natural stone that was created by the cooling of molten materials under the Earth’s surface. Due to its impressive strength, granite countertops are commonly known for its durability to wear and tears. In its natural beauty form, granite is one of most non-absorbent, stain resistant and scratch resistant material.
Marble is formed from limestone and superheated to form its unique crystalline structure. In the kitchen, that means marble countertops can scratch and scuff more easily than other surfaces, such as granite or quartz. Marble is also a porous stone, so it’s more prone to etching due to harsh cleaning products or acidic liquids.
Quartz or engineered stone is a manmade countertop material that is created by mixing quartz with resin and “baking” through a thermal process. Quartz is non-porous so it resists staining better than granite, marble, or concrete. However, it is not as heat-resistant as granite, so we recommend using hot pads or trivets when cooking. Quartz should not be exposed to direct sunlight for the resin used in the creation process will yellow or fade.
Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating materials to temperatures over 2500 ºF. Its hardness makes it scratch resistant enough to cut right on it, and its manufacturing process makes it extremely heat-resistant. Porcelain is also highly resistant to spills and stains. These properties make it easy for maintenance; however, it does have a few things to be aware of. Enough blunt force will crack it (avoid using hammers or meat cleavers on it), and the edge profile selection is limited.
Quartzite
Limestone
Soapstone
Travertine
Quartzite is one of the harder, more durable building materials that you might choose. Quartzite Slabs contain a very high quartz content and with that comes density, stain resistance and minimal care requirements. The modern kitchen countertop is a perfect place for this material. Looks like marble; performs like granite.
Limestone is known for its soft pattern and texture. Limestone is particularly vulnerable to stains formed from acidic products such as soda, juice, citrus, coffee and tea. It is recommended that the seal on limestone be checked and/or maintained on an annual basis.
Soapstone is a natural stone material that has been used for centuries in countertops. The milky appearance of soapstone gives it a unique look and feel. Many homeowners love the natural charm of soapstone.
Travertine is a versatile surfacing option that matches well with other natural stones. The limitations of travertine include that harsh chemicals such as scrubbing bubbles will etch travertine. The more polished the surface, the more scratches are visible.
