Soapstone

Soapstone is a soft natural stone that is made of about 50 percent talc. If you lean toward a dark aesthetic, soapstone may be the choice for you—its most popular hues include dark blue, gray, green, and black.

Soapstone is a nonporous stone, meaning you never have to seal it and it’s very easy to clean. But since it’s such a soft stone, it can be vulnerable to scratches—but these scratches can be easily buffed out. Still, though, we recommend using a cutting board when dicing up food.

This stone does not stain easily, and it’s heat resistant as well. It can also work great for an outdoor kitchen!

Granite

This durable stone comes in many bold patterns and has no issue with heat. But, unlike soapstone, it is porous—meaning it will need to be resealed periodically in order to remain strong against liquid damage and bacteria.

Every slab of granite is completely unique, so you’ll have your very own work of art in your home. This piece of art is resistant to stains and chemicals, and it’s extremely easy to clean. All you need is soap and water!

Similarly to soapstone, granite also works wonderfully in outdoor kitchens. It has no issue with sunlight or weather and can be a great asset to your backyard vibe.

Marble

Unlike granite, marble is a soft stone—and it’s porous as well, meaning it will need to be sealed and resealed.

Marble is vulnerable to stains, so it’s important to clean up spills right away. If you let a spill soak in, your marble could stain or become etched.

You may not expect it, but marble can be installed outside—as long as you don’t mind the naturally aged, rustic look.

Quartzite

If you’re looking for something with the aesthetic of marble but the maintenance level of granite, quartzite is your best bet. This unique stone is extremely durable, as it’s resistant to stains, chemicals, liquid damage, and heat.

It’s porous, so it needs to be sealed, but as long as you maintain the sealing routine, this stone has the potential to last for generations.

Quartz

Engineered quartz is not natural because there are synthetic materials added to its natural quartz base, and these materials seal quartz’s pores.

Engineered quartz countertops are nonporous, so you don’t have to worry about sealing them. They stay tough against germs and bacteria, which makes them a great asset in the kitchen. Their patterns are predictable and uniform, which many people find favorable.

Quartz does not always fare well with heat, though, so we recommend always using a hot pad in the kitchen to avoid scorching. It should also never be installed outside, as it has the potential to fade under direct sunlight.

Our Countertop Types

At Stone Concepts, Inc., we have something for everyone—including you! Either come take a look at our showroom or give us a call today to find your perfect stone countertop.