At Stone Concepts, Inc., we’re proud of the stone materials in our showroom. We stock amazing selections of granite, marble, quartzite, quartz, and soapstone, and any of these slabs would be a great material for kitchen countertops.
The types of countertops for the kitchen that you choose depends on your lifestyle, preferred maintenance level, budget, and aesthetic choices. The best choice you can make is something that will last and stay in style. Luckily, both of those qualifiers hold true for our stone selections.
In this article, we’ll explain our five kitchen countertop materials and what you can expect from them. This way, you’ll find it easier to decide when it’s time.
Marble
Marble is known for its timeless and sophisticated nature. It’s also quite versatile, because it lends itself to a modern or traditional aesthetic. The reason for this is that marble comes in so many different colorations and veining patterns, so it’s easy to find something you love.
This natural stone is porous and somewhat soft, so it requires maintenance and care that a harder stone might not. Even when it’s sealed, stains are possible if you don’t clean up spills right away. For this reason, we advise being careful around your marble countertop and remembering to use a cutting board when you chop food.
But just because it calls for a bit more care doesn’t mean marble is ultra-fragile. It has the potential to last for up to a hundred years if you take care of it correctly. It’s a great investment.
Quartzite
Quartz and quartzite may have similar names, but they are not the same material. Quartz is an engineered stone, while quartzite is a natural stone that is found within the earth.
The aesthetics of quartzite are often compared to marble, because it has unique veining and beautiful, crisp colors. Unlike marble, though, quartzite is a very hard surface. It still requires sealant, but it’s very unlikely to sustain scratches or heat damage.
Quartzite is a great choice for people who want both beauty and brawn!
Granite
Granite is one of the most popular natural stones on the market, if not the most popular. This stone, with its bold and confident aesthetics and super-hard surface, does well in almost any type of home.
This stone is known for its heat and scratch resistance as well, and it’s also very unlikely to stain. As long as you keep your granite slab sealed, it will serve your family for generations, and it will never go out of style.
Quartz
If you’re looking for a sturdy engineered stone, look no further than quartz. Quartz counts as a man-made material because it’s made mostly with natural quartz, but there are additives included (called polymers and resins) that bind the particles together and seal quartz’s pores. This means you never have to seal it yourself.
This stone is for those who enjoy the look of natural stone but might not have the inclination to keep up the maintenance routine that natural stone calls for.
It has the potential to fade under direct sunlight and doesn’t love heat, so just remember to keep your quartz countertop inside and to always use a hot pad or trivet when handling kitchen items.
Soapstone
While soapstone is a natural stone, it’s naturally nonporous and doesn’t need to be sealed. This makes it a highly desired material for many people who love its dark, rustic appearance and soft-to-the-touch surface.
Soapstone can really enhance the mood of a room, but be careful because it can sustain scratches somewhat easily. But it’s very unlikely to crack!
Another great thing about soapstone is the fact that it doesn’t stain easily and it’s extremely easy to clean. All you need is warm water, soap, and a soft cloth.
Choosing Your Material
At Stone Concepts, Inc., we have the best stone selections around. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.
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