Understanding the 3 Most Popular Stone Countertop Choices

When you begin thinking about your kitchen rehab, the thing you are probably most excited about is selecting your stone countertops. Unfortunately, too many homeowners rush into their selection and wind up disappointed with the results. Before choosing a countertop, you need to understand the maintenance and durability of your preference. For example, natural stone selections often require more work and maintenance than similar style fabricated stones. To help you understand your choices, it is essential to review the pros and cons of some of the most popular countertop selections.

1. Marble

Marble is a popular choice among bakers and cooks because it is a naturally cool surface. However, it is also among the softest stones, which means that it is prone to nick and scratches. The stone is also prone to staining, so you must seal and reseal the stone after the initial installation and every three to six months after.

2. Granite

Granite is a versatile selection for both design and use. The stone comes in a variety of colors, and it is also known as one of the most durable of the natural stones. While granite is naturally stain and scratch-resistant, it is still recommended that you seal after installation and every year after. One other potential downside to granite is its weight, so make sure your cabinets are sturdy enough before selecting this stone.

3. Quartz

Quartz is a fabricated stone that uses pieces of natural quartz and resin to create a non-porous surface, which means you never have to reseal the counter. Since it is a fabricated stone, you can customize the color. The material is more durable than both marble and granite, and it repels stains because of its non-porous design. Unfortunately, if you prefer a natural stone finish, quartz may not be for you because it has a more polished finish.

Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen? Consider speaking with a cabinet installer to find out more about stone selection.