Whenever someone talks about home remodeling, the kitchen and bathroom are the focal points of discussion. So here we will discuss the best Stones for Countertops for your Kitchens & Bathrooms. Countertops are the busiest parts of a kitchen and bathroom that hold most of the functional items. Both these places are where water is in use all the time. Countertops have to bear many spills and hot objects, scratches from knives, and heavy objects.
Countertops with porous surfaces are not durable, like wooden and laminates. You need materials that withhold the external factors and are long-lasting. If your question is, what material is best for countertops? The answer is “stone.”
Yes, stone tops have been popular for decades due to their durability and inherent luxury. With so many different types of stone countertops on the market, though, it can be tough to choose the right one.
At SK Stone, we have hundreds of slabs available for countertops. Let’s take a close look at the 6 best stone countertops to choose from when designing or remodeling a home.
1. Granite Countertops
Granite is the most famous material amongst home remodelers, homeowners, builders, and interior designers. If you are looking for a premium countertop, you can’t find any better option than this beautiful natural stone. Granite is superior for its durability and fantastic looks.
Granite is the ideal surface for people designing luxury kitchens for decades. Because granite is in use for this long period, it became very common. With its elegance, granite can easily elevate the home’s value for its uses as kitchen and bathroom countertops. Its limited aesthetics and many alternatives for countertops have eventually withdrawn some favor for its use. Designers may look for other options to make unique bathrooms and kitchens. But it is one of the most premium and luxurious options. Granite slabs are available in a variety of colors and designs. At SK Stones, you can find hundreds of unique options so you can create any desirable theme for your space. Explore granite options.
The granite countertop provides strong resistance as its purely natural stone, and its formation takes place at over 2300° F under the Earth’s crust. Beautiful veins on slabs result from its formation, and the presence of different elements defines the colors. What makes granite stand in comparison to other materials is its sheer hardness and heat resistance. Sealing the slab once a year makes it safe against spills, stains, and bacteria.
2. Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock, and its formation takes place by the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone. In terms of characteristics, granite and quartzite both have many similarities. However, it’s important to clarify that quartzite and quartz for countertops are two different materials. Quartzite is the hardest natural stone, eventually more resistant to scratches compared to granite. If we talk about looks, quartzite is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes.
Impurities available in its formation adds beautiful colors and veins. Those streaks on the quartzite surface may confuse you with marble. Like any other natural stone, quartzite is porous and requires sealing at least twice a year for protection against stains.
Quartzite is becoming popular with time as a premium material for countertops. It is comparatively expensive; its use is not as much as other natural stones.
Explore Quartzite Collection.
3. Marble Countertops
Marble is another natural stone. It is heavily in use for centuries as a luxurious material. Marble has a classic, timeless beauty and white brightness that is not available in granite or other materials. It appeals to those who like the unique character that comes over time. Marble is naturally cool; it doesn’t heat very well.
There are many downsides as marble is soft and very prone to scratches and chipping. Especially when it directly comes into contact with acidic liquids like lemon or tomatoes. Marble is one of the most expensive natural stones, and its maintenance also requires some effort. It requires regular sealing; that takes your time and money. You can read here more about the Pros and Cons of Marble.
So, if you are looking for marble for your countertops, you need to be prepared for its care. It will develop a matchless patina over time.
4. Quartz Countertops
Unlike natural stone, Quartz is an engineered stone designed especially for countertops. Many homeowners and designers prefer engineered Quartz because of its man-made feature that brings in customization. Quartz is made of natural quartz particles bound together with resin, and other elements are added to get desired colors and patterns. This material can grab your attention while searching for the best stones for your countertops.
Unlike natural stones, quartz countertops require very little or no maintenance. Swiping with a wet cloth can do the job for you. Their surface is nonporous, so they do not need sealing. Quartz is also very economical, so it saves the cost for buying as well as for maintenance.
Quartz is normally white but also available in different colors and shades. This engineered stone is not suitable for outdoor and high-temperature areas. Putting hot items on it can destroy its surface. The use of trivets is the way to go with Quartz as your kitchen countertop.
Explore Quartz collection at SK Stones.
5. Dolomite Countertops
Dolomite, not a very famous yet very useful sedimentary natural stone for countertops. It has stunning gray and white hues that resemble marble, and it is less expensive. You might not get too many variations in colors and styles. It is not durable as granite but has more resistance against wear and tear than marble. Dolomite stone is equally good for kitchen countertops as well as for bathroom vanity tops.
Installing a dolomite or dolostone countertop in your home gives you the durability of granite and the aesthetics of marble. Its beauty in your interiors will stand out and be unique for years to come. Each slab of dolomite is unique and cannot be replicated or reproduced. Maintenance of dolomite countertops becomes very easy if the sealing is done properly.
Learn more in FAQs.
6. Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain is the most famous engineered stone for countertops. It is made from China clay, also contains a high percentage of kaolinite along with silica, feldspar, and other mineral oxides, which provides the strength and durability of porcelain. The addition of pigmented glazes during manufacturing gives different colors and patterns to the porcelain slab.
Like engineered quartz, porcelain is stain-proof and non-porous, so liquids do not absorb, and the rare stain is usually on the surface and easily cleaned off. But unlike quartz, its colors don’t fade in sunlight; that enables it for exterior uses. Also, chemicals will not discolor or bleach out porcelain countertops, like sometimes happen with quartz countertops.
Explore Porcelain Options.
There are many other countertop options used by homeowners and designers like soapstone, semi-precious stones, limestone, travertine, and more. Here above, we’ve discussed only the most popular, durable, and modern option for countertop stones for your kitchen and bathroom.
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