Stone countertops
are an easy way to enhance the value of your kitchen and dramatically change its appearance. Kitchen countertops, granite countertops to be precise, are the most common upgrade according to a recent NAHB report. Common stones used for countertops include
granite,
quartz,
marble, soapstone,
limestone, and
onyx.
Granite countertops
are the most popular choice in
natural stone for hardness and durability. Granite is very resistant to scratching. Being a porous stone, it will need to be sealed when used as a countertop. It is generally recommended to reseal granite every year, but aside from that, it is relatively low maintenance.
Quartz countertops
have become increasingly popular in recent years for kitchen applications due to its hardness and resistance to scratching. Quartz is harder than granite and less porous, and offers a wide array of colors.
Marble countertops
are much softer than granite and generally used for bathroom vanities. Marble is not recommended for kitchen countertops due to its susceptibility to scratching and staining.
Soapstone countertops
are growing in popularity and are comparable in price to granite. Soapstone is a soft stone that has seen various uses throughout history. Although softer than granite, it is actually denser and less porous, making it less susceptible to staining.
Popular Retailers of Stone Countertops
