Natural stone countertops are not just a functional element but an investment in the art and essence of your home. A feature that both designers and homeowners appreciate, whatever the design style they’re working around. And why not? These surfaces combine unparalleled beauty with durability, elevating every space with unmatched sophistication 😍
Why Choose Natural Stone Countertops?
You have every reason to invest in natural stone countertops. Longevity. Aesthetics. Timelessness. Visual appeal. Every quality more important than the other.
Beautiful
The most compelling reason to have natural stone countertops in your home. Each slab has its own distinct patterns, hues, and veining. Whether you opt for the classic elegance of marble, the understated opulence of quartzite, or the rugged charm of granite, natural stone brings a timeless appeal that extends beyond trends.
Unique
No two stone countertops are the same, so each piece will be unique, just like your fingerprints. An idea particularly perfect for those who want their home to stand out from all those all-white interiors in magazines or on the internet, or even in the neighborhood.
Made Without Synthetic Materials
Because natural stone comes directly from the Earth, there’s not much else needed to source it. We find a good supply of the material in different veining, colors, patterns, graining, textures, and forms. Not to forget, natural stone does not contain toxic components, which means it’s a safe option to have in your home. Plus, you can choose regionally sourced varieties; the lesser the transport cost, the lower the environmental impact.
Super Durable
Natural stone withstands the test of time. You won’t have to replace it anytime soon, especially if it’s a luxe variety, like marble, granite, or onyx; ones that are guaranteed to provide years of use—while aging beautifully.
The best part is, natural stone can handle heavy wear and tear in busy areas, too, such as the bathroom and kitchen. In fact, it can last for as long as 50 years when properly taken care of. Though not the most affordable option in the short run, natural stone countertops are cost-friendly in the long run because you don’t have to source a new product for a good couple of years—which also means it’s super sustainable!
Offer Design Flexibility
Originally tied to vintage designs, natural stone countertops now tend to the design needs of contemporary aesthetics as well. We see interior designers and architects using different types of the material in various applications—bathroom stone countertops, kitchen stone countertops, and even floating shelves. Thanks to their versatile designs & lovely aesthetic appeal, it’s a material that easily sits into any and every style.
Easy to Care for
What better than a stunning, eye-catchy countertop that is also the easiest to clean? Natural stone countertops are super simple to maintain, with the do’s and don’ts including…
Do:
- Seal regularly
- Clean spills immediately (especially acidic ones)
- Always use a soft cloth
- Make sure to place coasters and trivets under hot pots and dishes
- Wipe with a solution of warm water + mild dish soap
Don’t:
- Don’t use vegetables without a chopping board
- Don’t use harsh/acidic cleaners
- Don’t assume all stones are the same (each type has its unique cleaning needs)
Finding the Perfect Natural Stone
Natural stone countertops are a worthwhile investment, but what’s the “best” investment? Our professional Arizona-based designers say it’s a choice that resonates with your personality and fits perfectly into your design style. Not less, not more.
Here, we round up the top X natural stone countertop materials to guide your choices—and help you make the right choice, one that lasts for years to come, if not more.
Granite
Credit: Better Homes and Gardens
A synthetic countertop material that is durable yet low-maintenance. No two pieces of granite are the same, making each slab unique. Long taken as a premium building material, granite countertops give the resale of your home a massive jump.
But remember, you will need a bigger budget for granite. Also, like other natural stone countertops, granite needs periodic sealing to maintain its aesthetic. Not at all a DIY-friendly material, and requires professional installation.
Marble
Marble’s veined patterns and unique appearance have made it one of the most attractive materials for kitchen countertops. It’s a relatively soft, porous stone that has to be consistently (and carefully) sealed, especially if used in high-traffic, busy areas. Like granite, marble comes in three different types—modular marble, solid slabs, and marble tiles. As with granite, solid slabs are your best bet when a low-seam, continuous surface is desired.
However, marble is easily scratched, so you’d want to make sure to always use chopping boards. On average, marble slabs are priced between $40 and $100 per square foot of the material; a bit expensive, but absolutely worth it.
Soapstone
Credit: The Spruce
Another quarried stone commonly used for laboratory countertops. The material has a soft, milky appearance that allows it to slide into any design style without overwhelming the room.
You will mostly find soapstone in varying tones of grays and whites, and it falls somewhere between marble and granite in terms of hardness—less porous than marble and not as hard as granite. And because it is less porous, soapstone is excellent at resisting stains and is super easy to clean. You will just need to oil the surface periodically to maintain its patina. The average cost falls between $20 to $70 per square foot.
Quartzite
Not the same as quartz countertops. Quartzite is a mined material that is formed when sandstone interacts with magma, while quartz is considered an engineered stone material.
Thanks to its high heat resistance, quartz is incredibly durable—perfect for kitchen countertops that are exposed to heat most often. They look less consistent than quartz but quite similar to marble at a much more accessible price, costing $80 to $120 per square foot.
Slate
Quarried from the earth, chopped into slabs, and surface-ground to a matte finish, slate is a relatively non-porous and stain-resistant natural stone countertop material. Although slate is often thought of as black or dark gray stone, some types have shades of pink or green between them. A must-have if you’re looking for an unusual but subtle option. Cheaper than marble, granite, and soapstone, slate costs between $20 to $70 per square foot.
Natural Stone Countertops Not Recommended for Kitchens
Dolomite
A material made of carbonate materials, which means acidic spills, like citrus juices and vinegar, will dissolve it. It also breaks and stains easily.
Limestone
Looks attractive but is highly vulnerable to etching by stains and acids.
Onyx
People often think onyx is black, but it’s available in a variety of colors. Again, it’s made of carbonate components, which is why they are fragile, soft, and vulnerable to etching.
Travertine
A special variant of limestone that is created naturally in hot springs, where bubbling water deposits its dissolved contents. This creates striking patterns, but still has the same problem; travertine is easily stained, and in worse cases, quickly damaged permanently.