Soapstone limestone and marble.
Best type of stone for countertops.
Available in a wide range of colors and patterns quartz typically ranks close in popularity to the perennial top choice.
Along with granite quartzite is one of the more heat and scratch resistant natural stones.
Rare colors and veining cost more.
Hot pots serrated knives abrasive pads and.
Marble countertops have really come into prominence in recent years.
Those familiar with interior design will not be surprised to find granite listed first here.
For some time granite has been the countertop material of choice when there were no cost issues to consider.
The stone is stain resistant and will withstand extreme cold and heat.
It s often referred to as engineered quartz or engineered stone in reference to the sealing process.
It mimics the look of stone yet needs less maintenance.
Practically maintenance free engineered quartz countertops are stain acid scratch heat and impact resistant and thanks to their non porous surface don t need to be sealed like natural stone countertops.
Each surface material ranges in price some being more dramatic than others.
Marble is still king in terms of aesthetics and in high end new.
Each slab of this natural material is unique.
Quartz is just as strong and durable as granite and what s more you don t need to seal the surface because it s not a porous stone like some of its competitors.
6 gorgeous kitchen countertops ranked by durability 1 quartz kitchen countertop 40 to 100 per square foot 2 granite 40 to 100 per square foot 3 crushed recycled glass 60 to 120 per square foot 4 laminate 10 to 40 per square foot 5 tile 5 to 30 per square foot 6.
These include granite marble quartzite soapstone porcelain butcher block quartz solid surface and laminate.
The chart below compares the main characteristics of the most popular countertop materials in the market today.
Like granite quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that offers both beauty and substantial durability.
Soapstone is another natural stone usually dark gray in color with a smooth silky feel.
Quartz is mixed with resin to create a manufactured stone that can be made to look a variety of ways.
The 5 best stone slabs for countertops 1.
10 types of countertops you should know before renovating your kitchen or bathroom.
Although there are those who disagree quartz countertops a form of engineered stone may well be the best of all countertop materials when all factors are considered.