Picking a kitchen countertop material can seem like an overwhelming task if you don’t know what you’re looking for. There are many different kinds of materials that a countertop can be manufactured from, and each type boasts a variety of benefits in looks and functionality. This article offers an introduction into the vast world of kitchen countertops and how to choose the perfect one for your new kitchen!
The Stone Material Types
Granite:
Granite is THE gold standard when it comes to durability and aesthetics. This material can withstand hot temperatures, cold temperatures, water leaks, stains, scratching, bacteria, germs, wild children, and bear maulings. It does all of this while also being visually appealing and unique in its character. Due to their manufacturing nature, no two granite tops will ever be the same. These countertops are made directly from large slabs of granite rock, making each piece unique. They are made from a variety of different minerals and come in a multitude of patterns and colors. So if you have a need for a durable and beautiful countertop, there is a granite countertop out there for you!
These countertops can come in various finishes as well. Polished, leathered, caressed, honed, brushed, river-washed, and sand-blasted are just a few examples.
Granite is so durable that it will wear down knife blades if used to cut upon. So it is recommended to always use a cutting board when using a knife instead of cutting directly on the surface of the countertop. It’s so hard you have to protect the knife!
And unlike some of the options we’ll describe later, you can put hot pans and pots onto the surface of a granite top without worrying about any damage. Fluctuations in temperature are powerless against the durability of granite… so it is perfect for use near a range or cooktop.
Now though granite is an outstanding option, there are some downsides to it. The most obvious of these is that the many benefits of granite come with a hefty price. Be prepared for much higher prices when compared to other material options for a counter top. Granite is usually over $100 per square foot, and over $400 per square foot is not uncommon for more exotic stones.
Second, although granite is incredibly durable, it is also very inflexible. If something heavy is dropped onto a granite counter, it can cause cracking. Although uncommon, it is definitely something to be aware of.
When properly sealed, granite will resist stains and won’t absorb liquids. However, it can become susceptible to staining if you neglect to seal it due to stone’s porous nature. This leaves it vulnerable to bacteria settling in, along with mold and mildew. Yearly sealing will keep a granite countertop in like new condition for a human lifetime (or longer!)… so proper maintenance is a must if you think granite is the right option for you.
Lastly, since granite is very heavy and comes in solid slabs, it is difficult to handle and install properly, so hiring a professional company is a must when getting this countertop into your home.
Quick Recap: Granite is a top quality material for countertops, but is very expensive. It is very scratch-resistant and can even dull knives if the countertop is used to cut upon and comes in all kinds of colors. However it can be damaged if a heavy object is dropped on it. It is also incredibly heat resistant, so hot pans and pots can be set upon it without damaging its surface. It will resist stains, mold, and bacteria if sealed every year.
Quartz:
Quartz is one of the hardest materials on the earth and is the most durable option when it comes to kitchen top manufacturing materials. Not only that, but it is also visually appealing and comes in a variety of colors. It is one of the most common naturally-occurring minerals found on earth, but don’t let its commonplace nature fool you! Quartz has a hardness of 7 on the “Mohs Hardness Scale”, meaning it can’t be scratched by steel nails, glass, or knife blades. So if you have a quartz countertop, you’re going to need some specialized tools to even attempt to scratch the surface! However, take note that ceramic is slightly harder than steel. So if you use ceramic knives, take care to prevent the blade from scratching your countertop.
Unlike granite countertops, Quartz countertops are manufactured and are not made from slabs of stone. The countertops are made primarily from ground quartz crystals and polyester resins for binding and color. Sometimes recycled glass or metallic flakes are added to the mix for a more sparkly design. The resin seals off pores and prevents staining. This means that quartz countertops never need to be resealed. This is a great advantage over granite, which needs resealing every year to prevent it from staining.
Until recently, quartz’ biggest downfall was its lack of color choices. But now in 2019, thanks to recent innovations to its manufacturing process, quartz can mimic the look of any stone found in nature or otherwise. You can also choose different finishes for the countertop surface such as glossy, matte, or slate… making it easy to find the perfect look for your kitchen.
Quartz can also come in virtually any shape you could want. You can find jumbo slabs for your project, or bind two slabs together with imperceptible seams for any customer design. This is because quartz will not chip like real stone when cut. So if you want curves or bends for a more organically shaped countertop, quartz can be an excellent choice.
Thanks to the resins binding these countertops together, quartz is antimicrobial and cannot be stained. Mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria cannot penetrate it. This makes it a great surface to prepare food. These countertops can also last up to a human lifetime depending on your manufacturer.
Although there are many benefits to quartz, there are a few cons that may mark it off your list as a possible countertop option. For example, quartz is quite expensive when compared to other options available, so if affordability is the top priority for you, it may not be the best choice. At $60 to $90 per square foot of the material, be prepared to pay for the quality it provides. Quartz is also not the most heat resistant option. It can tolerate up to 400 degrees (Fahrenheit) of heat… but sustained heat and sudden temperature changes can cause these countertops to crack. ALWAYS use a hot pad or some other barrier between your hot pans and the counter to prevent damage.
Also, despite quartz being slightly more flexible thanks to the resin in its make up, it is still very heavy and prone to cracking if not handled properly. So a certified countertop installer is necessary and not negotiable if you want this countertop safely installed in your kitchen.
Quick Recap: Quartz is more expensive than average, but a very scratch-resistant material. It can be cut to all kinds of shapes and can be custom made to any design. It requires no maintenance and resists stains, bacteria, and mold. However, is does not do well with heat and can crack if exposed to high temperatures or fluctuating temperatures. It comes in many different colors and patterns and mimics stone to the point where the differences can be imperceptible.
Marble:
They are one of the most beautiful options available on the market, boasting elegant hues of solid white, solid black, contrasting veins, and a gorgeous mix of other hues. No two slabs are the same, so you’re guaranteed a unique look for your kitchen.
There are hundreds of different varieties of marble to choose from ranging from white to black. Different types of marble have different but distinct colors and vein patterns. There are also a few different finishes you can go for like polished, honed, and leather. Polished is the most likely to show scratches and etching, while honed can hide blemishes more readily. Polished marble countertops will require professional help to maintain in a kitchen if you want to keep it looking good.
Marble is also very well known for its ease in workability. Many famous sculptures are made from this beautiful stone and it’s no coincidence. It’s incredibly easy to work with and offers countless edge profiles to choose from. However, be mindful that different profile designs will be more prone to chipping than others. A bull nose finish on the edge of a marble countertop will be much less likely to chip than a right angle.
If you’re interested in getting a marble countertop, be wary of the downsides of this beautiful material. Marble is more porous than granite, so it’s more prone to stain and absorb liquids. This can cause bacteria buildup in the marble which can cause undesirable odors and be a health hazard if not dealt with properly. Coffee, tea, wine, juice, and other liquid spills can quickly soak into the stone. These spills can be very difficult if not impossible to clean if they stain your countertop.
Staining can be avoided if it’s resealed every year. However, if this maintenance is neglected, your countertop will be very susceptible to unsightly stains and bacterial buildup. Compared to other material options for a kitchen countertop, marble is much higher maintenance.
Marble is also quite soft and easily damaged. It ranks around a 3 on the Mohs Scale. Compare that to the 7 rank of quartz and you’ll get an idea of how easily it can be scratched and chipped. It can be scratched by knives, pots, pans, and other cookware. The material can also be chipped and cracked by heavy use, so care must be taken with a marble countertop. It is a significantly softer stone, so it can even be damaged by your belt if you lean on it the wrong way!
Acidic liquids such as lemon juice can cause etching in marble which leaves a dull whiteish mark on the surface. This is because the acid in the liquid can break down the surface of the marble, even if it is sealed properly.
Despite these downfalls, marble is still a viable choice thanks to its heat resistance and lovely looks. It won’t be bothered by hot pans and pots set on its surface, thus also making it a popular material choice for fireplaces.
Pricing for marble countertops can range anywhere from $40 to $350 per square foot, so finding a marble countertop that fits your budget is very doable! Common types of marble are much more affordable while rare marble is significantly more expensive. Installation is best left to the professionals since it’s so heavy and prone to scratching.
Quick Recap: Marble is a beautiful, but comparatively softer material for your kitchen countertop. It is heat resistant but very vulnerable to scratching, chipping, and etching. It is very customizable since you can find many different varieties of marble with different colors and vein patterns to suit your needs. There are also countless edge profiles that are available thanks to the workability of marble. It is prone to staining and liquid absorption due to its porous nature, so regular resealing is necessary to keep your countertop in optimal condition. Marble is a beautiful countertop choice, but it is not recommended for kitchens or other areas that see heavy countertop use.
Soapstone:
This stone material is made from slabs of metamorphic rock known as soapstone. It contains a higher concentration of talc, making it softer than other stones used for countertops. It has a texture similar to soap: smooth and matte. A soapstone counter can also be shiny if you apply oil to it a few times a year. You get a delightful visual mix of marble and granite with this lovely stone countertop. Soapstone comes in darker colors typically found in granite with marble like veining that spider webs throughout its surface.
Most varieties are dark green or charcoal grey. However some uncommon colors such as soft white can be found that contain little traces of pearl, blue, and green. The veins are typically gentle, but there are stones that can exhibit more intense veins that contrast with the rest of the counter. It comes in many beautiful colors that can vary greatly. So your options are vast if you want a beautiful and visually striking countertop for your kitchen.
While being visually appealing, soapstone is also resistant to etching from acids and can be repolished to remove scratches because it is softer than other stones. It’s naturally non porous and requires no oiling to keep in good shape, but you can use mineral oil on its surface if you want to darken the color and keep your counter top looking uniform in color as it ages. Oiling also gives soapstone a shinier, wetter look. If oil is not used, soapstone will look more dry and aged, so it’s up to you what look you want to go for.
Soapstone is also much denser than granite, quartz, and marble. This makes it a more sanitary stone to prepare food on. There’s no risk of anything being absorbed into a soapstone countertop as it ages, so bacterial buildup is minimal. Cleaning a soapstone counter is incredibly easy since it doesn’t absorb most spills. However, oil and grease can discolor a new soapstone countertop before it develops fully. These patches of oil and grease can be cleaned with acetone and you won’t have to worry about spills in the future once full maturation is reached. Routine cleaning with gentle all-purpose kitchen cleaner will keep your countertop in good hygienic shape.
(Note: Stone countertops age as they are exposed to air and elements. As they mature they develop what’s called a “patina”, which simply refers to the top layer of the stone and how it looks.)
If a soapstone counter develops an uneven patina, you can fully remove the patina by sanding the top of the counter with fine grit sandpaper and then oil it with mineral oil to restart the process. It is a very forgiving countertop that can be simple to fix.
Despite being a denser and less porous option in comparison, soapstone is even softer than marble. It ranks around 2.5 on the Mohs Scale, while marble is slightly harder at a rating of 3. It is very susceptible to scratching and chipping with regular wear… and cutting directly on it with a knife WILL leave blade marks. However, it is incredibly heat resistant and is frequently used in fireplaces. Placing a hot pan directly onto a soapstone counter will not damage it, but if you set it down too hard or quickly, the force may scratch your counter.
Due to this softness, a soapstone countertop will eventually show signs of wear. Some people enjoy the look of it while others don’t. So if that sounds like it might concern you, make sure to ask your countertop manufacturer for some pictures of aged soapstone. This will give you a visual to compare with to make sure you will love the look for a long time to come.
Soapstone is also one of the pricier options. So expect to pay around $75 to $200 per square foot depending on the rarity of the stone it is mined from. Since soapstone is heavy and easily marred, we recommend getting it professionally installed to avoid any risk of damaging your new countertop in the process.
Quick Recap: Soapstone is a great looking countertop that comes in a variety of different colors. It can be oiled to give it a shinier look and to help it develop an even patina. The surface can be discolored by spilled oil and grease when it is new, but once it has aged these liquids will have no effect on it. Soapstone is dense and non porous, but very soft and easily scratched. Knives can leave marks on it and setting rough bottom pans on its surface can leave marks. It can also chip if something is dropped on it, so if durability is something you’re looking for, soapstone may not be the best choice. It is very heat resistant and can withstand hot pans and pots with no risk of damage from the temperature.
In Summary...
The above info should give you all you need to know to decide if a stone countertop is right for you. If none of the above options sound appealing, you may be among the many homeowners who would prefer a different type of kitchen countertop material. And you’re in luck, because:
Check in tomorrow to see the rest of this article - Part 2: Non-Stone Materials!
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