When it comes to stone kitchen countertops, you have more choice than you might think. There are many types of stone that stone fabricators, like us, can craft into quality work surfaces.

In this post, we take a look at how to actually go about picking the best stone for kitchen countertops. Your choice will depend on counter size, how you intend to use the stone, and your budget, as well style and design.

Before we begin, it’s worth pointing out that no one type of stone is best for everyone. Each comes with its own unique inherent characteristics. Your job is to decide which countertop material is best for your circumstances.

Measure The Size Of Your Countertop

The first step is to measure the size of your countertops. Quartz, granite and marble are all suitable for large counters. However, because materials are sold in standardized slabs, you may not be able to cover an entire counter with a single piece of continuous stone.

For instance, most granite and marble come in range of slab sizes depending on the type of stone and how it’s mined from the quarries. Quartz slabs are available in different format sizes, such as “regular” size 120” x 55” or “jumbo” size 128” x 63” like Cosentino Silestone or Caesarstone quartz. The “jumbo” size allows for greater flexibility to cover large area, thus avoid seams or joints, which is ideal for kitchen islands.

Check The Aesthetics

Granite, quartz, marble and exotic stones can look very different from each other. Therefore, while some will complement your kitchen’s interiors, others won’t.

Homeowners typically use granite and marble countertops in traditional and transitional style kitchens for those looking to emulate classical, New England or even Cape Cod themes. Exotic stones, such as onyx and quartzite, are designed for luxury kitchens, emphasizing glamour and prestige. Quartz countertops trend towards a modern, contemporary style, with solid colours that you will not typically find in granite and marble stones.

Consider The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Each Kitchen Counter Stone Type

The next step is to consider each kitchen counter stone type in more detail, asking yourself which you think, on average, would be the best for your setup.

Granite Countertops

Granite countertops became exceedingly popular in the run-up to the financial crisis with property owners using them to increase the value of their homes. Thanks to their rugged appearance, they are still a go-to option for many homeowners today.

Granite countertops have a lot going for them, including:

High heat resistance: You can place hot pans directly on top without causing immediate damage. (Note: we don’t recommend placing hot items directly on your stone surfaces - always use a pot holder or cutting board!)
Sustainability: Vendors derive most granite countertops from sustainable quarries.
Scratch resistance: Granite is one of the hardest rocks in existence, with a rating of 7 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives. (Note: we don’t recommend cutting directly on any stone surface - always use a cutting board!)
Low maintenance: The chances of requiring a granite resurfacing are low. The quality of sealing technologies has improved over the years

However, there are some downsides to granite. Sometimes joints can allow sealants to leak through. Granite also has a rugged appearance, which may make it unsuitable for certain interior design themes.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is found in abundance in the Earth’s crust. It is a popular countertop material because of its hardness. Sometimes you will see quartz referred to as “engineered” when mixed with resin, but the stone itself is always natural.

Here are some of the reasons why people choose quartz countertops:

Non-porous: Quartz doesn’t allow water or other liquids to seep below the surface. Therefore, it is nearly immune from discoloration and staining, making it suitable for cooking.
Low maintenance: Like granite, quartz has an extremely high Moh score and, therefore, requires little to no maintenance. Just wipe it down from time to time with soapy water.
Appearance: Quartz is an extremely versatile stone that comes in a wide variety of colors. At Stoneworx®, for instance, we offer Bamboo, Cemento Spa, Et Calacatta Gold, Kensho, Miami White, Pietra, Stellar Night, White North color options, and many more. Each stone comes with distinct colorings and markings, making it almost unique to your home.

As with granite, though, there are some additional considerations. Quartz countertop installation can be difficult, so you will need to work with professionals throughout. It’s also made for indoor use only because it can discolor if exposed to direct sunlight, so it’s not an option for outdoor kitchens.

Marble Countertops

Marble is rare among stones for its translucent appearance and rich veins that run throughout it. No stone is the same so, as before, your kitchen will look unique.

Here are some of the advantages of marble that make it a top choice as a kitchen counter material:

Aesthetics: In terms of looks, it’s hard to compete with marble countertops. They have a character and richness about them that is hard to find elsewhere.
Added value: Marble could increase the value of your home.
Remains cool: Even when you place hot pans on marble, the surface remains cool, making it ideal for baking and food preparation in busy kitchens.

Unfortunately, marble is porous, which means that you must not allow it to get wet. Marble is also prone to scratching and etching, so you should never cut on it directly or expose it to acids (including vinegars and lemon juice).

Exotic Stone Countertops

Lastly, you might want to consider investing in an exotic stone countertop.

Onyx countertops are among the most beautiful in the world. The translucent stone combined with rich colors serves as a centerpiece for your kitchen. For many people, the brittle nature of the stone and the fact that it reacts with acids are prices worth paying for owning it.

Quartzite is another option. Miners derive it from sandstone rock and it comes in a range of colors from pink to black. What’s great about quartzite is that it looks just like marble but offers exceptional durability like granite. Unlike quartz, it’s also UV resistant, meaning that you can place it in direct sunlight.

Which Stone Is Best For You?

Ultimately, the choice of the best stone is up to you. You’ll need to weigh up which features matter most to you and then make a decision.

Don’t worry, though: Stoneworx® is here to help. Get in touch with us for a free quote and see how you could make your vision for your kitchen a reality.

How to Pick the Best Stone for Kitchen Countertops