Natural Stone Countertop - What to Know to Choose Wisely

Natural stone countertops are favoured options in modern kitchens and bathrooms for their robusticity and timeless elegance. They add value to a house while also serving as durable work surfaces. But, when faced with a slew of available materials, how can you go about choosing the one that's best suited to your needs?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of different natural stones? How can one strike a balance between aesthetics, durability, and budget? Above all, what are the best countertop maintenance tips and how best to preserve its appeal over time? This complete guide will steer you toward the right natural stone countertop and maintenance routine to make the most out of your investment so you can fully benefit from its many assets.

What Are the Different Types of Natural Stone Countertops?

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The Classics

Slate Countertop

Slate is a dense stone. It’s usually black but can also be found in green, red, or grey. It's a waterproof and heat-resistant material. Slate is low maintenance and can be buffed to remove scratches and scuffs. Moreover, slate is usually cheaper than granite or marble. However, strengthening the surface on which the slate countertop sits is mandatory to ensure load-bearing capacity.

Granite Countertop

Granite is a polished stone. It’s often considered the best countertop option. Said stone comes in many different colours and textures. Granite is water-, heat-, and stain-resistant, even when faced with food or beverage spills (oil, lemon juice, etc.). It’s also low maintenance. However, much like slate, granite is quite heavy, hence structural reinforcement is mandatory. Moreover, it makes for a rather expensive material.

Marble Countertop

Marble is a smooth and soft luxury stone available in a slew of colours and patterns. It makes for a strong and durable surface, requiring very little maintenance. It’s water- and heat-resistant. However, it is prone to staining and vulnerable to food exposure (lemon juice, oil, etc.) and must be sealed to safeguard against spills.

Therefore, the use of marble isn’t recommended throughout the entire kitchen. Moreover, the structure upholding the countertop should be reinforced since marble is a heavy material.

Quartzite Countertop

Quartz is an engineered material that’s composed of roughly 90–95% natural crystals mixed with polymer resins and coloured pigments. Said composition makes for a non-porous surface, one that’s also stain-, scratch-, and heat-resistant, preventing bacteria proliferation. Quartz is sold in a wide array of colours and patterns and can mimic the look of natural stone while also providing shade uniformity. It’s easy to clean, doesn’t require additional sealants, and its durability makes for a sought-after product for modern kitchens.

However, given its weight, the structure upholding the countertop has to be reinforced to bear the load of the quartz slab. Moreover, while it does withstand heat, the use of trivets under warm pots is still recommended to prevent potential damage.

New Trends

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Sintered Stone

This material goes through controlled metamorphic changes, rendering it extremely resistant to stains, UV rays, and high temperatures. Ideally used in outdoor kitchens or modern spaces, it combines durability and aesthetic appeal.

Dekton

Dekton provides unparalleled heat resistance and is made with glass, quartz, and porcelain. Thanks to its dense composition, it suits both indoor and outdoor settings perfectly, showcasing a sophisticated design and a range of finishes. It makes for both practical and aesthetic surfaces in modern kitchens.

Soapstone Counter

This smooth and non-porous material is valued for its easy maintenance and natural stain resistance. With subtle hues ranging from grey to deep green, its surface can be slightly scuffed but can be buffed out.

How Much Does a Natural Stone Countertop Cost? Material Options and Price Points

A lot of factors can affect the cost of natural stone countertops:

• Material quality: Stones with a flawless finish or rare patterns, such as Carrara marble, are priced higher given their exclusivity.

• Raw materials and origin: Local stones, such as Canadian granite, may be more affordable than imported stones, which include shipping fees.

• Demand and rarity: Some stones, such as lava or quartz, are sought-after for their unique performance, thereby increasing their price points.

• Custom dimensions and thickness: Custom-designed countertops often mandate longer slabs with precision cuts, which increase manufacturing fees.

Choosing and Maintaining a Stone Counter: Key Advice

How to Choose the Right Material for a Bathroom or Kitchen

1. Assess your needs: Before picking out a stone countertop, take some time to think over your daily kitchen use and featured style. If you cook a lot, opt for a stain-, heat-, and scratch-resistant stone. 

2. Consider your budget: The cost of a natural stone counter can vary significantly based on the material in question and its customization. A custom-designed countertop, with specific cuts and elaborate finishes, can increase the total project cost. Moreover, consider installation fees, which can skyrocket when it comes to heavy stones or complex installations.

3. Money-saving tips: Compare price points from different suppliers and explore local options, such as Canadian granite, which has the same quality retailed at a lower cost.

4. Think about durability and maintenance: A countertop’s longevity doesn’t solely depend on the selected material, but also on its maintenance. Quartz is non-porous and stain-resistant, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer to limit their maintenance efforts. As for granite, it has an exceptional lifespan but should be sealed. Stones, such as marble, albeit elegant, mandate material-specific care and upkeep to prevent damage stemming from acids or scratches.

How to Choose a Finish That Is Suited to Your Decor?

Choosing the right finish is a key part of ensuring your countertop fits with the rest of your kitchen. 

• Polished finishes are ideal for modern kitchens, whereas matte or honed finishes make for darker, more industrial looks.

• A wide array of colours allows you to customize your space, from classic white marble to deeper, volcanic rock hues.

• Marble slabs featuring subtle or bold veining add a luxurious flair, which can suit a range of decors.

How to Clean and Remove Stains from Natural Stone Counters

Selecting products wisely is essential to maintain the look and functionality of natural stone countertops.

• Recommended products: Neutral cleaners, soft cloths, stone-specific sealants. Said products act as stain guards, preserving the integrity of the finish.

• Non-recommended products: Abrasive products, acids (like vinegar or strong chemical products), and rough scrub sponges that can cause irreparable damage.

In case of exposure to high temperatures or acidic liquids, clean surfaces immediately to prevent permanent markings. Such precautions enhance the stone's unique design while also maintaining its performance long-term.

Natural Stone Countertop: An Elegant and Durable Choice

Natural stone countertops are a versatile option, pairing aesthetics, durability, and functionality. From robust granite to refined marble, each material offers unique advantages that meet a slew of needs. By following the advice listed throughout this article, you can choose a counter perfectly suited to your intended use while preserving its beauty courtesy of material-specific upkeep.

A well-informed choice can transform your kitchen into a functional and elegant space that will always be timeless.

Looking for more information about countertop materials, maintenance routines, and various renovation options? Check out our Countertop Renovation Guide.

FAQ About Natural Stone Counters

What is the difference between quartz and granite?

Granite is a natural quarried stone that has unique patterns and high heat resistance. As for quartz, it’s an engineered material composed of crushed quartz and resins, making it non-porous and stain-resistant. However, quartz isn’t as heat-resistant as granite. In terms of maintenance, quartz surfaces don’t need to be sealed, unlike granite, which must be sealed periodically.

Is a natural stone countertop good for the kitchen?

Natural stone counters, such as granite, marble, and slate, make for durable and timeless aesthetic kitchen worktops. However, they do need material-specific upkeep, such as regularly applying a sealant to prevent staining. Moreover, certain types of stones can be prone to scratching or vulnerable when exposed to acids. As such, it’s important to consider such aspects during your counter-selection process.

Which natural stone is best for a kitchen countertop?

Granite is often considered one of the best countertop options for kitchens on account of its durability and heat resistance. Quartzite—a natural stone—is also resilient and showcases an aesthetic that’s similar to that of marble. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on personal preferences in terms of both maintenance and aesthetics. It’s often recommended to seek out professional advice to determine which is best suited to your kitchen.