Stone Countertops
countertops that last
A durable countertop makes cooking more pleasurable and it enhances the value of the kitchen and home. Hot pans, spills, and scratches are just a few of the stresses applied to countertops every day, so durability is a major factor to consider when shopping for countertops. Read on to learn about the most durable countertops for your kitchen.
- Hardness: Harder countertops are more resistant to chips, scratches, and gouges. Granite, tile, and quartz are among the hardest countertop materials.
- Heat resistance: Some countertop materials are better than others at resisting heat from pots and pans. Ceramic tile counters and stainless steel are virtually impervious to hot cookware.
- Crack resistance: Hardness does not necessarily equal crack resistance. Granite is hard, but it is prone to cracking. Laminate and solid surface will not crack under normal conditions.
- Warp resistance: Countertops that are less likely to become distorted or misshapen are more durable. Any countertop that incorporates wood—such as laminate or wood counters—may be subject to warping.
- Stain resistance: A countertop material that resists stains is more durable. Porosity is one factor. All materials are porous to some degree. However, less-porous countertops are less apt to absorb liquids and bacteria.
Pro Tip
Countertops that remain durable with lower maintenance requirements are easier to care for and will last longer. Plus, the ability of a countertop material to be repaired or refinished is important to maintaining the material over the long term.
Quartz and Quartzite
Quartz is a synthetic countertop material made from natural quartz, other minerals, and binding resins. Quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, plus it’s nonporous. This makes quartz one of the most durable countertops you can buy for your kitchen or bathroom. It’s also important to note that quartz and quartzite are similar but not the same material (quartzite is more costly and needs resealing).
Quartz is one of the more expensive countertop materials, with prices ranging from $60 to $120 per square foot, including installation.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Available in a wide range of styles
- Easy to clean
- Crack resistant
- Scratches can be sanded out
Cons
- Not the most durable option
- Can melt, warp, or burn under high heat
Granite
Formed deep in the earth, granite is an igneous rock that is later quarried and fabricated into one of the hardest and most durable materials for kitchen countertops. Granite countertops impart style and value to any home. Though countertop trends come and go, slab granite countertops maintain a high level of popularity and buyer acceptance. Granite is a popular choice for countertops due to its durability, beauty, and versatility. It’s highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making it suitable for busy kitchens. Granite’s natural appearance and unique patterns also add to its appeal.
One of the most expensive countertops, granite costs about $50 to $120 per square foot, installed.
Pros
- Hard and durable
- Generally heat resistant
- Won’t absorb liquids or bacteria if treated with a sealer
Cons
- Requires sealing every one to three years
- Edges and corners can chip
Marble
Like granite, marble is a natural stone created within the earth by high heat and pressure. Unlike granite, marble is a limestone. Marble is a popular choice for countertops due to its elegant aesthetics and timeless appeal, but it also has some drawbacks to consider. While beautiful and heat-resistant, marble is a porous and relatively soft material, making it susceptible to staining, etching, and scratches.
Marble countertops are typically more expensive than other materials but in line with granite and quartz, with prices ranging from $50 to $100 per square foot installed.
Pros
- Heat resistant
- Adds a luxurious appearance
- Wide range of color and pattern option
Cons
- Prone to scratching and staining
- Must be sealed frequently
- Easily chips or cracks
Soapstone
Soapstone countertops are valued for their tactile qualities, often described as soft or velvety. It’s notable among durable countertops for being heatproof and scorch proof. When looking for a countertop material, you may come across soapstone. Although not as common as other countertop materials, soapstone is one of the most functional countertop materials. It adds on a rustic, elegant and urbane feel, similar to that of slate or granite.
So, why is soapstone uncommon? Since this is a naturally occurring material, it may not be as common as man-made countertop materials. It is made from a steatite stone, a naturally occurring stone that includes dolomite, magnesite and chlorite. And if you prefer natural countertop materials, then you will enjoy your soapstone countertop.
The fact that soapstone is not manufactured using synthetic chemicals means that it is environmentally friendly. Its extraction does not damage the earth not forgetting that it can be recycled. Having a natural soapstone countertop also eliminated the fear of food-unfriendly products due to the manufacturing process. And if you want to focus on reducing the carbon footprint, using a soapstone countertop is a great first.
Soapstone countertops are as expensive as granite or quartz countertops: around $75 to $120 per square foot installed.
Pros
- Heat Resistant
- Not susceptible to cracking
- Soft to the touch
- Can be sanded smooth
Cons
- Scratches easily
- Color-matching can be challenging
No matter which stone you choose, Straightline Construction and Granite is the leading expert in the Pacific Northwest. We have an amazing team who has a combined 50+ years’ experience, spectacular attention to detail and customer service. We are confident you will love your new countertops!