Natural Stone Countertops: Everything you need to know

Did you know that countertops are one of the most popular areas to upgrade in a kitchen? According to reports, 90% of kitchen remodels last year included countertop replacement. 

One of the reasons homeowners itch to level up their countertops is because kitchen counters are focal points. They draw the eye, and if they look shabby or outdated, this can affect the look and feel of your entire kitchen.

Besides this, countertops are also practical, hardworking areas that can see a lot of wear and tear.

And you in the process of picking out a new countertop? Natural stone countertops are a little more expensive than other options, but they have a number of advantages that can make the price well worthwhile. 

Natural Stone Countertops Are Long-lasting

One of the first things you need to know about natural stone countertops is they are incredibly long-lasting. This isn't entirely surprising, given that they consist of, well, solid stone. 

While you might have heard reports stating that natural stone countertops are high-maintenance and less durable than man-made options, this isn't exactly true.

Natural stone countertops do need some care and upkeep. However, if they get this—they can last indefinitely. What's more, some stone countertops can even be refinished to remove imperfections and wear tear, such as light staining. 

They Require Little Maintenance

As we mentioned above, natural stone countertops do need a certain amount of maintenance. Depending on the type of stone you pick you might have to get your stone counter resealed every so often. 

You should also check with your stone supplier or natural stone countertop installer as to which cleaning products are safe to use on your counter.

As far as other general care goes you should aim to wipe up spills sooner rather than later, and avoid placing hot pots down on your counters. 

Although this might sound like a lot, these care and maintenance steps are pretty much standard across all countertop material choices. What's more, natural stone countertops are usually more resistant to things like stains, heat, and water damage than many other options such as wood, laminate, or concrete. 

Natural Stone Creates a Focal Point 

One of the big advantages of natural stone countertop options is they create a high-quality focal point in a space. 

You can't always tell the difference between natural and faux stone options at a glance. However, a trained eye can spot the differences, and once you spend some time with natural stone you'll appreciate its warmth and depth. 

Having natural stone as a focal point can instantly upgrade a space and give it a luxurious, designed feeling that many other options can't. 

It’s a Timeless Material

Another advantage to keep in mind around natural stone countertops is it's a timeless material. Unlike other options that come and go with the trends, natural stone will always be in. 

Natural Stone Countertops Can Offer a Good ROI

Although natural stone countertops are pricier than a lot of other countertop materials, they can be a savvy investment.  According to reports, well-made, durable countertops attract an average ROI of 60%-80% .

Each Slab Is 100% Unique

One of the big draws to natural stone countertops is that every single slab is 100% unique. When you have a natural stone counter installed in your home, you can know for certain that nobody else has the same pattern or exact look. 

In a world where most things are mass produce, incorporating unique, one-of-a-kind elements into your home is more important than ever. 

Is the Cost of Natural Stone Countertops Worth It?

One of the big considerations around natural stone countertops is the expense. Is the cost of natural stone countertops worth it? Of course, every homeowner needs to make decisions based on their budget. However, we definitely consider natural stone countertops to be worth the cost.

Whether you are going to be staying in your home long-term, or are looking for a good resale value, natural stone countertops can elevate your home, bring you joy, and attract a decent ROI. 

What's more, because they can be so long-lasting, you might even save money in the long term. 

What Is the Best Natural Stone for Countertops?

If you're considering natural stone countertops, the next step is deciding which type of stone you want.

The best natural stone for countertops is generally either marble, granite, quartzite, or soapstone. These aren't your only options, but they tend to be the most popular. 

Granite

Granite countertops have been a long-reigning favorite and for good reason. Granite is one of the hardest natural stone countertop choices and is highly resistant to chips, cracks, and stains.

Granite was hugely popular in the 90s and early 2000s, after which it declined in popularity somewhat. However, if you dig into design trends, you'll find that it's not the actual stone that has fallen out of favor. Rather, it's the finely speckled pattern varieties that are less trendy currently. 

If you take a look at some granite countertop options, you'll see there are a plethora of patterns to choose from. 

Marble

Marble is another top favorite when it comes to natural stone countertops. It is well-loved by bakers for its cool kneeding surface. 

It is more porous than granite, which makes it vulnerable to chipping, scratches, and stains. However, it offers beautiful veining, and, if well, cared for, can last for decades. 

Quartzite

Quartzite, not to be confused with quartz, is another great option for natural stone countertops.  If you're wondering "is quartz countertop natural stone," no, it is not. Quartz is engineered from quartz dust and resin, while quartzite is the naturally occurring slab form of quartz. 

Quartzite offers a range of attractive patterns and veining. It is also highly durable, being almost as hard as granite. 

Soapstone

Soapstone is comprised of highly dense particles. This makes it almost impervious to water damage and staining. In fact, it's so dense that soapstone countertops don't even need to be sealed. It is also highly heat resistant. 

However, soapstone is a softer stone which makes it more prone to scratches. It also typically comes in darker hues, which makes it less versatile than something like granite which comes in numerous colors. 

Are Looking for a Natural Stone Countertop Installer

Natural stone countertops are almost unbeatable when it comes to style. They bring a unique, classy element to any space. What's more, if you care for them correctly, they can last for decades. 

Are you considering stone for your home? If so, you need a good natural stone countertop installer. 

Installing real stone is a job that requires precise knowledge and experience. As no two slabs are alike, you need someone who understands how to maximize your slab and install it professionally so it won't crack over time. 

We supply a wide range of both natural stone and quartz countertop options and are highly experienced in installing real stone. 

Contact us today to discuss your project, pick our brains, get advice, request a quote, or arrange a free at-home consultation.