Natural Stone Countertops Options

Every slab of natural granite is unique.

Natural stone countertops options.

Engineered stone tops combine the beauty of natural stone with the functional benefits of solid surface materials. Because granite is a natural material variation in the stone s pattern is common and for most people adds to its appeal but can make matching up slabs tricky. Recent innovations in porcelain tiles offer many more design options than ever before including tiles that look like wood marble or even leather or cork. These include granite marble quartzite soapstone porcelain butcher block quartz solid surface and laminate.

They re composed of a blend of about 95 percent crushed natural stone usually quartz and 5 percent synthetic resins to bind the stone. Bakers love to knead dough on cold marble but designers recommend it be used sparingly as a countertop material because it s soft stains easily and chips. Once found almost exclusively in high end homes due to its cost granite has become increasingly more common as the go to stone for countertops. This family of countertop materials includes quarried stones like granite marble soapstone and slate.

Homeadvisor s cheap countertop ideas guide compares the most inexpensive countertop options and gives ideas for installing or replacing kitchen countertops on a budget. Tops can be tinted to a wide variety of colors. Heat and scratch resistance stain and bacteria resistance if sealed uv resistance food prep safe. Once found only in expensive homes granite is more common today and is one of the.

Put simply there is no better natural stone option for a countertop. Soapstone nicks cuts and scratches easily and some stains are too tough to be washed away. Marble soapstone and jerusalem stone are just some of the natural stones used for kitchen countertops. Compare quartz solid surface laminate granite and other natural stone countertops to find the best and most affordable material for you.

Still the top choice of most homeowners traditional granite countertops offer a high end look that adds to your kitchen s value while providing a durable prep surface. Read on to find out which countertops are the cheapest and which are the most expensive. Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean and it is considerably less expensive than natural stone quartz or solid surface countertops especially for diyers willing to do their own work. Along with the benefits that granite countertops offer there are some points to consider.

Limestone also has a natural stone look without heavy veining or graining and it resists heat.