Kitchens and bathrooms have a lot in common.
Not only are they the two most commonly renovated rooms in a home, but they also both include countertops as a primary feature. And kitchen and bathroom countertops have something else in common: Moisture.
Water is inevitably present around sinks, and that fact limits what kind of surface can be used for these countertops. Kitchen counters are also subject to a lot of wear from spills, hot objects, as well as scratches from knives and other utensils. So obviously, porous and non-durable surfaces such as wood or laminates are not the best choices for these countertops, but what is a good choice? Better yet, what surfaces make the best countertops?
The short answer is stone. Durable and well-suited to the task, natural stone is a beautiful design element as well. Large stone slabs are ideal for countertops, and premium quality stone can even increase a home’s value.
There are hundreds of different types of stone to choose from when designing or remodeling a home, but what kind works best for countertops? Let’s explore Opustone's top choices.
Those familiar with interior design will not be surprised to find granite listed first here. Granite has long been the premier choice of designers and builders for countertops due to both its beauty and durability. Put simply, there is no better natural stone option for a countertop.
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. In recent years, both supplies of granite slabs and the number of alternatives have increased, which has helped moderate prices. Yet its reputation as a premium option remains. Granite virtually defines elegance, and can easily elevate a design with its conspicuous presence on islands or other countertops.
Granite is an igneous rock formed naturally deep in the Earth’s crust, where extreme pressure and temperatures in excess of 2300° F causes small particles of quartz and feldspar to fuse together. This not only gives granite its signature speckled or mottled appearance, which helps to conceal seams, but also its remarkable hardness and superior heat resistance.
Caring for granite
Before being used as a stone countertop, granite slabs should be treated with sealant. This will close up any small crevices or pores and make it safe for food preparation and prevent staining. Granite countertops should be re-sealed regularly, preferably once a year.Like granite, quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that offers both beauty and substantial durability to countertops. Although it is gaining in popularity, it is less commonly used than granite, likely due to the cost being slightly higher.
As a natural stone countertop option, quartzite has one significant advantage over granite. It has greater density, which makes it more resistant to chipping, staining, or scratches. The fact that it can resemble marble makes this advantage even more significant, as many still consider marble to be the most luxurious stone countertop option.
Quartzite (not to be confused with quartz) is a metamorphic rock formed naturally when quartz sandstone is subjected to the same extreme pressure and temperatures as granite. The individual grains of quartz and cementing materials recrystallize into an interlocking mosaic with a smooth, glassy surface. Impurities and cementing materials in the original sandstone may add color the quartzite, and migrate together into streaks that make quartzite resemble marble.
Caring for quartzite
Like granite, quartzite countertops also require regular sealing, but virtually no other maintenance.Rounding out the trio of top natural stone countertops is dolomite, a lesser-known stone that is slowly gaining popularity as a more durable and less expensive option than marble. It is often called “dolostone” to avoid confusion with the mineral dolomite, even though the mineral is a significant part of the stone’s makeup.
Although dolomite is not quite as hard as granite, it is still much harder than marble, making it a more scratch and chip resistant option. Although sources of dolomite are plentiful, its relative lack of color variance can limit its usefulness as a marble substitute.
Dolomite is a sedimentary rock, which forms naturally when limestone comes in contact with magnesium-rich groundwater and undergoes a chemical change. It comes in shades of white or gray, and usually contains streaks that allow it to resemble marble better than quartzite.
Caring for dolomite
Like the other natural stone options, dolomite countertops also require regular sealing to prevent staining.Marble is listed here primarily because of its status as a premium design choice. Having been used in classical sculpture and as an upscale building material for centuries, most people naturally equate marble with opulence.
Marble is actually a metamorphic rock that’s naturally formed by subjecting limestone or dolomite to extreme pressure in the Earth’s crust. Impurities allow marble to form in a vast variety of colors and styles, which lends to its desirability as a design element.
Caring for marble
Despite its popularity, marble is not as durable as other natural stones. It is porous, making it extremely susceptible to stains if it is not regularly treated with sealant. It is also more prone to scratches or chipping.Although we’ve focused thus far on natural stone countertops, no “best of” list would be complete without giving mention to engineered stone surfaces as well. Unlike natural stone, these surfaces are designed specifically for use as countertops, which makes them superior to stone in several ways. There are also several types of engineered stone to consider.
One of the most popular countertops, engineered quarts is made of loose quartz particles bound together with resin. It is harder and more flexible than quartzite, which makes it nearly indestructible, resisting scratching, cracking, and chipping better than other natural stones.
The oldest of the engineered stone surfaces, today porcelain is available in nearly every style, color, and texture that you can imagine.
Porcelain is extremely durable, and since it is manufactured with extreme heat, it is very heat resistant as well.
One of the newest kinds of porcelain on the market, sintered stone is porcelain that has been heated to the point of liquification, and then formed into nearly indestructible slabs or tiles. It is available in a variety of colors and textures, and can mimic the appearance of either marble or granite.
Santamargherita
High durability wihout the higher cost
Quartz countertops cost about the same as quartzite, despite being more durable overall. The one area where quartz countertops are outperformed by quartzite is in heat resistance. The resin in quartz countertops may melt at higher temperatures, so care needs to be taken with hot pots and pans.
Relativa Porcelain
Nearly identical to true natural stone (without the upkeep)
Porcelain looks are available in a variety of colors, and styles that nearly perfectly replicate natural stone, down to the veining.
The most durable option available
Heat, scratch, and stain resistant. And because it does not fade or yellow in sunlight, it can even be used as exterior cladding. Unlike most porcelain surfaces, the coloring on sintered stone goes all the way through, just like natural stone. So, edges and bevels retain the look of the rest of the countertop.Of course, there are many other surfaces to explore and consider before designing or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom. Soapstone, limestone, travertine, and other types of stone are all viable choices for quality countertops. While this list attempts to focus on a few of the most durable, popular, or stylish surfaces, what’s best for your kitchen or bath will inevitably depend upon your individual needs and tastes. So take some time to explore.
Opustone features an enormous variety of natural types of countertops, and engineered stone slabs. Plus, our staff has all the expertise needed to guide you into making the right choice for your project.
