Understanding Countertops: How to Choose The Right Stone For Your Space
Project: Lakeside Living Stone: Milano Quartz
How to Choose the Right Solid Stone Countertop
The countertop is the centerpiece of your kitchen or bathroom, and it can greatly impact your space's overall style. But with so many different types of stone, it can be tough to know where to start. As a design team, it’s our job to help narrow down your choices and help you find the best stone for your countertop redesign.
Quartzite
Project: Classic Meets Modern Stone: Rohtang Quartzite
Quartzite is a hard metamorphic rock that was originally quartz-rich sandstone. The material is formed under high heat and pressure. Quartzite is often used as a countertop material in kitchens and bathrooms due to its durability and natural beauty. It's highly resistant to heat, scratches, and stains, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas.
PROS:
Beautiful, light, and airy look
Natural stone –– each slab is unique
Low maintenance
Durable if properly maintained
Available in honed, leathered, and matte finishes
Can be used indoors/outdoors
CONS:
Requires sealing annually to prevent etching and staining
Higher in cost
“My personal favorite countertop product is quartzite. It is a natural gorgeous stone that comes in many variations. It is truly like a piece of art” – Kristen Hennie
Credit: Mont Surfaces Stone: Vostok Quartzite
Quartz Countertops
Project: Relaxed Glamour Stone: Envi Albatros Quartz
Quartz is engineered and composed of crushed natural quartz, resins, and pigments to emulate the look of natural stone. Quartz's versatility, durability, and resistance to stains make it a popular choice for a wide range of applications in both residential and commercial settings.
PROS:
Durable, nonporous, and scratch-resistant
Low Maintenance with no sealing necessary
More cost-efficient than natural stone
Easier to fabricate for difficult installations
Cost-effective options
CONS:
High heat temperatures can cause damage
Does not have the unique variation of natural stone
Cannot be used outdoors
Project: Tremendous Transformation Stone: Calacatta Leon
Granite Countertops
Granite is a coarse, intrusive igneous rock composed mainly of quartz and feldspar. It forms from magma that slowly crystallizes below the earth’s surface. Granite's popularity is primarily due to its natural elegance, durability, and low maintenance requirements. It can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of a space while standing up to the test of time.
PROS:
Durable and nonporous
Low maintenance
Heat and scratch-resistant
Available in honed, leathered, and matte finishes
Available in large slabs without seams
Cost-effective
Can be used outdoors
CONS:
Requires sealing annually
Limited color tones (Mainly available in darker, warmer colors)
Wood Countertops
A wood countertop is constructed of solid wood such as oak, hard maple, teak, walnut or Brazilian cherry. The wood countertops can be fabricated as butcher blocks, stripes, inlays, or borders. Wood countertops are commonly used in kitchens and sometimes in bathrooms. They offer a warm, rustic appearance, making them ideal for creating a cozy and inviting space. We often use wood countertops for their natural beauty, ability to be customized, and the way they develop a unique patina over time.
PROS:
Can be refinished and refurbished
Brings warmth and natural beauty to a space
Eco-friendly, can be made out of reclaimed materials
CONS:
Requires sealing and oiling to protect against stains, scratches, and moisture damage
Sensitive to high heat
Prone to dents and scratches
Project: Naturally Modern Wood Species: Rift Quarter Sewn Oak
Marble Countertops
Project: Carrara Classic Stone: Carrara Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed when limestone is altered by heat and pressure. Marble countertops are frequently used in kitchens and bathrooms to create a luxurious appearance. They are a popular choice for upscale and classic interior designs, as marble's distinctive veining and smooth surface add a layer of sophistication to any space. However, marble is more porous than some other stone countertop materials, which makes it more susceptible to staining and scratching.
PROS:
Timeless, rich with character and beauty
Light airy appearance
Somewhat heat-resistant (Hot pans and pots can cause damage)
Available in polished, honed, and matte finishes
Can be used outdoors
CONS:
Porous –– will stain and etch
Requires regular sealing and maintenance every six months
High costs
Project: Timeless Transformation Stone: Carrara Marble
Soapstone Countertops
Photo Credit: Soapstone Company
Soapstone is a metamorphic rock that consists primarily of the magnesium-rich mineral Talc. Soapstone countertops are commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms, chosen for their natural beauty and unique matte finish. They are durable and offer superior heat resistance, making them ideal for someone who enjoys baking and cooking. However, they require periodic maintenance with mineral oil to maintain their appearance and resist staining.
PROS:
The beauty of natural stone
Non-porous, unlikely to stain or crack
Low maintenance, easy to clean, does not require sealing
Heat resistant
CONS:
Limitations of color options (Typically available in dark gray, blue, green, or black)
Prone to etching
Wears unevenly
If you're overwhelmed by the different stone countertop options, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Ducy Design. We will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right stone to designing a countertop that suits your needs and style perfectly.
At Ducy Design, we understand that no two projects are the same. That's why we offer a personalized approach to every consultation. We'll take the time to learn about your needs, budget, and style preferences, and we'll use that information to help you choose a stone countertop that you’ll love for years to come.