Quartz

Quartz countertops are relatively new but are in high demand due to their many good qualities such as their appearance, durability, and the fact that they don’t have many of the weaknesses of natural stone products. Quartz countertops are much different than competitors because it’s an engineered stone. Some advantages of quartz are that it’s not porous and has resistance to staining and bacteria, low maintenance and easy to clean and it also does not need to be sealed unlike many natural stones. The possibilities are endless since there are several colors, finishes and brands to choose from. It’s hard surface won’t scratch and chip as easily as many other natural stones. Some disadvantages are its lack in heat resistance and that direct sunlight or certain harsh chemicals can cause fading or produce warping so it’s recommended for use indoors only. In exchange, quartz countertops deliver outstanding durability and easy maintenance combined with superior beauty for both residential or commercial applications.

Granite

Granite continues to be one of the most popular choices for stone countertops for its many advantages and for the classic look of elegance that they provide. Granite countertops are a favorite for many because slabs are available in large color selections and patterns. Granite is comprised of a many different minerals that give each countertop slab a unique and attractive appearance. Granite is an excellent choice for those seeking a beautiful natural stone look that will last a lifetime. Granite countertops are very strong and durable though they’re not unbreakable, it is one of the hardest natural stones around. These countertops don’t require much maintenance and are especially easy to clean by simply using a damp cloth and a mild cleaner. Granite is a porous material and can cling onto stains and bacterial so it should be cleaned properly. It can easily endure very high heats including sunlight so it can be installed almost anywhere which makes this a great option for both indoor or outdoors.

Marble

Marble countertops are a classic choice of material for kitchens and bathrooms in homes where a look of elegance is desired. In exchange for the beauty that marble countertops give they require much more TLC than most other natural stones. Marble is much more fragile than its counterparts being that it’s extremely soft making it very vulnerable to scratches, especially in high-gloss finishes. Marble countertops requires a lot more maintenance and must be conscientiously cleaned and should also be resealed often as much as once per year. It can very easily chip or crack by heavy items and since it’s porous it will etch if exposed to acidic materials such as tomato juice. One benefit of this stone is that it’s heat resistant, but caution should be taken and hot pots should never be placed directly on the surface or you’ll risk discoloring and possibly damaging the surface.

Quartzite

People often confuse Quartzite and Quartz but despite the similarity in names the two stones are very different. While quartz is a manmade material, actual quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that is quarried in a similar way to granite. Quartzite is naturally strong, durable and heat resistant which makes it a great choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. Quartzite slabs usually come with limited color selection of white to grey shades, often some have pink and red variations that naturally occur. One benefit of quartzite is that it resembles marble countertops but require way less maintenance and are much studier. The downside to quartzite is that many other natural stone surfaces can stand up to sharp objects however with quartzite sharp knifes can mark the surface so using caution around these countertops is advise.

Soapstone

Soapstone countertops are a great choice for both indoor and outdoor applications but only come with a limited color selection ranging from whites to charcoals. Soapstone is a durable natural stone that won’t crack unexpectedly from stress or weight however this stone is fairly soft so be careful cutting or dropping heavy objects directly on it. In addition, Soapstone is non-porous meaning its not absorbent, so stains do not penetrate the surface easily. These countertops won’t be harmed by hot pots, acids or chemicals. Caring for Soapstone countertops is easy and doesn’t require the surface to be sealed although a periodic oiling is recommended to help keep the stone looking is best.

Travertine

Travertine countertops are available in many earthy colors such as cream, beige, gold, silver, and many shades browns. These slabs will naturally have imperfections like veining and holes which make them more appealing by giving an antique look. One drawback is that these countertops are very porous so they’re highly reactive to acids, for example a minor spill of orange or lime juice can stain the surface so liquids should be wiped immediately to avoid etching on the surface. It’s not a good idea to install travertine kitchen countertops if you do heavy cooking. Caring for travertine countertops is fairly easy with a few exceptions. Most common household cleaners that contain vinegar, bleach, and ammonia should be avoided and you should also never use any scrubs or hard abrasive cleaners. To protect your travertine countertops from stains and normal wear it’s recommended that you seal them at least once a year.

Limestone

Limestone countertops usually come in shades ranging in soft beiges to tans and are a subtle option for homes that can add warmth to a room. Limestone should only be used as countertops in low traffic areas only to avoid objects that can crack or chip the stone. Limestone does scratch easy, so they are not usually recommended in kitchens of high use. In terms of porosity, like granite, with proper care it can be protected from most kitchen culprits. Limestone is porous so its easily stained especially since many shades of limestone are light in color, making any minor stain very noticeable. Limestone should be sealed often, though most cleaning sprays that contain sealing properties may be used on a weekly or monthly basis for added protection. Traditional cleaners and sponges should be avoided, a soft washcloth with water and mild detergent will work best to clean these countertops.

Terrazzo

Terrazzo countertops were created years ago with the idea of being green by using recycled materials. Terrazzo countertops are comprised of many different types of recycled materials and glass that is mixed with either a cement or resin binder. Some of the most notable brands of terrazzo countertops are Vetrazzo, Icestone, and Enviroglass. These countertops have a unique beauty which is one of the main reason why they are becoming so popular. Since terrazzo countertops are made of recycled materials no two countertops are identical. While terrazzo is reasonably strong, extreme amounts of pressure or weight can crack the material. Caution should be taken with harsh chemicals and foods with high acid content such as tomato or lemons because they can damage the acrylic surface so clean spills immediately. One advantage of terrazzo is that it’s scratch and heat restraint and if cared for properly the countertops will last for years.