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If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, one of the most important decisions you’ll make involves the material you use for your kitchen countertops. Due to their beauty, durability and versatility, stone countertops are the most popular choice for kitchens. However, every type of stone slab has different properties, and you’ll need to choose the best stone slab for your specific needs.
Kitchen countertops are subject to a lot of wear and tear from hot objects, spills, and scratches. Some types of stone hold up better to this wear and tear than others. In addition, each type of stone has different aesthetic properties. When choosing the best stone slab for your kitchen countertops, you’ll need to balance these functional and aesthetic properties with your needs.
The following stone slabs typically work best for kitchen countertops.
Quartz is by far one of the best stone slabs for kitchen countertops, and it is also the most popular. Quartz is an engineered stone surface that is comprised of loose quartz particles that are bound together with resin.
In addition, quartz countertops are known for their beautiful appearance. Because it is an engineered stone surface, there are virtually limitless options regarding the colors and patterns available. You can even design a quartz surface to mimic the appearance of other types of stone, such as marble.
The one downside to quartz countertops is that they are more susceptible to heat damage than natural stone options. Quartz is less heat resistant because the resin used as a binding agent can melt at high temperatures. Therefore, it’s important to use a trivet when placing a hot pan on your countertop surface.
4 Best Stone Slabs for Kitchen Countertops
Due to its beauty and durability, granite has been one of the most popular kitchen countertops for many years. When choosing a natural stone option, granite is widely considered to be the best stone slab for kitchen countertops. It has a reputation as a premium stone material that will elevate your kitchen design.
One of the most appealing features of granite countertops are their beauty. Granite comes in a wide range of colors and styles, ensuring you can find an option that complements the rest of your kitchen design. In addition, each granite slab has a its own unique speckling, veining and mineral patterns, ensuring your countertop will be one of a kind.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider when choosing granite for your kitchen countertop. It requires periodic sealing in order to maintain it properly, and it can be prone to staining. If cost is a primary factor in your decision, you may want to consider other options since granite countertops are typically more expensive than other stone slabs.
Quartzite is another natural stone option that has become very popular in recent years. While the names are similar, quartzite countertops and quartz countertops are very different. The former is a natural stone slab, while the latter is engineered stone. As a result, they exhibit entirely different properties.
Quartzite forms when sandstone that is high in quartz content is subjected to extremely high temperatures and pressure. It has a smooth, glassy surface and comes in a wide range of beautiful colors. Often, quartzite can resemble the appearance of marble. For these reasons, it is valued for its beauty.
In addition, quartzite is highly durable and is resistant to scratches and chips. However, it is very porous and is therefore prone to staining if it’s not sealed regularly. As long as you stay on top of your sealing regimen, there will be very little additional maintenance required.
Marble’s beautiful aesthetics and upscale appearance have consistently made it a popular kitchen countertop option. This natural stone material is often associated with opulence, making it a great fit for high end kitchen designs.
However, marble isn’t as durable as the other stone slabs discussed above. It’s highly porous, making it susceptible to stains if it isn’t sealed regularly. It is also softer than other stone surfaces, making it more prone to chips and scratches. Marble requires more diligent care and maintenance than other stone countertops, which can be a drawback for many homeowners.
If you’re not sure which of these options will be best for your home, the Stone Collection can help. We carry the largest selection of natural and engineered stone products available. In addition, our exclusive Get Inspired™ Experience will make the process of choosing the right stone slab easy.
You’ll benefit from the wisdom of our expert surface specialists who will explain the differences between these different stone slabs to you in detail. Your stone specialist will discuss your specific needs and answer any questions you may have. After learning about your kitchen design project, they will recommend the best stone slab for your specific application.
We encourage you to visit one of our gigantic, gallery-style, climate-controlled showrooms to get a better feel for how these different stone materials will look in your home. No appointment is required, and are stone specialists are available to discuss your needs anytime. We have showrooms in Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Fort Worth and Phoenix.
Contact us today or visit one of our showrooms to find the best stone slab for your new kitchen countertop.