The Enduring Elegance of Stone Countertops

When it comes to elevating the heart of the home, few materials can match the timeless elegance and durability of stone countertops. The right stone surface can transform a kitchen or bathroom, infusing the space with a sense of luxury and sophistication. Beyond being statement pieces that can set the tone for an entire room, some stone surface options also provide highly functional workspaces. Let’s explore a few varieties of stone countertops, their unique characteristics, and what to consider when selecting a stone surface to complete your design vision. But first, let’s dispense with a few other countertop alternatives.

Alternatives to Stone Countertops

Butcher Block Countertops

Wood butcher block countertops are made by gluing strips of hardwoods together to form a surface that has a warm natural look. As the name suggests, this type of surface was historically used by butchers and thus, can also give a space a kind of vintage or cottage appeal. But over time, wood doesn’t hold up very well to heat, moisture, or even butcher knives for that matter.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate is made from layers of plastic and kraft paper bonded to particle board. Although popularized as an amazing invention nearly as much as margarine in the 1950s and ’60s, laminate just isn’t very durable. And it’s not really an option for most higher-end homes anymore.

Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops are not necessarily less expensive than stone. And they offer a customizable industrial look that is favored by some in the DIY set. But, poured concrete is prone to hairline cracks. It’s also a porous material that if left untreated will absorb spills that can stain.

The benefits of choosing a stone countertop over most non-stone options include superior durability and longevity, natural beauty, and, in some cases, better resistance to heat, scratches, and staining—although some types of stone will require regular sealing and are otherwise susceptible to staining or etching if not properly maintained.

Stone Countertop Types

Marble Countertops

Marble is a very popular choice in luxury kitchens and baths, revered for its sophistication often associated with classical architecture and high-end design. Its unique veining patterns, which can vary significantly depending on the specific stone’s origin, make each marble slab one of a kind. This variability in appearance from quarry to quarry and slab to slab make it important to personally view in advance any potential marble selections for your project. You’ll want to understand precisely how the nuances of each unique slab will comport with your design vision. Whether that vision is contemporary or traditional, marble has the ability to enhance both, ensuring its continued popularity in high-end homes. Its popularity in mostly luxury spaces is evidenced in its high cost. Also, marble does require regular maintenance and sealing due to its susceptibility to marring, including scratching, etching, and staining.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz can mimic the popular appearance of marble and many other natural stones with its practically limitless design and color options. While quartz countertops are often called “engineered” or “man-made,” quartz is actually one of the hardest, most abundant natural elements. Cambria quartz designs are made from combining exceptionally pure quartz with pigments and binder to create strong, compact slabs with unsurpassed performance. Quartz countertops are highly desirable in luxury kitchens and baths for their stunning, uniform appearance and exceptional durability. Unlike natural stone, quartz is naturally durable and is maintenance free. This combination of beauty with practicality makes quartz ideal for any application in high-end, busy households.

Granite Countertops

Granite is a durable and dense igneous rock composed of minerals that give the stone its characteristic speckled appearance and wide range of colors. It’s quarried in large blocks that are cut into slabs that will all be uniquely different in appearance to some degree. Granite countertops still provide natural beauty and impressive durability through heat resistance and ability to withstand heavy use. So granite remains a mostly practical choice for those seeking both elegance and functionality in their kitchen design. But, despite being dense and durable, granite is a porous material. Without proper sealing, liquids like water, oils, and acidic substances can seep into the stone, leading to stains, discoloration, and potential damage over time. Sealing reduces porosity and helps preserve granite's appearance and longevity by preventing the penetration of liquids and bacteria.

Limestone Countertops

Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate that’s formed over millions of years from the accumulation of marine organisms, shells, and coral. It’s known for its smooth, matte finish and often features subtle, earthy colors ranging from light beige to soft gray, with occasional fossil imprints that add to its unique character. However, limestone is softer and more porous than other stone options like granite or quartz, making it more susceptible to scratches, staining, and acid damage. This means that limestone countertops require more diligent care and regular sealing to maintain their appearance.

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock containing some percentage of talc which gives it its soft-to-the-touch feel. Although this “softer” stone can be more prone to chips and scratches, it is heat resistant and impenetrable to spills without needing to be sealed. But your interior design options are a bit more confined with soapstone since it comes from the earth in limited, often darker, color options. And it will tend to darken over time, and can even develop a bit of a green cast patina in some cases. Regular oiling of soapstone countertops can aid in a more even darkening of the surface.

Onyx Countertops

While we’re on the topic of soft, onyx—which is formed from dissolved limestone redeposits—is known to be a fragile stone. Its exclusivity and exotic appearance with swirling patterns and color variants can range from soft pastels to deep, rich hues. This makes it a distinctive choice for interior design focal points. The translucent properties of onyx allow it to be backlit for even more visual impact. Its delicate nature requires careful handling and maintenance, which further elevates its status as a premium material. Onyx is also more susceptible to scratching and etching than other stones. But its distinctiveness and the sheer visual impact of onyx can make it a preferred choice for those whose top priority is aesthetic and are willing to invest in the necessary upkeep.

Final Thoughts

In summary, marble, quartz, and granite remain the most popular stone countertop options. Of these, quartz countertops require the least maintenance. In fact, Cambria quartz surfaces are maintenance free and come with a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty. But beyond durability and maintenance, a stone that is aesthetically compatible with your overall design vision will play a crucial role in the decision-making process for your spaces.