When choosing to install a new countertop, you want to make sure you use material that matches your family's needs and lifestyle. Granite, Marble, Limestone, and Soap Stone are all quality natural stone materials that can be used in almost any home -- you simply have to decide what stone fits your taste and budget.

Granite

One of the most popular choices because of its durability and natural beauty, granite is a sleek and timeless stone choice for almost any countertop. It is one of the oldest, hardest, and strongest stones currently available.

Benefits: Granite is one of the most scratch and heat-resistant countertop materials available. This choice offers a variety of colorful and unique patterns that guarantee your counter will be never be exactly duplicated. Due to its durability, many home owners use it for countertops because they can cut directly on the surface without fear of scratching or etching the granite.

Drawbacks: Granite is an expensive option and due to its porous nature, it can discolor and stain if proper care and maintenance is not given. It's important to remember when choosing a color that seams are more evident with granites that have a strong pattern or grain.

Marble

Marble is a sedimentary rock that consists of limestone that has been exposed to tremendous pressure and heat. The elemental components that comprise a piece of marble determine its color. It is one of the oldest architectural materials traditionally used in statues, buildings, temples, and palaces.

Benefits: Marble has a smooth texture, a natural graining, and is offered in a wide range of colors. It is waterproof and heatproof and has a very luxurious look to it. Despite high susceptibility to etching and staining, marble's timeless appeal makes it a popular choice.

Drawbacks: Though not as soft as soapstone, marble is much softer than granite and scratches very easily. This makes a poor surface for cutting. In addition, it is very porous and is easily stained and etched by acids such as vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or other general-purpose cleaners. It is one of the highest maintenance countertop options available due to its fragility and lack of resistance to stains.

Limestone

Limestone is a casual and comfortable stone designed for a modern or contemporary home. The color options for limestone are softer, and earthier usually including creams and grays. Limestone can be easily used for countertops because the stone varies in density. Jerusalem stone is one of the most popular and desired limestones available.

Benefits: Limestone has very natural appearance that is often sought after for its earthy tones and calm look. It is best suited for bathroom countertops, but the more dense options that require little maintenance lend themselves well to kitchen countertops also.

Drawbacks: Since limestone is a calcareous stone, it reacts negatively with acidic substances like vinegar, lemons, and ammonia. This can cause etching, dulling, or unsightly rings. Generally speaking, the hardness, density, and porosity of limestone vary greatly depending on the type you choose. The more porous, less dense options require consistent care and maintenance.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock that varies in color, hardness, and purity. It is considered one of the softest materials currently used for countertops. Though it's soft, it is dense. Because of its chemical durability, soapstone is common in chemistry labs. It is often desired because of its natural veining and rugged look.

Benefits: Soapstone is completely heat and stain resistant. Though soapstone is scratch-prone, one of its biggest benefits is that the scratches can be disguised relatively easily with mineral oil. In addition, larger scratches often do not require full replacement of the counter; simply lightly sanding it down will mask most scratches.

Drawbacks: Because it is a soft stone, soapstone can accumulate some nicks and scratches over time. While these scratches are easily removable, they do require you to buy and coat the counter with mineral oil or sand it down fairly frequently.

The countertop material that is best for you, your family, and your lifestyle will depend on your tastes and budget. If you have questions or would like some more information about natural stone countertops, feel free to contact Silver Leaf at 708.398.3222 or at Sales@SilverLeafConsturction.net.