Your kitchen and bathrooms are not only well-used areas of the home, they also create more moisture than other rooms. This makes surfaces vulnerable to damage, warping, cracking, bowing, and the growth of mold or mildew. Choosing the best natural stone for countertops is not only an aesthetic choice – it is a very practical one!
Materials that are porous and/or lack durability (e.g., wood, laminate) are not optimal choices for these surfaces. Instead, stone slab countertops deliver a high-performance solution that will be beautiful for years to come.
What’s The Best Natural Stone for Countertops?
Our favorites include:
1. Granite
It’s hard to match granite’s durability and style. You have to try hard to scratch, chip, or crack granite surfaces, so you can be sure they will stand up to dropped objects and other kitchen/bathroom misadventures. Granite is also heat resistant, making it ideal for hot pots and pans or styling tools. To ensure that your countertop is sanitary and to maximize durability, it should be treated with sealant. Retreat annually for best results.
2. Quartzite
Another natural beauty, quartzite is exceptionally strong and durable, and its “mosaic”-like appearance of interlocking grains and materials makes it a gorgeous choice as well. Quartzite is even more impervious to chipping and cracking than granite, and stains don’t dare adhere to quartzite countertops! Besides regular resealing, you’ll find it very low maintenance.
3. Engineered Stone/Quartz/Porcelain
No, they are not “natural” stone slab countertops, but engineered stone, quartz, or porcelain offer a host of benefits, not the least of which is a more budget-friendly price point. Even better, these materials are designed specifically for use in countertops, so you will find them exceptionally durable, resistant to scratches and stains, and low maintenance. When it comes to the kitchen and bathroom, anything that cuts down on chore time is a winner in our book (which is why we highly recommend porcelain slab).
Not sure which option to choose for your countertops? Contact the natural stone experts at East Coast Flooring & Interiors. We’re here to help!