There are various kinds of countertop materials available in stores today, and it would do you well to study them all thoroughly before deciding on one. There are countertops to match a big budget and there are also those that are extremely affordable. In the middle ground, budget-wise is stone kitchen countertops which are fast becoming popular because of their desirable properties.

Stone kitchen countertops

If you’re looking for material that will last a long time, then stone kitchen countertops should be your choice. Granite is a natural stone available in large slabs. They usually come pre-cut and you have to adjust your plan to the standard sizes of these countertops.

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Granite kitchen countertops are preferred by many because they are stylish as well as durable. They are formed from volcanic activity and are naturally porous, so a sealer must be used regularly on a granite kitchen countertop.

According to the patterns on the stone, there’s the variegated granite – a stone that has irregular veins – unique, but difficult to match with other blocks. There’s also the consistent granite, whose pattern is more consistent. And because they are natural, the countertop you would end up with may look quite different from the one you have chosen in a brochure.

On the other hand, Silestone is an engineered stone, which means it is man-made. This type of material is as strong as granite and is composed of quartz. Slate and soapstone are not as hard as granite but are less porous, and are excellent choices for sleek modern kitchens or for people aiming for a farmhouse feel.

These, though, are not scratch-proof and can chip easily. They can be sanded out or left as is to add character to the kitchen countertop. Limestone and marble are not as hard but are not recommended for use as kitchen countertops because they can easily stain.

However, marble is still preferred by chefs for pastry-rolling. This is why you would often see professional chefs employing even a small piece of a marble countertop in an otherwise all-stainless-steel kitchen. Generally, limestone is used with a matte finish while marble is smoothened to a flawless polished finish.