Your Options: The Best Materials for Kitchen Countertops

Granite

Granite can be found in shallow quarries close to the earth’s surface, and it’s composed of orthoclase, albite, feldspar, and quartz. These minerals create granite’s unique patterns and colorations, and they get highlighted even further when the slab is polished after being sourced.

There are hundreds of granite variations available, and since it’s a natural material, no two are alike—and they never will be. Your granite slab will be completely one of a kind, your very own piece of art right in your kitchen.

Granite is also a highly durable stone. It can handle heat, stains, and chemicals, and it’s easy to clean as well. Don’t worry about getting expensive cleaners—soap and water will do the trick. Just make sure to steer clear of acidic cleaners that include vinegar, ammonia, or bleach because those components could strip your granite’s sealant.

If you’re looking to sell your home in the future, then granite can be a big help. This natural stone countertop automatically increases the resale value of your home because it’s what buyers are looking for. With granite, there’s no doubt that you will see a return on your investment.

Marble

Marble is the stone you choose if you’re looking for ultimate sophistication. It brings a certain class and luxury to a room, no matter the color or pattern. It’s been around for thousands of years and isn’t going out of style anytime soon, and that should tell you something about how timeless it will be in your kitchen.

The veining on each slab of marble is different. Like all other natural stones, no two slabs are alike. Marble can act as the centerpiece of your kitchen, especially if you run a quiet household with low activity. Since marble takes more maintenance and care than other natural stones, it’s not always the most efficient choice for busy homes.

There are plenty of finishes to choose from with your slab of marble. From honed to polished and many in between, there are plenty of ways to make your marble your own.

Quartzite

Quartzite is one of the toughest natural stones, and it can handle almost anything life throws at it. It’s extremely dense because it’s formed from sandstone, and this means that it’s incredibly durable. With this stone, you definitely won’t have to worry about damage from scratches or chips.

It can also hold its own against heat, chemicals, stains, and liquid damage. If your home sees a lot of activity, quartzite is the perfect stone for you. You don’t have to handle it with kid gloves, and harming the stone is the last thing you’ll have to worry about.

Along with its durability, quartzite is also known for its unique aesthetic. When certain minerals are present in its formation, they can take on bright and bold colorations that really tie a room together.

Quartz

Quartz qualifies as an engineered stone because it’s a man-made product. While it is composed of 95 percent natural quartz, there are also approximately 5 percent polymers and resins included. These additives make the countertop extra durable, and they also seal up the pores that naturally occur within natural stones. Because of this, quartz is a nonporous material that doesn’t need to be resealed as natural stones do.

Another perk of this stone being nonporous is the fact that it’s impervious to damage, easy to clean, and probably won’t ever need to be replaced.

Quartz is also a great option for people who prefer uniformity in their kitchen. While the patterns of natural stone slabs can be unpredictable and inconsistent, quartz tends to have a more seamless look.

Your Kitchen Countertop Material

We’re the experts on stone countertops at Washington Marble Works, and we want to share our knowledge with you. If you need help choosing a countertop material or would like to take a look at our showroom, give us a call at (253) 891-1823 or contact us.