Stone Countertops and Their Many Benefits

by Kevin Smith Author

For both kitchen and bathroom countertops, you just can’t beat stone. While there are always other options that go in and out of style, nothing compares to the timeless class of stone countertops. They are both beautiful and practical, standing up to the test of time despite high traffic and use. Stone countertops are available in a huge variety of options, so read on to learn more about countertop materials in Alpharetta and the pros and cons of the different kinds of stone available for countertop use.

Granite

Granite is one of the most popular countertop choices for many different reasons. This natural stone is created under pressure, so it is extremely hard and durable. Granite will last for the lifetime of your kitchen, and it is resistant to scratching and chipping. It comes in a huge array of color combinations, making it easy to find a color and pattern that will accent your kitchen or bathroom beautifully. It can be cut and finished in different ways to further complete your dream kitchen. These countertops are excellent for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms since water doesn’t ruin them, heat doesn’t burn them, and it is incredibly hard to stain or damage them as long as they are maintained correctly. Granite needs to be sealed every 1-2 years, and as long as you keep up with that, they are resistant to most abuse.

Marble

Marble often brings to mind grand and fancy rooms and buildings, since it is a classic and elegancy choice that has been used for centuries. It is the first choice for the countertops of many bakers and chefs, since it remains cool to the touch despite heat from ovens and appliances. It is also a long-lasting, naturally-forming, and durable stone that comes in many colors and patterns. Marble is more porous than granite, making it a little more susceptible to stains or etching. Proper maintenance takes care of many of those problems, however.

Quartz and Quartzite

Quartz is an increasingly popular countertop material in Aplharetta, since this engineered stone can withstand just about anything you can throw at it. It is heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and if your knives went to battle with it, the countertops would win. It is designed to mimic the appearance of natural stone, but it comes in a wider variety of colors, textures, and patterns than naturally-occurring stone. Quartzite, another engineered countertop material, is even more durable and hard than granite.