Granite remains the countertop material that defines elegance. Though heat resistant and durable, granite needs periodic applications of sealant. Pros: takes hot pans, looks beautiful. Cons: Expensive, high maintenance, can stain, may crack, available in limited sizes and colors, requires periodic resealing.
Granite is the most durable. Because stone is porous, each stone requires special sealants. But granite absorbs the least and only requires resealing about once a year. You can cut, roll dough, and place hot pots directly on granite.
Because it's smooth and cool to the touch, marble is the traditional favorite for rolling dough and making pastries. However, it lacks the durability of granite and requires sealants to be applied more frequently to prevent stains.
Limestone offers a unique weathered look but also stains easily. Jerusalem stone has a similar look but it's not quite as soft and porous.
Natural quartz has the grayish-blue look of slate but doesn't stain or scratch as easily.
You should insist on seeing the slabs selected for your kitchen before they arrive (typically you'll have a chance to do this at the fabricator's workshop). If they were prepared from different lots, the color of the stone you saw in the showroom may not exactly match the stone set aside for you. Make sure you are comfortable with any differences.
"Engineered" quartz, which is a mix of 93% stone and resin binders, doesn't require sealants. It has the look of natural stone yet has a consistent color. Its color should be very close to what you saw in the showroom. |
