Your Guide to Different Countertop Types

Your countertop is one of the most important aspects—if not THE most important aspect—of your kitchen or bathroom, so we want to make sure that you feel confident in the decision that you’re making. This aspect of your home will last for years, maybe even generations to come, so it’s something that you should genuinely enjoy.

This article is here to briefly outline the types of countertops that we offer at Sanford Granite. Keep reading to find out more about our natural and engineered stones.

Marble

Marble is able to give a kitchen or bathroom a heightened feeling of cleanliness and sophistication. It brings a contemporary vibe, and there’s nothing that can quite match up to white marble.

But while marble is beautiful, it is a reasonably soft stone, which means that it calls for more maintenance than other stone countertops do. Always remember to use cutting boards; if you slice and dice directly on its surface, it’s sure to leave scratches. It’s also important to note that marble is porous. If it’s not sealed correctly, stains will seep into its surface and make a home there.

But while marble may be a bit sensitive, it does have more going for it than just its stunning looks. It’s a top choice for bakers because it stays cool no matter what. Perfect for rolling out dough!

Quartz

Quartz is an engineered stone, which means it’s not quite natural. It is made up of 95 percent natural quartz, but it also includes 5 percent polymers and resins. These additives make the stone nonporous and more durable and take away the need to ever reseal the countertop.

If you love the look of natural stones but aren’t ready to commit to the maintenance that they require, then quartz is the choice for you.

Granite

Granite is the standard when it comes to natural stones. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, and in the realm of natural stones, it doesn’t require too much maintenance. It’s easy to take care of—just remember to avoid harsh cleaning products to keep the sealant intact.

Granite is heat resistant, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on its surface. You will need to use a cutting board, though—not because granite will scratch, but because the stone is so hard that it will dull your knives.

Soapstone

What makes soapstone that soft feeling is the presence of talc, and this sets it apart from other natural stones. Another aspect that sets it apart is the fact that it’s naturally nonporous—this means it’s resistant to heat, stains, and bacteria, just like quartz. It has a unique look and comes in a wide variety of colors, complete with veining similar to that seen on marble slabs.

Quartzite

Quartzite is an extremely strong and durable natural stone, and it has the best qualities of granite and marble. It has beautiful veining like marble, but it’s tough like granite. It even takes things one step further and is actually known for being harder than granite. It’s available in many colors and patterns, so you’re almost guaranteed to find something that fits in with your style of kitchen.

Limestone

Limestone is a natural stone countertop that’s composed of coral, shells, algae, and calcium carbonate. It’s affordable and easy to work with, which makes it the top choice for many remodelers.

It can commonly be found in light and neutral colors that reflect sunlight, and this helps to brighten a room and keep the stone cool even in hot weather. This stone is tough, but it is porous, which means that it will need to be resealed periodically, much as marble, granite, and quartzite do.

Travertine

Travertine is an affordable option that is reflective in nature—it’s known for the way it encourages natural light in a room. It’s also very durable, but it is sensitive to acidic materials, so things like lemon juice, vinegar, and wine should be handled with care around a travertine countertop.

Since travertine is a more sensitive stone, like marble, it does best in low-activity households that don’t see too much bustling activity in the kitchen or bathroom.

Onyx

When onyx is polished, it comes very close to the look of marble. It is a material that’s more complicated to install, but if you do end up choosing it, its unique appearance will surely stand out in your home. It usually comes in pastel or light colors, but there is a variety to choose from depending on what you’re looking for. There are also many patterns, and it’s capable of mimicking quartz, granite, and marble.

Your Countertop

We’re the experts on countertops at Sanford Granite, and we want to share that expertise with you. Give us a call at (321) 578-9329 for a consultation.