Stone Countertops Material Pros and Cons

When it comes to choosing a new countertop, there are many factors that should be considered. One of the most important considerations is what material you want for your space and how this will affect its functionality; if I wanted something durable or economical-depending on my needs? Which color scheme works best with other decor pieces in place already like paint colors etc.? Do some research before making any final decisions because once these details have been decided upon -it’s hard to switch back again!  Here, I am going over pros and cons of the natural stone countertop choices in the market today.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone taken from the earth, so there are no toxic chemicals or harmful emissions.  Granite has a very wide price range for natural stone.  Some are very low, and some can be very high.  Granite used to be the most popular choice, but now people are opting for less “busy” countertops and there are many more choices on the market today.  Even so, granite remains very a popular choice.

Pros

• Heat resistant
• Hard to scratch
• Price (depending on your choice)
• Each slab is unique with a wide range of colors and looks
• Durable 

Cons

• Requires special cleaners
• Needs to be sealed periodically 
• Porous
• Can be expensive
• Can chip

Quartz

Although quartz (a natural mineral) is the main component in quartz countertops, quartz countertops are engineered by man.  Manufacturers make quartz countertops by grinding natural quartz and combining it with other materials such as polymers and resins. Their starting price point is a little higher than Granite, but in general they can be more affordable than other natural stones such as Quartzite and Marble.  One of the main reason people buy quartz countertops is that they require little to no maintenance, they come in a variety of popular choices, and they can be less expensive than marble or quartzite. 

Pros

• One of the most durable countertops materials
• Will not crack or chip easily
• Come in many different often popular modern designs of today
• Can be more affordable than marble or quartzite
• Nonporous
• Easy to maintain – the use of most cleaners is okay
• Does not require sealer

Cons

• If it chips, it is harder to refinish and blend in because it is not a natural stone
• Starting price is higher than that of granite
• Not a natural stone

Quartzite

Quartzite is a beautiful natural stone and is quarried like granite and marble.  Quartzite looks like marble but is more durable and requires less maintenance than marble.  Most of Quartzite’s qualities are pros, so the only con is its price. Quartzite is one of the priciest countertop materials on the market.  You can’t really find a low-end quartzite.  

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Heat resistant
• Less likely to chip or crack
• Natural stone
• Special cleaners are recommended, but not necessary (just no harsh chemicals)

Cons

• Requires sealer
• Price 

Marble

Marble is extremely beautiful; most choose marble for its beauty.  It’s a timeless elegant clean look that has been used for centuries.  However, it is one of the most expensive stones on the market and it is extremely porous and subject to cracks, chips, and stains, therefore requiring a lot of maintenance.  Marble is heat resistant, therefore good choice for a fireplace or hood surround.  

Pros

• Beautiful, popular, timeless
• Natural stone
• Heat resistant

Cons

• Porous
• Subject to cracks
• Must be sealed regularly
• Subject to stains
• Price

Porcelain 

Porcelain is made from heating a mix of powdered china stone and white china clay.  Porcelain can give the look of marble at a lower price point.  It is moisture-proof, so less porous, and doesn’t need to be sealed.  However, it is very prone to cracking and chipping especially during fabrication. 

Pros

• The look of marble for less
• Price
• Low maintenance

Cons

• Easily cracked and chipped

Soapstone

Soapstone is a natural stone.  The stone is a steatite stone that includes chlorite, magnesite, and dolomite.  Soapstone also contains quite a bit of talc which accounts for the milky powdery look.  Soapstone does crack easily, and the price is comparable to granite and quartz.

Pros

• Has the veining look of marble
• Does not need to be sealed
• Heat resistant
• Low maintenance, doesn’t need to be sealed

Cons

• Mostly comes in darker colors
• Cracks and chips easily, very soft

Dolomite

One of the most appealing aspects of dolomite is it has the look of marble with the veining, and comes in light and dark colors, but is, in general, less expensive and more comparable to granite and quartz in price.  Dolomite will not crack as easily as marble, but not as hard as granite and quartz.  Dolomite is subject to stains but is heat resistant.

Pros

• The look of marble, but stronger
• Price
• Heat resistant

Cons

• Not as hard as granite or quartz
• Needs to be sealed regularly  

Sandstone

Sandstone is a rock that contains minerals formed by sand.  It is a very porous material and absorbs water so it should be sealed regularly.  Sandstone is a softer stone when compared to other countertop options.  It is very easy to scratch.  Sandstone in general is more affordable than marble or granite.

Pros

• Price

Cons

• Porous
• Needs to be sealed regularly
• Easy to scratch

Onyx

Onyx is positively beautiful.  It comes in a variety of colors and the veining makes them look like pieces of art.  However, onyx has a downside, it is very soft, brittle, and fragile.  It will react to stains such as wine, lemon juice or vinegar.  It also tends to be more expensive than other countertop materials.  We recommend using this in bathrooms or places that get less use than a kitchen. 

Pros

• Comes in a variety of colors
• Beautiful 

Cons

• Soft brittle and fragile
• Stains easily
• High maintenance
• Price

Limestone

Limestone is a natural stone made from shells, coral and fossils, and calcium carbonate.  Limestone is quite tough but is more likely to be scratched or discolored and is very porous.  Never use harsh chemicals such as bleach on limestone and it should be sealed often.  Limestone’s prices can range from low to high depending on the stone you choose.

Pros

• Natural stone
• Tough

Cons

• Porous
• Likely to scratch
• Must be sealed often

No matter what countertops you choose, we are happy to help every step of the way.  At Oddonetto Granite & Marble we fabricate and install.  We are licensed and we are fully digitized, we template with a laser and manufacture with CNC technology which ensures accuracy and speed.  With over 16 years of experience in the industry, we are equipped to handle any remodel you throw our way.

~ OGM