Natural Stone Countertops

Natural stone is a product of nature and encompasses many types of stone including granite, limestone, marble, onyx, quartzite, semi-precious, slate, soapstone, travertine and others. Natural stone countertops are quarried from the earth, each piece has its own unique visual appearance – the key characteristic that makes natural stone so desirable.

Along with distinct character and one-of-a-kind beauty, natural stone offers varying levels of inherent durability and can be used in many applications from kitchen countertops to wall cladding.

Natural Stone Kitchen Countertops

Granite

Granite is an excellent choice for countertops. It is by far the strongest, most durable of all the natural stone options and for all intents and purposes is maintenance free.

There are hundreds of colors and patterns to choose from and it is not uncommon to use different colors in the same room.

Marble & Quartzite

Marble countertops have gained in popularity in the past several years. It is also worth noting that with the advances in quarrying technologies, quartzite has been very popular as well.

This is due primarily to the soft, marble like colors and motions. There are technical geological differences between marble and quartzite but we like to speak to homeowners as if they are the same.

It is important to understand how marble and quartzite will act in your application. Our sales staff is very knowledgeable on these stones and will absolutely help you navigate through the selection process.

 

Natural Stone Kitchen Countertops
Natural Stone Kitchen Countertops

Travertine

For the most part travertine for counter tops is very similar

to marble. The biggest difference is that travertine was formed in or around ancient springs creating gas ports or holes in the stone. These holes can be filled with filler or left unfilled. Unfilled travertine is a little impractical for counter tops but makes perfect furniture tops, fireplace surrounds or other accent pieces around home.

 

Soapstone

Soapstone is nowhere near as hard as granite, however, it is virtually non-porous. THis explains why it is the material of choice for use in laboratory and chemical tables and benches.

It is available usually in a green to gray/green color but sometimes can be more blackish grey. Most people choose to “oil” the surface of their soapstone with mineral oil which afer several easy applications over the course of a year or so will develop a beautiful patina. Soapstone with a leathered finish is particularly nice and the people who use soapstone in their kitchen love it.

Natural Stone Kitchen Countertops