We know that investing in stone countertops can be a big decision. Things to consider when you’re shopping for stone include your lifestyle, budget, maintenance, overall kitchen design, and, of course, your personal taste. In this month’s blog, we will help you break it down. 

Lifestyle and Maintenance

How will you use the kitchen, bath, or bar where the stone will be installed? Busy families with young children might prefer the durability of granite, while empty nesters who like to entertain might consider the elegance of quartzite — the reigning queen of countertops. If you appreciate the look and durability of stone but are working with a limited budget, consider an engineered product like quartz.

Consider your lifestyle and future maintenance that your countertops may require. While beautiful and timeless, marble is a calcite-based stone that will react with acids, such as wine, lemon juice, or vinegar, so, with marble, you need to stay on top of wiping up spills. Granite can be a better choice for a busy kitchen with lots of traffic and potential messes. If you’re building your dream kitchen and want a real show-stopper, invest in exotic stones like blue or green granite. 

Budget

Another factor to consider is your budget and how long you plan to enjoy your new stone countertops. Exotic and more rare stones are more expensive, and the more expensive choice may not always be what’s best for you. Visit a showroom where you can see all your options and get to know the types of stone available in your price range.

When investing in your countertops, make sure to see a detailed quote that includes all factors: cost of materials, labor, removal of old countertops, and haul-away. Additionally, if your current sink rests on top of the counter, you will need to plan on purchasing a new one. Sinks are typically mounted under the stone countertop – giving a clean look and adding the finishing touches to your updated kitchen. 

Overall Design

How would you like your new countertops to work within your overall design? First, you should identify the details you’d like to highlight in your kitchen, bar, or bathroom. If possible, bring samples of your cabinets, paint, and flooring to the stone showroom. Think about appealing contrasts or complements. Do you prefer stone selections that are more playful? Look at the grain of your wood cabinets as it compares to the grain of the stone. It is important to consider whether they complement each other or clash. 

With so many choices in granite, marble, quartz, and quartzite, the key is to find subtle relationships that tie together your dream kitchen, bath, or bar. It is important to work with a company that can help you weigh your options and recommend the best stone for you.

Is it important to you that you have the ability to choose the exact slab that will become your countertop? Every stone slab is different, and it’s key to be able to walk a showroom and choose the piece of stone that will become your kitchen’s showpiece. Even within a slab, coloration, veining, and textures can vary. Choose the stone that speaks to you, and work with a company that will show you exactly how your new countertops will be cut from the stone. 

Whether you’re building your dream kitchen, remodeling an outdated kitchen, or ready to give your bath and kitchen an updated look, granite, quartz, soapstone, and quartzite are the gold standard for new countertops. Countertops are used every day, become a focal point of the kitchen, and are often the first thing people notice when they step into your home. Stone is an investment that will pay dividends for years.

If you are interested in learning more about exploring stone countertops for your home, contact a member of our team or stop in to see us in our showroom!