A Breakdown of the Five Most Popular Stone Countertops

Countertops have emerged as a key ingredient to a home’s modernization. Most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, the countertop sets the stage for the look and feel of the room. The kitchen is one of the most visited rooms in any house. It’s where meals are prepared, where families gather to eat, and where people congregate to converse. For such a popular room, most homeowners want it to look as nice as possible. Hence, stone countertops have become the primary choice in kitchen re-design. If you fall into the category of needing or wanting new countertops, please read on. The following will break down five of the most popular stone countertops in terms of functionality, design, and cost. You should be well-informed to make a selection by the time you finish this read.

Granite

Functionality: Known for its incredible durability, granite will maintain its sleek look for the lifetime of a home. Nothing can damage granite. It is a heat-resistant, chemical-resistant and practically bulletproof element of the earth. Design: Granite comes in many colors. Its popularity has forced suppliers to expand their color selection over the years. It blends to a unique looking splash of colors that is easy on the eyes. Cost: Slab granite (most common) will run around $50-$70 per square foot. If you opt for tile granite, then you’ll save money, however, it may not look as nice. Keep in mind, the dollar amount is pre-labor. Granite is on the higher end of countertop costs, yet, it proves to be worth every penny.

Marble

Functionality: Marble is porous, meaning it is vulnerable to permanent stains. It is also more prone to chips and cracks as it is a less-durable stone. Design: It is the marble design that triumphs any negative qualities. Marble is beautiful. It is a timeless look that can truly make a kitchen stand out. Moreover, marble can be easily shaped to make a homeowner’s kitchen design exactly as he/she wants it. Cost: Marble is the most expensive of stone countertops, priced as high as $250 per square foot. Though, it more commonly fits between $80-$120 per square foot. Its elegance convinces buyers that it is worth the price.

Limestone

Functionality: Limestone is a sedimentary stone. Specifically, it is a softer stone and a porous stone. Its physical qualities make it very weak when it comes to protecting against stains. On the other hand, it is very durable. Design: Like marble, limestone can counteract its negative features with its look. Limestone offers a cozy feel to a kitchen due to its soothing look. It matches perfectly with its surroundings. Cost: Limestone ranges from $40-$50 per square foot. It is on the lower-to-middle range of stone countertops in terms of cost.

Quartz

Functionality: Quartz often goes hand in hand with granite. It equals granite in regards to durability. It is heat resistant and defends against any stain or impact. Design: There’s a plethora of design options for quartz. It may be the most colorful and versatile of countertop stones. Its designs are unique, making quartz a stand out countertop option. Cost: Quartz is generally slightly more expensive than granite. You’ll see quartz range from $60-$90 per square foot.

Silestone

Functionality: Silestone is made up of quartz, therefore, it’s going to have similar qualities. Silestone is non-porous. It is very sturdy, allowing it to withstand big impacts. It is also resistant to scratches. Design: Silestone can be manufactured in over 100 colors. It is multi-textured and very versatile. Cost: Silestone costs between $50-$100 per square foot. We hope your countertop search has at least been narrowed. The fact is each of these countertops can make your kitchen welcoming, comfortable, and eye-catching. It really comes down to personal preference. Contact Galaxy Granite & Stone for further details on countertop options. We can assist you with samples, as well as complete a free estimate so you have conclusive pricing on the total cost of the project. We look forward to helping you improve the beauty of your home!