Pros and Cons of Various Stone Countertop Options

Countertops Kitchen Remodeling Nov 16

For those who don’t mind spending the extra money, there are a number of intriguing options for countertop material available to the interested buyer. Most countertops are made from plastic laminate, and there’s a really good reason for that: plastic laminate is very cheap, incredibly durable, and you have a number of options in terms of colors and design. That being said, there are some drawbacks to plastic laminate, the biggest being that it’s very difficult to repair if something goes wrong with. On the other hand, plastic laminate is cheap to replace, but it doesn’t tolerate heat well, and has been known to crack or scratch. What are some less typical options?

1. Marble

Marble is one of the more expensive stone materials that you can purchase for a countertop, but it’s absolutely gorgeous. There are a number of options in terms colors and patterns and it’s very resistant to chips as well as heat. The biggest drawback to marble is the price. It’ll run between $100 and $400 per square foot and it can be scratched. You’ll have to be careful about leaving acidic liquids on it, because acid can eat into it. Marble is still a great option, but it requires some maintenance and must be sealed at least 4 times a year. The process isn’t labor intensive though. There are spray products available.

2. Granite

In terms of natural stone, granite is the most popular option for countertops because it is the most durable. It can be expensive, but it will last. It’s scratch, heat, and water resistant, but it must also be sealed. There are a number of good color options as well. The biggest drawback is the cost, which is comparable to marble.

3. Engineered Stone

Unlike natural stones, engineered stones do not need to be sealed. Engineered stone is cheaper too, usually running between $50 and $150 per foot. It’s scratch resistant and stain resistant, but it is not heat resistant. Engineered stone is made mostly of quartz, so it looks like real stone, but unlike natural stone, the color can be customized.

4. Lavastone

Lava stone is both the most expensive and most beautiful option at your disposal. You can expect there to be a waiting list, and it will run around $225 per square foot at the very least. Not only is it resistant to just about everything, but it doesn’t require any kind of major maintenance either. The only drawback is the cost.“ We’ve been getting a lot of interest in stone lately,” said one kitchen contractor who works on kitchen countertops in Birmingham, MI. “It’s becoming very popular again for those who aren’t interested in synthetic plastics or ceramic.”