COUNTERTOPS
Natural Stone
Natural stone countertops continue to dominate the marketplace. It’s no wonder we are drawn to the innate beauty of stone, and there are styles and price points to meet a wide range of designs and budgets.
Here’s a quick overview of the most popular varieties of natural stone.
Granite
Still a best-seller, granite countertops are durable and beautiful. Granite is a porous material so it does require use of a sealer and of cleaning products geared for natural stone. Granite is comprised of many different types of minerals, and the unique combinations yield the great variety of colors and patterns.
Marble
It is hard to beat the beauty of natural marble. Its classic veining always seems to be in style. Softer than granite, it etches easily and is more prone to staining than granite.
Soapstone
Soapstone is often used in chemistry labs for its resistance to chemicals and bacteria. It’s non-porous, but it is a softer material that is prone to scratching. Due to its natural appearance, however, the scratches are often not very noticeable.
Limestone
Limestone carries characteristics that are very similar to those of marble. It’s soft, beautiful, and develops patina with age.
Quartzite
There are many varieties of stone that are categorized as quartzite in the countertop some are very hard, durable, and stain/heat resistant, while others are softer and have certain traits in common with marble. The colors and patterns of true quartzite slabs are simply stunning, and many of the varieties require minimal maintenance.
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone countertops, commonly referred to as “quartz”, are a composite material made with crushed natural stone held together with a man-made adhesive or resin. Engineered stone countertops are fabricated from slabs of similar size and thickness to natural stone slabs. Due to the man-made component of the engineered slabs, they typically carry a manufacturer’s warranty and do NOT require additional sealing. Engineered stone is available in a wide variety of styles and colors, many of which mimic the look and feel of natural stone.
There are many brands of quartz materials available. When making a brand selection, it’s important to consider color and style along with warranty and company reputation.
Feel free to browse the websites below for inspiration!
-
LEARN MORE -
LEARN MORE -
LEARN MORE -
LEARN MORE -
LEARN MORE -
LEARN MORE
Additional Options
Natural and engineered stone countertops may be our most popular choices, but that certainly does not mean they are the only options!
Here’s a taste of what else is out there…
Wood countertops
Available in a variety of species and finishes, wood tops can be a great choice for a kitchen, island, or even a vanity. We often use wood tops in the kitchen in conjunction with another surface to add warmth to the space. Natural finishes are maintained with mineral oil, or you can opt for a Waterlox or Poly coating.
Concrete countertops
Concrete is a countertop with many possibilities. It has a naturally warm feel, and the many options of pigments, aggregates, and stains can create a unique look and texture.
Glass countertops
Sleek, smooth glass can be used as a countertop surface for a modern bathroom vanity or a one-of-a-kind kitchen.
Manufactured concrete and glass tops
Combining the best of the above two surfaces, manufacturers such as IceStone and Vetrazzo mix recycled glass with concrete to create amazing and colorful countertops, that also happen to be eco-friendly. Win-win!
Metal countertops
Stainless steel, zinc, and even copper can make for beautiful countertops. Stainless steel is durable and industrial (although it certainly shows fingerprints and can dent). Zinc and copper have more of a living finish which will patina with use and age, giving the metal warmth and character.
Paper
Yes, you read correctly, paper countertops, made of wood-base fibers, resins, and pigments, are an environmentally friendly countertop option that is surprisingly durable and carries a warranty. Browse
Laminate
Laminate tops have come a LONG way over the years. The color and finishing options seem limitless and and provide an affordable and easy to care for surface.
Solid-surface
While its popularity has waned over the years, solid-surface countertops do provide the opportunity to include an integrated sink into your kitchen or vanity. Made primarily from acrylic and polyester, solid-surface is also non-porous.
Volcanic lava stone
Love natural stone AND bright color? Look no further than the incredible surface from leading lava stone manufacturer Pyrolave.