It has seen a recent resurgence as an alternative to granite.
Best stone to use for countertops.
The chart below compares the main characteristics of the most popular countertop materials in the market today.
Here s a look at seven of the most popular.
Once found almost exclusively in high end homes due to its cost granite has become increasingly more common as the go to stone for countertops.
Soapstone is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material.
It comes in vibrant colors in addition to patterns that look.
Each surface material ranges in price some being more dramatic than others.
Granite has long been the premier choice of designers and builders for countertops due to both its beauty and durability.
Put simply there is no better natural stone option for a countertop.
Marble soapstone and jerusalem stone are just some of the natural stones used for kitchen countertops.
Soapstone is another natural stone usually dark gray in color with a smooth silky feel.
Available in a wide range of colors and patterns quartz typically ranks close in popularity to the perennial top choice.
Practically maintenance free engineered quartz countertops are stain acid scratch heat and impact resistant and thanks to their non porous surface don t need to be sealed like natural stone countertops.
Along with granite quartzite is one of the more heat and scratch resistant natural stones.
Hot pots serrated knives abrasive pads and most stains were no match for quartz which is a combination of mineral color and resin.
The best countertop materials get beyond the brand names and your countertop options really just come down to a handful of materials.