Available in a wide range of colors and patterns quartz typically ranks close in popularity to the perennial top choice.
Best stone to use for countertops.
Hot pots serrated knives abrasive pads and most stains were no match for quartz which is a combination of mineral color and resin.
It has seen a recent resurgence as an alternative to granite.
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.
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 another natural stone usually dark gray in color with a smooth silky feel.
The best countertop materials get beyond the brand names and your countertop options really just come down to a handful of materials.
Each surface material ranges in price some being more dramatic than others.
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.
The chart below compares the main characteristics of the most popular countertop materials in the market today.
Granite has long been the premier choice of designers and builders for countertops due to both its beauty and durability.
Here s a look at seven of the most popular.
Put simply there is no better natural stone option for a countertop.
Bakers love to knead dough on cold marble but designers recommend it be used sparingly as a countertop material because it s soft stains easily and chips.
These include granite marble quartzite soapstone porcelain butcher block quartz solid surface and laminate.