As new trends amass for countertops in 2020, a tried and true countertop material choice is stone. Stone is stylish and durable, but depending on the type of stone you choose, there are differences in the look and longevity. Below we detailed the top five stone countertop materials by style and durability, as ranked by recent consumer reports.
If you thought granite was on top, continue reading to find out what's number one on our 2020 style and durability list.
#5 Limestone
Limestone countertops are a beautiful choice for homes. Many homeowners choose limestone because of its attractive nature and the lighter hue of the stone. Limestone is a more porous stone than the others on our list, so while it stands up to heat, it is more porous, so more upkeep is needed for a limestone countertop to prevent staining.
#4 Marble
Solid marble countertops also provide a great aesthetic to any room are elegant, and bring a lot to any space, and are dense (sturdy) by nature. Many people choose marble countertops, as it is easy to customize color and pair with the decor. Marble countertops land on our list because of their beauty, and with proper treatment can last you nearly 20 years or longer, so though it's not at the top of the list, it's still an excellent choice for counters and bathrooms.
Removing marble from areas of extreme heat and away from direct cutting on the surface will limit damage and extend longevity. Most marble countertop owners use a wax polish or gel-gloss to repair scratches to the surface. For anything more substantial, like gashes or chips, we suggest contacting an expert to save yourself the headache of fixing or damaging further.
#3 Soapstone
Soapstone countertops create a cool look and warm feel to kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor spaces. Soapstone lands third on our list because it's stylish nature and how it brings cohesion to any room. We also love that the particles in soapstone are more compact than marble, granite, and quartz, so you'll find that it is easier to clean and makes it more sanitary than some of its counters.
#2 Granite
Granite countertops are usually the top choice when it comes to aesthetic and longevity. It can withstand heat, holds up to cutting, scratching, and with a good polish every so often you won't see a ton of staining. Most homeowners love granite because each stone slab is distinct and varied and brings a unique beauty to a home.
#1 Quartz
Granite is still one of today's most popular choices. Yet, as 2020 hits our calendars, an ever-increasing interest in Quartz countertops has cropped up due to its extremely durable, heat and scratch-resistant nature. Most countertops made of quartz use crushed stone mixed with resin and the durability that comes from the human-made and natural combination also pairs well with tons of color and style choices that will last you for decades.
We thought we might add that the vibrant and varied stone often mimics the beauty of marble and granite, so the space remains luxurious and practical. Who knew luxurious and practical could fit into the same sentence? In addition to being heat-resistant, quartz countertops are family-friendly as they can take the wear and tear of kids and heavy use, bringing this precious stone into our number one slot.
If you have a home, business or rental property in the Metro Phoenix area and are considering upgrading with granite countertops or other stonework features, call us here at JDM Countertops at 602-461-7559.
