granite

Marble has been a popular trend in kitchen countertops for the past several years. If you compare performance characteristics in a kitchen environment, granite is the better choice.

Granite and quartzite have very similar performance statistics. Quartzite is generally harder and denser and the pattern is more like marble which is appealing to many homeowners.

Limestone and travertine will etch when exposed to the acids and bases present in many cleaning products and common kitchen ingredients such as vinegar, bleach, citrus, and wine.

Onyx is not a good option for most countertops, but it does make for a beautiful backsplash. Its beauty and translucence make it appealing, but still not practical.

Slate slabs are generally small compared to marble and granite so more seams will be necessary to complete a kitchen project. In fact, many slate quarries are limited to tile production because of the sizes of usable material that exist.

Soapstone is quite soft, making it a favorite material for the DIY homeowner for use as countertops. It is also non-porous so there is no need to seal it.

Two of the newest countertop surfaces on the market today, are Porcelain and Sintered Surface. New technology and trial and error have given way to material that mimics the look of natural marble.

Nothing beats the warmth and traditional charm of butcher block countertops. Many homeowners are choosing to use a combination of wood and granite, or another hard surface, in their kitchens.

Quartz countertops are a big trend in today’s market. Brands such as Caesarstone, Silestone and Zodiaq are readily available in a large variety of colors.

Common solid surface brands include Corian and Hi-Macs. They are made of acrylic and come in many colors.

Laminate countertops have been very popular for years because they are affordable and readily available. You may know them better by the common brand name, Formica.

Ceramic Tile countertops were very popular in the 70s. In some regions of the United States, they are still seen in many homes.

Though not common in residential kitchens, you’ve likely seen stainless steel countertops in commercial settings. They are easy to clean and heat resistant.

Concrete countertops were a short-lived trend in the early 2000s. They are still seen occasionally, though. They are quite porous and even with sealer, can easily be stained.

“Recycled” is a popular term for homeowners concerned with sustainability. These countertop surfaces are made with glass chips from a variety of materials

What happens to old quarries after they are no longer operational?

Greens go with just about everything: with black, stainless steel, and maple or cherry cabinets.

A four-acre memorial featuring thousands of tons of Mount Airy granite.

Stone is versatile and can be used in many places throughout your home.