Kitchen Countertops: 5 Best Stones to Use

Kitchens are the hot spot of every home (literally and figuratively). They’re the place for family gatherings and great meals, a room where you spend a fair amount of time, and often one of the first rooms people see when they enter your home. So there's a good reason if you’re feeling the pressure to choose the best countertops for your kitchen.

Whatever material you choose, you want your countertops to withstand tough daily challenges and look good for the long haul. You want something that won’t go out of style in just a few years, yet also brings character and charm to your home.

Stone Countertops are an excellent choice, depending on the type of stone you select they can have moisture resistant properties (a major threat in kitchens!) and stains, thanks to a non-porous surface. The durability of stone means don’t have to worry as much about scratches from knives or sliding dishes. Plus, stone is highly durable and can withstand heat and years of wear and tear.

Here are our top picks for stone slab kitchen countertops and why we love them, in no particular order:

1. Quartzite

Not to be confused with Quartz, Quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that offers similar durability and beauty to granite (also a top 5 pick). If you love the look of marble and the durability of granite, quartzite can be a cost-effective option for your kitchen.

Quartzite is formed when quartz sandstone is subjected to extreme pressure and temperature. The singular grains interconnect and fuse together, creating a polished, glassy surface. The stone’s natural impurities add color to the material that blends and swirls together, resembling marble.

Aside from appearance, the main advantage quartzite holds over granite is its greater density. This makes it more impervious to scratches, staining, and chipping. And like granite, you won’t have to do much to maintain its appearance.

Common Quartzite Colors are: Taj Mahal, White Macabuas, Mercury White, Mercury Black, and many more.

2. Granite

If you love the natural look and feel of a stone slab kitchen countertop, there’s no better choice than granite. Granite is the byproduct of quartz and feldspar fusing together under pressure deep beneath the earth’s surface and being subjected to extremely high temperatures. The two materials combined give granite its speckled appearance, which also helps to conceal the seams between cuts.

Granite has been a top stone kitchen countertop of choice in recent years, and for many good reasons.

For starters, granite’s natural beauty and variety of color options make it work for any size and style of kitchen. It’s also an affordable option with premium appeal, especially as granite has skyrocketed in popularity and has led to the development of granite countertop alternatives.

Granite can instantly boost the visual appeal of any kitchen, thanks to a smooth, polished appearance and assortment of colors. Look closely at a slab of granite and you’ll notice a number of colors and fine details working together. It’s as much a piece of art as it is a functional part of your kitchen. It commands attention and can change the aesthetic of your kitchen even if it’s the only thing you upgrade.

Last but not least, its function rivals its beauty. You won’t have to worry about scratches, heat marks from hot pans, stains from colorful foods, or dents and dings. Just seal it once a year and let your countertop’s natural beauty shine for years to come.

Common Names Granite Colors: Alaska White, Black Pearl, Giallo Ornamental, River White, and hundreds more.

3. Marble

Marble has long been considered a premium material used in everything from kitchen and bathroom countertops to floor tiles to backsplashes and more. The stone has long been used in architecture throughout history, particularly in upscale historic structures.

One of the reasons discerning homeowners choose marble for their kitchen countertops is the timeless beauty it offers. Marble comes in an array of colors and swirl patterns, thanks to a number of natural impurities embedded and heated within the stone.

One thing worth noting about marble’s functionality is that it does require more maintenance than other stone slab countertops. It’s more porous and softer, which means it’s more prone to staining, scratching, and chipping. Proper sealing is a must with marble countertops to maintain its appearance.

Common Names of Marble Colors: Carrara Marble, Calcatta Gold. Crema Marfil, Saint Laurent, Emperador, Calacatta Gold, 

4. Dolomite

Dolomite might not be a household name like marble and granite, but its beauty and durability make it a top choice for stone slab kitchen countertops. Dolomite is a natural stone that’s formed when limestone and magnesium-rich underground water combine and create a chemical reaction.

Dolomite comes in varying shades of white and gray, which lends to a clean, modern kitchen aesthetic. It’s harder than marble (but not quite as hard as granite), which will help it retain its beauty. And like our other stone slab countertop options, you’ll need to seal your dolomite countertops each year to prevent moisture buildup and staining.

Comon Dolomite Colors: Fantasy Brown, Canyon Dawn

5. Engineered Stone

Engineered stone surfaces like porcelain and quartz can be just as beautiful, durable, and functional as natural stone slab countertops. Unlike their natural counterparts, engineered stone surfaces have been designed to address the flaws and create the best surface for kitchen countertop use cases. This alone can make them superior to natural stone.

For example, engineered quartz binds loose quartz particles with resin, resulting in a material that is virtually indestructible. The surface can also be made in a number of colors and patterns, some of which can give the appearance of marble without the high price tag. Quartz also outperforms quartzite in durability, scratching, chipping, and color retention.

Porcelain is another material you might not have thought to bring into your kitchen. It’s one of the oldest engineered stones and comes in a variety of colors, textures, and styles.

A newer stone slab option is sintered stone, which is similar to porcelain but has been heated to liquefaction before being formed into slabs and tiles. Soapstone, travertine, limestone, and many other types of stone are also fair game when remodeling your kitchen — there’s a stone for every taste and budget!

Common Brands of Engineered Stone: Hanstone, Silestone, Ceasarstone, Cambria, Corian Quartz, Pental Quartz, Dal Tile Quartz, MSI Quartz

Need help finding the stone slab countertops for your dream kitchen? Come visit our new inspiration showroom or schedule an appointment with one of our consultants!

It’s all fun and games until you have to choose between marble, quartzite, and dolomite.

For starters, did you know that (according to NAHB), more than half of the houses built in the United States were developed before 1980? This means that if you happened to move into one of these homely gems, there is a good chance your kitchen countertops are a tad outdated. Luckily, we here at Distinctive Kitchen & Bath have tons of countertop remodeling solutions you can opt for to transform your kitchen into something quite luxurious.

Now, the real underlying question is what leading material should you go with to meet your aesthetic, budget, and practicality needs - marble, quartzite, or dolomite? If you happen to be stuck on which path to take between these three options, below is a breakdown of each so you can upgrade with the ultimate confidence. 

Marble

I think it is safe to say that just about any homeowner has heard of marble countertops before at some point or another. For decades, this has been a premier design choice to achieve that modern, opulent vibe.

Marble is formed naturally when either limestone or dolomite is subjected to extreme pressure within the Earth's crust The impurities during this process are what allows the marble to form its vast array of colors and styles. However, as great as this may be, take note that marble is not as durable as the other options here on this list. It is also susceptible to stains if you don't seal it regularly and is prone to chipping and scratching and etching. Marble is a great choice for new countertops, but handle with care!

 Popular Marbles Include: Carrara marble, Calacatta Marble, Calacatta Oro, Calacatta Extra, Calacatta Borghini and many more. 

Quartzite

Quartzite can offer an uncanny resemblance to marble due to its ghostly veining. Offering a favorable balance between beauty, durability, and sustainability, quartzite has made an impressive name for itself in recent years becoming more and more popular. Compared to marble and dolomite, quartzite is exceptionally more robust and denser, which equates to it being less likely to stain, scratch, or chip.

PS: Make sure that you do not confuse quartzite with quartz! Quartzite is a natural

metamorphic rock that develops when quartz sandstone faces extreme pressure and temperatures. On the other hand, quartz is a manmade engineered stone.

 Popular Quartzites: Taj Mahal, Mercury White, White Macaubas, Bianco Superiore

Dolomite

Dolomite is a lesser-known sedimentary rock that forms when limestone connects with magnesium-drenched groundwater. It generally comes in shades of white or gray with gorgeous streaks that resemble more of that marble tone than quartzite. Even more, dolomite may not be as hard as granite, but it is harder than marble and is more scratch/chip resistant. The only real catch is that dolomite does not have a lot of color variance like its fellow stone counterparts, and it does require regular sealing to keep it in tip-top shape.

 Popular Dolomites: Fantasy Brown, Canyon Dawn, Super White

What Now?

Hopefully, this quick review gave you a bit more insight and assurance on which material is ideal for you. But if you still happen to have more concerns or questions, then don’t hesitate to give us a call!

With the global countertop market predicted to reach a ~$110 billion net worth by 2027, it stands to reason that this industry features its own unique set of trends within the ever-evolving modern age. For example, it wasn’t that long ago that Distinctive Kitchen & Bath based in Columbus witnessed a demand surge for granite countertops for its 100% natural material vibe. Now, it is important to note that granite will likely never become outdated for its cosmic authentic appeal and is always a solid choice to go with. However, when it comes to trends in the year 2021, the underpinning countertop material on the rise is none other than white quartz.

Quartz countertops, also known as the engineered stone, surfaced back in 1963 using technology that seamlessly blended about 90% ground quartz (one of the earth's hardest minerals) with about a 10% mixture of resins, pigments, and polymers to create an exceptionally durable, yet luxurious surface. Though it has been around and leverage for decades, it wasn’t until the last 10-ish years when it began to gain traction within the competitive countertop market. Fast forward to today, white quartz countertops in particular has made a trending entrance in society based on Statista stats, and for more reasons than one.

 1. Exceptionally Affordable

First off, a primary reason why white quartz has become so popular thus far in 2021 is due to the affordable cost to gain such high value. For instance, the average cost for marble countertops is between $75-250, granite is $45-200, and quartz is from $55-$155. Looking at this from the highest quality perspective, you can gain the highest tier quartz for less than both marble and granite's highest categories. In summary, the quality you decide on will determine the final cost, but you can have the confidence you will obtain wonderful outcomes on the budget-friendly side.

2. Natural Looking Marble Appearance

Another big component for the rise of white quartz is its alluring, sophisticated appearance. White quartz has a very natural-looking marble appeal, which can also be tailored to fit any kitchen style design. In today's modern age, simplicity and minimalism is the driving factor for that clean kitchen feel, a demand that white quartz can fulfill with ease. Not to mention that if the underlying mission is to obtain a marble look with granite durability, quartz makes for the perfect, cost-effective alternative to achieve the best of both worlds.  

3. Durable and No Maintenance Necessary

 It has been noted a few times thus far, but quartz is one of the strongest and most durable minerals on the planet. Due to this, quartz makes for an ideal countertop for those who are looking for a long-term investment without having to worry about maintenance. Sure, you will want to clean any spills accordingly, but have peace of mind knowing that the white quartz surface will not stain, crack, and does not require resealing. The moment your white quartz countertops are installed, you can expect them to look as new and fresh for decades as the day you put them in.

4. Variety of Quality Suppliers

 Here at Distinctive Kitchen & Bath, you can browse through a vast selection of quality suppliers, such as Hanstone, Silestone, Cambria, and Caesarstone. Why does this matter? Because it means that you are guaranteed to have quality results along with more ease in discovering the ideal pattern that matches your countertop visions. Not to mention that these quartz brand leaders offer extended warranty offers to make your purchase a more comfortable and risk-free one. For reference, Cambria and Caesarstone both offer lifetime warranties.

5. Eco-Friendly Option

 If there is one thing for sure, the push for eco-friendly and sustainable living has been a focal point on a global scale. According to Barron’s, 70% of the United States and Canadian consumers believe that eco-friendly brands are a vitality. This strive naturally bleeds into home décor choices, making quartz a prime target. Since quartz countertops are engineered using material stone and recycled materials, it equates to it being an ultimate

environmentally-friendly option that lowers waste generation. Furthermore, if you ever choose to replace it down the road, quartz countertops are 100% recyclable, making it an even more favorable choice for those seeking to reduce negative environmental impacts.

Conclusion - A White Quartz Rich Future

 All in all, quartz countertops have always been an accredited choice for homeowners and residential/commercial construction professionals. Since first debuting in the early 1960s to now, quartz countertops have made a reputable name for itself for their durability, sustainably, and opulent appeal, all of which has positioned it to become the leading choice to bolster home value and aesthetics. But speaking strictly in trends, white quartz is the most dominating tone to fulfill the prevalent modern style itch.

Overall and based on trajectory, the white quartz countertops trend is something that is likely not going to diminish in popularity anytime soon. Whether you are looking to upgrade to sell later on or seeking to improve your forever home, integrating white quartz is a sure-fire way to amplify house quality and raise its market price. With that being said, if you are ready to upgrade your Columbus home with this long-term trend as well, then don’t hesitate to contact Distinctive Kitchen & Bath today to get the process started.

Resources

https://sebringdesignbuild.com/top-trends-in-kitchen-countertop-design/

https://www.wboc.com/story/43532658/quartz-countertop-market-2021-global-industry-share-size-trends-sales-revenue-industry-growth-development-status-top-leaders-future-plans-and

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/countertop-market-101539

https://www.thekitchn.com/all-about-quartz-countertops-countertop-spotlight-166190

https://www.forbes.com/sites/sherikoones/2019/11/22/why-quartz-has-become-such-a-popular-countertop-stone/?sh=74e629d14b95

https://www.msisurfaces.com/blogs/post/2013/10/28/the-history-of-quartz-countertops.aspx

https://www.statista.com/statistics/597882/us-kitchen-countertop-materials-used-by-homeowners/

New Tile Backsplash Showroom Now Open

The tile backsplash has reinvented kitchen design. An area of kitchens that has been largely neglected through the decades is now getting the attention it deserves. From retro to subway tile, textured or smooth, colorful or neutral, the backsplash is oozing with personality.

As Ohio’s leader in all things countertops and tile, Distinctive Kitchen is pleased to announce our new tile backsplash showroom is now open. Come get inspired in person, and read on to learn how to a backsplash helps you get creative in your kitchen.

What is a Tile Backsplash?

Tile backsplashes fill the space between the top of your kitchen countertops and the bottom of your hanging wall cabinets and span the length of the countertop. Many homeowners choose to install a tile backsplash for aesthetic purposes, but they can also make this space easier to clean. Simply wipe away any food “splashes” to keep your walls looking like new.

Benefits of Tile Backsplash

Tile has a history of being easy to clean, but that’s not the only reason it belongs in your kitchen. Tiles also resist moisture, mold, and staining, a feat that regular walls haven’t mastered.

They’re easy to maintain, and since they’re non-porous, they will keep their appearance over time.

And if it’s been a while since you explored various tile options, you’ll find that there’s a tile backsplash to suit every style. Picking out a backsplash that fits your home’s personality is part of the fun! From subway tile to marble backsplash to glass mosaics, large tiles or small tiles, patterns or solids, this is your chance to get creative.

Our Best Tips for Choosing a Tile Backsplash

When you’re considering applying a tile backsplash in your kitchen, we highly recommend coming into our showroom in person to see your options up close. But that’s just the beginning. Use these tips to choose a backsplash pattern you’ll love seeing in your kitchen every day:

Stick with Your Kitchen’s Color Scheme

Your bare space between the countertops and cabinets likely doesn’t get much attention now. But when you apply a tile backsplash, this space will become a big focal point of your kitchen. That’s why you’ll want to complement the rest of your kitchen instead of getting too out of character. When done well, your backsplash will look like it was part of the design all along rather than treated as an afterthought.

Mix Up Tile Patterns

Depending on your kitchen layout, you may be able to do different backsplashes on different walls. Many of our clients invest more in the space above the sink or range because those spaces tend to be bigger and command more attention.

You might do a tile backsplash along the small spaces in between your cabinets and countertops and opt for a marble backsplash above your range, for example. This works especially well when you have countertops and your range or sink on different walls.

Or, you might choose to do a neutral tile backsplash for most of your kitchen and go bolder above the range or sink. These areas already get more attention than other wall space in your kitchen, so a brighter or bolder texture or color can work well.

Do a Test Run

Sometimes, you simply don’t know what you want until you see it in action. Once you narrow your favorites, use samples of countertop and cabients from our larges whoroom. Get a feel for how they look with your individual kitchen. See which ones start to grow on you and which ones don’t suit your kitchen as well as you’d hoped. There’s nothing like making the right choice the first time.

Explore the Largest Selection of Tile Backsplash in Ohio!

Our tile backsplash showroom is open for you to explore and our design team is ready to meet with you. We’ll work with you to help you choose a backsplash that will complement your kitchen and capture the personality of your home. And, if you’re in the market to update your kitchen, we provide a one-stop shop for all things countertops, cabinets, and now tile backsplashes. 

Come visit us today and let your creativity be your guide!