So which counter top is the best for you? Check out the podcast episode to hear a ton of information about several types of counter tops.
Let’s cover a few of the most common types of counter tops.
Granite counter-top CEDAR HILL FARMHOUSE
As you might know I have white river granite in my kitchen. I love it because it looks a lot like marble but it’s granite so it really holds up well to stains. I recommend sealing it too. I’ve never had an issue with stains on my black granite. For white granite, water stains will will affect the granite. As the granite dries that goes away. I haven’t had an issue with any permanent stains in the granite, but it could happen I understand.
Be sure to ask if the granite is dyed or natural. The dyed ones can fade over time.
Marble counter top – MY SOULFUL HOME
Now Kelly says that polished marble doesn’t stain, but I’m not sure about that. You can listen to the podcast to get her take on it, then do your own research and decide for yourself. I have seen marble stained by a makeup spill in the bathroom and by a greasy pizza box in the kitchen. So I would do some more research on it if you decide on marble.
And, we also have a wonderful online source for back splash tile to share ~ Thomas Avenue Ceramics, who is our sponsor for this episode. Thomas Avenue Ceramics is offering our listeners 20% off your order with code DTT20 at checkout.
You can also check out the ‘wood’ tiles that Thomas Avenue carries HERE.
Soapstone counter top – STONE GABLE
Yvonne has soapstone counter-tops, and she loves them. I think they are a gorgeous look perfect for a farmhouse. They don’t stain, according to Yvonne. Soapstone is totally inert. It won’t stain and it is very difficult to scratch or chip.
Quartz is an engineered combination of minerals, color and resin. There is no sealing necessary and it is very durable. It is not less expensive in general than granite. But there are typically more color options since it is made-made.
Quartzite counter top – CEDAR HILL FARMHOUSE
I love the quartzite countertops. It looks very much like marble, but it’s much grayer. They say it ‘looks like marble but acts like granite.’ It’s almost entirely quartz. It stands up to heat, but you don’t want to have continued heat in one place. It is extremely hard and in its purest form it is not known to stain. Some varieties that are not as pure can stain.
Contrete counter top – STONE GABLE
Concrete counter tops can be colored about any color you want it to be. You’ll need to seal this counter top to protect it from stains. Be careful of putting anything too hot on it. Yvonne has a concrete table top and she loves the look. But do be careful with it. Stains can happen.
There is a lot more information in the podcast, so if you want more info, be sure to have a listen. (Listen bar is at the top of the post.)
Visit our new sponsor Thomas Ave Ceramics and receive 20% off your first order with the code DTT20 at check out.
This was great information since I’m looking at changing my countertops.
The white granite tops are so pretty on the white cabinetry. I found your blog from visiting http://bj-sweetnothings.blogspot.com/. Can’t wait to read more of you past and future post.
Lisa
Having owned a family construction business for 30 years that has seen thousands of kitchen remodels, my husband did not get on board with me wanting marble for our beach home that is getting quartzite counters installed on Friday. To convince me we took samples of everything home and poured red wine and coffee on top and let them sit 😉
We have Silestone Quartz countertops and have no maintenance whatsoever. We have had them for two years now and they are still as beautiful as ever. I would recommend Quartz if you want easy care and no maintenance. No sealing at all like granite and the other types. Just my opinion based on my experience. 🙂
I love them all. Quartz is my choice I’m a messy cook
I love the marble countertops. They are so beautiful and classic.
Thank you for the info as I am looking for counter tops for my beach house. I will look at the quartz first. Sounds like a winner.
WARNING! I fell in love with Danby Marble and had counterops made with it. What a MISTAKE that was! It is a maintenance nightmare. Although the company I got them from assured me they would be fine. He was as wrong as could be. They have been professionally sealed. And I’ve sealed them numerous times since. Water spots on this marble. ANYTHING with a citrus base stains. In addition, while on the drying pad, a glass with a small round base on it like a wine glass tipped over and chipped the marble. So, remember it’s porous, soft, and a maintenance nightmare before you invest in marble (mine is honed and doesn’t shine)… Just sharing my experience. While they are stunning, I’d never do this again!
Thanks Mary! That is scary. I think marble is typically so delicate. So sorry to hear that.
Learned a lot about counter tops. Good information
We have marble flooring in our entryway foyer and main hallway…it is terrible. It looks beautiful when new, but over time has stained, chipped, eroded, and worn away. I hate it. I’m so sad because that classic grey veined/white carrera is classic! I learned my lesson with it.??
I have granite in my kitchen and LOVE IT. I also have it on my buffet and have had no problems with it whatsoever. I still tend to use hot pads with dishes that come from the oven, just from force of habit I think before we remodeled. My husband cleans it once a month with a product we get at HOme Depot that cleans and seals and smells wonderful. We’ve not had any problems since this was instilled in 2007.
What is the wonderfully smelling sealing product called?
Kathy, I’ll check for you.
I installed quartz counters in my last kitchen. We just finished remodeling the kitchen in our current home and once again installed quartz. It is durable, low maintenance and does not stain. I highly recommend it.
Glad for the information because I am planning to change my 13-year old kitchen countertops. Currently, I have light-colored quartz countertops, and although they never stain or etch, I have gotten several chips around the under-mounted sink. Also, when using a slow cooker or any continued heat in one place, do not sit it directly on the quartz, especially near corners, or it can crack your countertop. I did this to mine and have a 14-inch hairline crack. But it is very easy to keep this from happening. Just use a trivet to elevate your slow cooker. All in all, I would still consider using quartz again because of all the colors it comes in. And by the way, I really love your beautiful kitchen and the white river granite. It is so pretty!
Thanks Rynn, and thanks for the advice!
Quartz will be my choice as well when we change out our counter tops.
I’m on the verge of updoing my kitchen…countertops and cabinet hardware…going with granite…black with some gold in it, not much. Will have 4″ granite backsplash. Also have tin ceiling tiles on wall between backsplash and cabinets…going to paint them a sage green and rub with Fireweed red. Cabinets are solid maple…not my favorite, but have to live with them. At present I have an elevated bar that I’m cutting down to be even with my countertops. Will be open to dining room and living room. Undermount sink with new fixtures…I have seen in magazines where they have brushed nickel hardware on cabinets and the fixtures are like a bronze…still deciding Thanks for the very informative information on countertops! Decisions, decisions!
I love your FB page and your blog. I was wondering if you might give me some advice. I have been finding a lot of gold stone, metal, and glass decorative pieces. They are all very gaudy, but I have plans to paint them white and try to make them look aged. Do you have any suggestions on how to do that and what types of paint to use?
Try using an antique glaze and the Amy Howard Dust of Ages. I think that will help you Judith.
I know it requires extra care, but marble is still my choice!
Thanks for the good info and lovely pictures.
Looking into investing in new counter tops. Do any of these options stand up to a hot skillet on their surface? By the way, I love everything you show on your blog! Thank you!
Cathy, to be sure, I would do some research on the one you plan to buy. I’ve read the ones we discussed should be fine, but I don’t have personal experience with all of them.
I’ve heard that if the quartzite is really white – without any other color (even undertones) – it’s the purest form of quartzite. Some even say that quartzite countertop design ideas are very similar to marble and quartz. Sadly, quartzites require resealing at least twice a year – more so than granite.