A Guide to Countertops

In kitchens, baths, and laundry rooms, countertops handle so much of the work we do at home. We need them to be strong and durable, yet also beautiful. Whether they blend seamlessly into your spaces or add a layer of personality, the right materials set the tone for the room they’re in. When we commit to countertops that look great and work hard, the investment offers returns we can enjoy daily.

Material Matters

Finding the right material for a space can feel daunting, but a few key considerations can focus the task. Location is important. Kitchens and baths see more daily wear than laundry rooms. And no matter the space, the color, design, and budget are factors to keep top of mind. Here, we offer a snapshot of some of our favorite materials.

Soapstone

pro: easy daily maintenance

con: susceptible to chips and dents

Composed of magnesium-rich talc and other minerals,

soapstone is heatproof, nonporous, naturally stain-resistant,

and requires no sealant. It’s also naturally antimicrobial—a

nice bonus in kitchens and baths. Over time, the charcoal

gray stone oxidizes, lending it a deep patina.

Softer than other natural stones, soapstone is more

susceptible to dents, chips, and scratches,

but it’s also easier to shape and install.

Marble

pro: longevity

con: stains more easily than other natural stones

From milky white to smoky blue-gray,

marble’s colorful veining depends on the

minerals present where it’s mined. Most

Italian marbles come from the region

around Carrara, where clay and iron

oxide tint the natural calcite limestone.

Although beautiful and durable, marble

is susceptible to staining. It requires

regular sealing or a good polish to

restore a well-worn surface.

Concrete

pro: customizable and hard-wearing

con: porous and prone to staining

Durable and distinctive, concrete is an

easily customizable material. Skilled

DIYers can install their own concrete

counters. Alternately, precast options

exist, which reduce the risk of cracks

that can happen with poured-in-place

counters. Sealants help protect from

heat, scratches, and stains. However,

concrete shows marks over time.

Embrace the imperfections, and it’s a

great-looking, hard-wearing material.

Quartzite

pro: durability

con: limited color choices

One of the most durable materials on the

market, quartzite looks similar to marble

but is harder and less porous. Formed

from quartz sandstone compacted by heat

and pressure, quartzite is a natural stone

that requires regular sealing. Its strength

makes it useful in any room, but that

hardiness translates to higher costs for

cutting, shaping, and installation.

Quartz

pro: low maintenance

con: heat sensitive

Unlike quartzite, quartz countertops

are engineered from resin, minerals,

and pigments. Because it’s

manufactured, quartz doesn’t require

sealing and can be crafted to resemble

any material, such as granite or marble.

Finishes are similar to natural stone,

and it can be polished, honed, or

leathered. Quartz is easy to care for,

but high heat can cause burn marks.

Granite

pro: resists scratches

con: requires regular sealant

This natural stone is known for durability

and can easily withstand the wear and

tear of daily use. To keep granite stain-

resistant, a sealant is required. Some

granite slabs have more natural pattern

or “movement” than others, so making

sure the style of a particular slab is a

match for your space can take more

time and energy.

Butcher Block

pro: functional and affordable

con: requires regular upkeep

Butcher-block and solid wood

countertops are strong, simple, and

available in many styles and species—

from light maple to dark walnut. Wood

counters inevitably collect water stains

and scratches, but this forgiving material

can be sanded and oiled for a quick

refresh. Proper care calls for a coat of

mineral or tung oil after installation and

every year after.

THROUGH THICK + THIN

The thicker you go, the higher the price. For a high-end look on a tight budget, consider adding 1-centimeter laminated edges to the borders of a 2-centimeter countertop.

THE FINISH LINE

Most standard counters come polished, but you can request a matte finish. Be prepared to pay extra for an involved process such as leathering.

Polished

Stone has a high-gloss, reflective finish that’s easy to wipe down and keep clean.

Honed

Stone is sanded for a smooth, matte feel that’s subtler and helps to hide blemishes.

Leathered

Stone is sanded, washed, and brushed for a natural look that stands up to scratches.

ALL ABOUT EDGES

When choosing an edge, think about the thickness of your counters. A rounded bullnose might look timeless on a 2- or 3-centimeter counter but chunky on anything larger. For a modern look, try a straight or eased edge. In a more traditional space, an ogee detail can add elegance. Use this list to understand the most common options.

**Bring home samples

**Looking at materials in your space can help you envision how a countertop will complement other design choices in a room. Often it’s helpful to see how your lighting affects the appearance as well.

**Balance your budget

**Calculate the square footage of material you’ll need, remembering to factor in installation. Special edges and treatments add to the bottom line, as do cutouts for outlets, faucets, and cooktops. Keep in mind that people typically replace countertops only once every 10 or 15 years, so the money spent now will offer visual and tangible benefits well into the future.

This story was adapted for digital from the summer issue of Magnolia Journal.