A stone countertop is the top requested item in custom homes currently. They’re durable and practical as well as beautiful and luxurious. There are many different types of stone out there though from granite to marble, so how do you know which stone is right for you? It comes down to a number of different factors such as price, style, durability and current home interior trends. We’ve outlined everything you need to know to make an informed choice about which stone would work best for your family.

Granite

Pros: A Granite countertop has been popular in home designs in the recent years. They’re aesthetically pleasing as well as durable. They also come in many different colors and designs, which make matching it to the style of the home easy.

Cons: Granite has become a little less popular in the last year. Some people find the swirling design and flecks too busy. It’s also expensive as it’s a natural stone. Granite is also a porous stone, with tiny holes in it making it not as hygienic as other stones on the list.

Quartz 

Pros: A Quartz countertop is quickly becoming the most popular choice amongst builders. It is stain, scratch and heat resistant. It’s also much more budget friendly than marble or granite. Manufactured quartz can also be designed to look like marble without the cost or poor durability.

Cons: Quartz can be manufactured which some people find not as glamorous or luxurious. The man-made factor of it makes it seem less exclusive to those looking to build custom luxury houses.

Marble

Pros: Marble is a classic stone. It has come in and out of style but the good news is it’s back in. It screams luxury more than any other stone on this list. If you need a custom countertop, marble may be the way to go. Due to it’s softer state it’s easier to cut and fabricate into custom styles. The cool white and neutral tones of tans and grays make it a stone that can work in both traditional and modern spaces.

Cons: There’s a reason marble is equated with luxury- it’s extremely expensive. Like granite, it’s also porous and susceptible to chips, cracks, and stains.

Slate 

Pros: Slate has an ultra modern look with its dark tones. It’s highly resistant to heat and doesn’t scratch, chip or stain easily. Slate is also one of the cheapest stone countertop options.

Cons: There are fewer color options with slate. It typically comes in shades of black, gray and brown. It’s also not an extremely popular stone currently.

Concrete

Pros: Concrete counters are becoming more popular. They work well in rustic, modern or industrial style homes. With new technology, concrete can be sealed and smoothed to feel as luxurious as marble.

Cons: The look of concrete can feel too hard and masculine for some people. While there are stains and patterns available, the array of designs isn’t as great as it is with other stones. Some people also view the material to be not as luxurious as other stones.

Which to Chose?

There are so many choices when it comes to stone countertops. There are both natural and manufactured stones available in a variety of styles, colors, and prices. Talk to your architect about which style would work best for your home and look the best with your home architectural design.