From Granite to Soapstone--A Look at Countertops

Granite countertops have been all the rage in real estate and interior design the last few years. You would recognize its speckled brown look, and granite is a terrific material for countertops, but there are many types of stone available for use as countertops.

Countertops have become one of the first details that homebuyers look for when selecting a new home. If you are considering new countertops for your home--either for your own use and enjoyment or for prepping your home for sale--I would recommend looking at the many varieties of granite and stone available. The old fashioned tile and grout countertops just won't cut it in today's market (and that grout was always so hard to clean!).

The appeal of granite is its diverse array of colors and patterns and the durability and strength. Granite also tends to be quite bacteria-resistant and stain-repellent, but you have to make sure to take care of it correctly. But since almost everyone has the now-traditional granite counters, what other stones are there to consider?

Marble can add a lot of sophistication to a room but it isn't recommended for kitchens, and the elegance of limestone is appealing to many. I have been seeing more and more soapstone counters, which usually comes in dark solid colors and is even more non-porous than granite. No matter what you choose, a single-unit countertop is generally preferable to small tiles.

The key is to find a look and functionality that works best for your kitchen and design. Majesty Marble & Granite in Pennsylvania has a terrific Q&A website on the basics of stone countertops. There are so many options and suppliers now, so let me know if you have any questions. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or MSmartt@jps.net.