Size matters! If you need a certain size slab in one piece for a kitchen island start your search for a product with this size. Quartz products are not as wide as some natural stone slabs. Size and color can be the determining factor for the material that you choose.
Granite is natural, durable and the most widely used material (7 out of 10 on Mohs Scale of Hardness), but marble, limestone, quartzite and the quartz composites are also popular. Porcelain slabs are now available along with other newer slab options. Granite does have its limitations in the lighter color range (check Millennium Cream granite, but it depends on the slab) and for contemporary looks that are more conducive to solid or bright colors. The composites allow for more options. Composites are sampled and consistent enough that they can be ordered from the samples and the actual slabs don't need to be checked. Patterns can be checked in the information provided by each company to determine suitability for the project. Granites, quartz composites and other materials-i.e. wood, metals, can be combined in kitchen projects and the same companies may fabricate both. The starting prices are similar for quartz and natural stones.
Keep in mind that most appliances have some black detailing. A cooktop may only be available in black. If you don’t want the entire kitchen to have the hard look of granite or quartz then add wood on the island. Quality installers make a difference in handling natural stone pattern matches. On the overall patterns this is not such an issue. Always select your slabs with natural materials (granite, marble, quartzite). Due to inconsistencies don’t order from samples. Designers or architects will match samples to the actual and alert you of variations. Tiles can be used for backsplashes and walls, but countertops should be slabs. Slab materials can be used for the backsplash (2cm) and custom installers can cut the material into specified shapes. Seal when installed and use acid-free cleaner and stone polish to maintain. Adding these surfaces to the side of the cabinet creates what is called waterfall. Porcelain slabs and sintered stone-like Lapitec, Neolith, and Dekton are newer options. Dekton in 4mm can be used to face cabinetry, drawers, and countertops. Honed finishes are a softer look, polished more contemporary. Flamed and leather offer additional options. The edge details below make a thicker looking countertop than a slab with a polished edge. 2mm is used with an added edge detail for a thicker looking countertop. 3mm is used typically as just a slab with an appropriately finished edge.
Tip: Resealing is recommended for natural materials.
There is more inspiration and information on my Pinterest boards!
Countertops Kitchens Baths Great Sinks Cabinetry
Marble is softer but comes in lighter colors and is good for rolling dough. Sought after colors include Bianco Carrara, Calacatta, Calacatta Luccioso, and Calcutta Gold. Adventurous? Arabescato is wildly swirled. Vermont quarry has a very hard marble. Honed finishes will be easier to maintain. Marble is susceptible to staining and dark colors may etch but the look is classic.
Limestone is harder than marble, has less pattern than granite, but needs more daily care.
Quartz has many neutral shades. Quartz products are not to be confused with quartzite, a natural stone that is quarried and is harder than granite or quartz, and more costly! Quartz composites-Caesarstone, Zodiaq, Silestone, Samsung Radianz, Cambria, ForzaStone, and others offer light options in quartz-Lagoon, White North, Tigres Sand, Capri Limestone, Blanco Harkie, White Zeus, Mont Blanc, Blanco Maple, Yukon Blanco, Stellar Snow with continual new additions from all companies. These products are typically 90% ground quartz with 10% resins, polymers, and pigments. I have had one laying outside in the western sun for a year without discoloration! (just testing) The composition of the 10% may vary.
For a more traditional look, counters can be fabricated with a variety of shaped edges (shown). These are added typically to a 2mm slab to make the entire slab look thicker. More contemporary styles fabricated with 3cm slabs typically have a finished edge only. Finish options include honed, polished, flamed and leathered.
Slate and soapstone are softer than granite and scratch marks can be sanded or buffed out with a Scotch-Brite pad. Soapstone is treated with mineral oil, darkens over time, and is stain resistant. Slate is often left unsealed.
Lava stone is very textured and rugged. Available enameled from France.
Concrete, typically 1-5/8 “ - 2-1/4 “, allows for more custom design options that work for specific interiors. Concrete can stain and crack so it is often cast with steel and polypropylene fibers. There are literally unlimited options for shapes and colors. Quartz is now available in concrete colors.
Wood: Maple butcher block is the most well-known but there are other beautiful woods (black walnut) that can be used depending on use and finish. Consider the proximity to water. Use food-safe oil or hard catalyzed lacquer. An oil finish is water-resistant if maintained and a hard finished countertop is waterproof.
Check William Rogers for beautiful examples. Typically 1-5/8” or 2-1/4”.
Stainless Steel is waterproof and can be used with integrated or under-mount sinks. Limitations include potential dents, scratches, and fingerprints.
Copper, like stainless, is a great look but works best if you eat out most of the time!
Other options: Glass including recycled, glass and concrete, zinc, and lava stone.
Tip: the material will dictate the amount of overhang you can have for a bar. Corbels or other means of support may be necessary. Examples of the edging details for countertops are above.
Tip: Cantera stone is from Mexico and comes in up to 20 colors ranging from light to black. Pinon, Santa Lucia, and Cafe II are popular colors. Cantera is softer than granite or marble and can be used for floor tiles, carved for columns, fireplace surrounds, and other architectural elements.
Tip: Light countertops are trending. What is your personality? The white marbles (Carrara) are a popular Old World look, but can stain. If you want everything to look perfect maybe a composite countertop (there are many quartz companies) would be more suitable. If you really dine out all the time then either will work!
Thank you Arizona Tile for these images of tile and slab options!
