How to Choose, Seal, & Maintain Stone Countertops
There are so many stunning countertop options available to renovate your Chicago kitchen. How do you choose the right one for your home? And once you do, how do you ensure it remains as beautiful as the day it was installed?
Fret not! Our Areté home renovation and design experts will walk you through their unique characteristics, help you select the perfect material for your lifestyle, and provide expert advice on sealing, cleaning, and maintaining its timeless beauty for years to come.
Types of Natural Stone Countertops
Each type of stone brings its own distinct character and set of properties to your home:
Granite
Granite is an igneous rock known for its incredible strength and unique, granular appearance. It’s a longtime favorite of luxury homeowners. And for good reason. No two slabs are exactly alike, offering a truly one-of-a-kind look.
- Pros: Highly durable and resistant to heat and scratches. With a vast range of colors and patterns, it’s easy to find a slab that complements your design vision. When properly sealed, it’s also resistant to stains.
- Cons: Granite is porous, which means it can absorb liquids and stain if not sealed correctly. The natural variations can also be a drawback if you prefer a perfectly uniform look.
- Maintenance: Requires sealing upon installation and typically every one to three years after that, depending on use. Daily cleaning should be done with a pH-neutral cleaner to protect the sealant.
Marble
Synonymous with luxury and sophistication, marble is a metamorphic rock prized for its soft, elegant veining and bright, luminous surface. It adds a touch of classic beauty to any space.
- Pros: Unmatched in its aesthetic appeal, marble is a timeless choice that adds significant value to a home. It remains cool to the touch, making it a favorite for bakers.
- Cons: Marble is softer and more porous than granite, making it susceptible to scratches, etching, and staining. It reacts to acidic substances like lemon juice, wine, and coffee, which can dull the surface.
- Maintenance: Requires diligent care. Marble should be sealed regularly, and spills must be wiped up immediately. Use only pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaners. Many homeowners come to embrace the patina that develops over time as part of the stone’s charm.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural metamorphic rock that begins as sandstone. It’s often confused with quartz (a man-made material). Subjected to intense heat and pressure, it transforms into a stone that is both beautiful and exceptionally durable.
- Pros: Quartzite often resembles marble but offers superior durability, with hardness even greater than granite. It is highly resistant to heat and UV rays, meaning it won’t fade or discolor in a sunny kitchen.
- Cons: It can be one of the more expensive natural stone options. Some slabs may contain softer mineral deposits, making them prone to scratching or etching in certain areas.
- Maintenance: Like granite, quartzite is porous and must be sealed to prevent staining. Sealing frequency depends on the specific slab’s porosity, but an annual application is a good guideline.
Soapstone
Soapstone has a warm, inviting quality with a smooth, almost velvety texture. It’s mainly composed of talc. It’s also softer than other stones, but its dense, non-porous nature gives it unique advantages.
- Pros: It is completely non-porous, meaning it will not stain and is impervious to acids. It’s also highly heat-resistant, so you can place hot pans directly on the surface without worry. Any scratches can be easily sanded out or disguised with mineral oil.
- Cons: Its softness makes it prone to scratches and dings. The color selection is limited, mostly ranging from light gray to dark charcoal, often with subtle veining.
- Maintenance: Soapstone doesn’t need sealing. Most homeowners regularly apply mineral oil to darken the stone and enhance its natural beauty, which also helps to hide minor scratches.
Choosing the Right Stone for Your Home
Selecting the perfect countertop involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and budget. Consider these factors:
- Your Lifestyle: How do you use your kitchen? A busy family that cooks frequently may benefit from the durability of granite or quartzite. If you are a meticulous homeowner who adores timeless elegance, the beauty of marble might be worth the extra care.
- Your Style: Do you prefer a bold, unique pattern or a subtle, uniform look? Natural stones like granite offer dramatic variations, while soapstone provides a more muted, consistent appearance.
- Your Budget: Prices for stone countertops can vary significantly. While granite can be found at accessible price points, rare and exotic slabs of quartzite and marble can be a significant investment.
Sealing Your Stone Countertops
Sealing is a critical step in protecting porous stones like granite, marble, and quartzite from stains. A sealant acts as a barrier, preventing liquids from seeping into the stone’s pores.
The frequency of sealing depends on the type of stone and the amount of use it gets. A simple water test can tell you if it’s time to reseal: pour a small puddle of water on the surface and wait for 15-30 minutes. If the water darkens the stone, it’s absorbing into the pores, and it’s time to apply a new coat of sealant.
The process is straightforward: clean the countertop thoroughly, apply the sealer evenly with a soft cloth, let it penetrate for the recommended time, and then wipe away any excess.
Cleaning and Daily Care
| Stone Type | Daily Cleaning | Deep Cleaning | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite | Use a soft cloth with warm water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives. | Use a heavy-duty stone cleaner for stubborn grime. | Use cutting boards, coasters, and trivets. Wipe spills immediately to prevent stains. |
| Marble | Use a soft cloth with warm water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar. | Use a heavy-duty stone cleaner for stubborn grime. | Avoid acidic spills. Use coasters and trivets. Always clean up spills immediately. |
| Quartz | Use a soft cloth with gentle soap or a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid abrasive scrubbers. | Use a gentle heavy-duty cleaner designed for quartz. | Use cutting boards and trivets. Keep hot objects off the surface to avoid heat damage. |
| Soapstone | Clean with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals. | Deep clean with a gentle, soap-based cleanser. | Apply mineral oil occasionally for maintenance. Avoid abrasive sponges. |
Repairing Scratches, Stains, and Chips
| Stone Type | Stains | Scratches | Chips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite | Use a baking soda and water poultice for organic stains. | Rare to scratch, but a professional may need to buff out deep scratches. | Professional repair with color-matched epoxy or resin. Save chipped pieces where possible. |
| Marble | Apply a poultice made from baking soda and water to lift organic stains like wine or coffee. | Buff out light scratches with fine-grit sandpaper or polishing compound. | Professional repair with resin or epoxy; save the chip for a seamless repair. |
| Quartz | Clean stains with a gentle non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals. | Difficult to scratch due to its durability. Contact a professional if needed. | Chips should be professionally repaired using a resin for a clean finish. |
| Soapstone | Use mild soap or a baking soda poultice for stains. | Light scratches can often be sanded out with fine-grit sandpaper and re-oiled. | Sand and re-oil small chips, or use a professional for larger repairs. |
Areté Renovators: Your Chicago Remodeling Experts
Choosing a natural stone countertop is an investment in your home’s beauty and value. Each slab tells a unique story, crafted by nature over millennia. Learning how to care for your specific type of countertop will ensure that it remains a stunning focal point of your home for decades.
At Areté, we specialize in creating seamless, stylish home transformations that reflect your personal vision. Our expertise in sourcing and installing high-end custom countertops ensures a flawless result. If you’re ready to explore the possibilities for your Chicago home, call us at 773.683.3033 or contact us today for a consultation.