Are you remodeling your kitchen and looking for the perfect countertop for your kitchen island? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Kitchen islands are a great conversation starter, especially if you have a nice countertop. There are many stone kitchen countertops to choose from and it can be hard to find the right one.
Kitchen countertops can be made from natural or engineered stone. If you want a natural look, marble or granite can be a great choice. Quartz countertops and solid surface countertops are man-made but can be great if you are on a budget. When choosing the right stone, you need to consider if it is porous or non-porous.
In this article, we will talk about the different types of stone you can use for kitchen islands. We will also talk about which of these stones (both natural and man-made) are porous and non-porous so you can decide which stone material is right for you.
How To Choose The Right Stone For Your Kitchen Island
When choosing the right stone for your kitchen island, you must consider the space, size, and layout of your kitchen. Having the right measurements for your kitchen island is important because once the stone is cut, you typically won’t be able to change the slab size.
The type of stone is also important when choosing the right one to install into your kitchen island countertops. There are many types of stone that you can choose as kitchen island countertops. Most people prefer natural stones but some homeowners have engineered stones as countertops.
As the name implies, natural stone countertops are made of large slabs of natural stone while engineered stone countertops are man-made. Let’s take a look at some of the stones you can use for kitchen island countertops and backsplashes.
Types Of Stone For Kitchen Island
Marble
Marble is a natural stone and is one of the most popular choices when it comes to kitchen countertops. The veining in marble is beautiful and this decorative countertop material can come in a variety of colors. However, white marble is one of the top choices for kitchen countertops.
Marble makes a great surface, especially if you like cooking or baking as it is naturally cool. However, it is not heat-resistant, and placing hot pans directly on a marble countertop can weaken it.
If maintained and cared for properly, marble countertops can last for a very long time. Another downside to marble countertops is they can stain permanently, especially if liquids are spilled on them, as it is porous. To prevent permanent stains, marble countertops need to be sealed by using a sealant spray. Marble countertops are also one of the more expensive material choices than other types of stone.
Granite
Granite Countertops have been used in homes since the 1880s and homeowners back then were limited in the range of colors they can choose. Now, with more color options, granite has also become one of the popular choices for stone countertops.
Granite is not only popular because of its wide range of colorways. If you want a long-lasting kitchen island countertop, granite is the way to go. It is naturally heat-resistant but make sure not to place hot pans or pots directly on a granite countertop very often. Using a trivet can help keep the quality of the stone.
Granite countertops should also be sealed often to prevent any long-lasting damage and bacteria growth. Significant damage repairs are needed to be done by professionals and can be very costly.
Aside from being heat-resistant, granite countertops are also scratch, stain, and chemical resistant. With granite being a durable and heavy-duty stone, expect the cost of materials to be expensive.
Quartz
A quartz countertop is not made of natural stone and it is an engineered stone formed from different materials such as crushed quartz and resin. These kinds of countertops are man-made but they are still popular in many homes because of many reasons.
Quartz countertops are non-porous, durable, and can last for many years. They also come in different swatches so you can match the countertop with your kitchen’s style. Aside from being installed in kitchens, quartz countertops are also used in bathrooms and fireplaces.
Since quartz countertops are non-porous, it is stain-resistant and can easily be cleaned and maintained. Quartz countertops are also heat-resistant but, they are still susceptible to heat damage because of the resin that holds the materials together. To avoid the resin from melting, avoid placing hot pans, pots, and other cookware directly on top of a quartz countertop.
Soapstone
A soapstone countertop is not one that you would often see in homes as it is not common, unlike marble or granite countertops. Soapstone is a natural stone made from steatite and if you want a rustic and more natural-looking stone, consider getting a soapstone countertop for your kitchen.
Soapstone countertops have very limited range when it comes to colors but its rustic and dark coloring can still add beauty to your home. Even though soapstone is a natural stone, it is non-porous and will not stain if liquid sips through it. Sopastones are heat-resistant stones and easy to clean but, they do scratch easily.
Because it is non-porous, these countertops are also durable and will not crack easily. They also don’t require constant application of sealant, unlike marble. However, if you want to help soapstone countertops maintain their natural look, you have to oil them regularly. Do note that oiling soapstone countertops will darken them significantly and may also change their texture.
Limestone
Another popular countertop material that you will find in kitchens is limestone. Most limestone countertops come in beige, off-white, pure white, and brown. But, you can add a pop of color to your kitchen by bringing in red or yellow limestone countertops.
Limestone countertops are timeless and beautiful, and each slab has its own patterns and veins. Aside from being a beautiful material, limestone countertops are also heat-resistant and less expensive than other types of stone countertops.
Limestone countertops do scratch and scrape easily even when well-maintained so you will have to be careful when placing dishes and utensils on it. These countertops are also porous which means they can easily stain when liquids sip through them. If you decide to have limestone countertops, do not use abrasive cleaners to avoid dulling and scratching the surface.
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops are also another ma-made countertop used in kitchens. Solid surface countertops are often made with mineral dust from marble waste, resin, pigments, and acrylic. With solid surface countertops, you have a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from.
These countertops are easy to maintain and clean because of their non-porous nature. Being non-porous, solid surface countertops are resistant to stain, mold, and bacteria growth. Since solid surface kitchen countertops are not made with natural stone, they might not give you a natural-looking finish if that is what you are aiming for.
Solid surface countertops are also susceptible to scratches, and heat damage, and can easily be damaged if exposed to strong chemicals. While there are disadvantages to these countertops, it can be budget-friendly. If you are looking for a more affordable option for your kitchen island, consider having solid surface countertops installed.
Bottom Line
With so many stone countertop materials for kitchen islands, it is understandable that choosing the right one can be overwhelming. You have to consider if the type of stone you want is porous or non-porous. Imagine spilling a beverage on your kitchen island and if it is a porous material, the liquid can stain your countertop permanently.
We have included the types of stones most commonly used for kitchen islands so you can have an easier time choosing if you decide to remodel your kitchen. We hope this article helps and if you have any other questions, let us know!
