Choosing the perfect countertop is one of the most important decisions in a kitchen or bathroom design. At Jill Rae Designs, we believe an informed choice leads to a beautiful and lasting result. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the different types of stone countertops – both natural stones like granite, marble, soapstone (and more) and popular engineered stone like quartz – to help you select the right surface for your space. We’ll discuss the unique style and design considerations of each material, their pros and cons, typical cost ranges, and how to care for them. Let’s dive in and explore these luxurious countertop options, leveraging our interior design expertise to position you with all the knowledge you need to choose confidently.

Natural vs. Engineered Stone Countertops

Stone countertops come in two broad categories: Natural Stone and Engineered Stone.

Natural Stone: are cut from quarried rock slabs. These natural materials include: Granite, Marble, Quartzite, Onyx, Soapstone, and Slate.
Engineered Stone: man-made composites made by binding crushed stone (usually Quartz) with resins and pigments to create a uniform slab. Porcelain is a man-made ceramic material designed to replicate the look of marble, concrete, wood, and other natural stones.

Natural stones are prized for their one of a kind beauty as each slab is unique with organic patterns and colors. They’re extremely durable, but most are porous to some degree and require sealing to prevent stains. Engineered stones, like quartz countertops are non-porous and low-maintenance, never needing sealing. They can be fabricated in almost any color or pattern – even convincingly mimicking natural marble or granite – but they lack the natural variation of real stone. In general, natural stones offer timeless luxury and uniqueness, while engineered quartz offers superior ease of care and consistency of design. Your choice will depend on your style preferences, how you use your kitchen or bath, and the level of maintenance you’re comfortable with. Below, we examine each popular countertop material in detail.

Let’s start off by walking through the most popular types of stone countertops — their style, pros and cons, cost expectations, and care tips — so you can confidently select the perfect fit for your space!

Granite

Granite is often the first material people think of when it comes to stone countertops. A popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, back in the day, thanks to their natural beauty, unique patterns, and durability. They’re highly resistant to heat and scratches, making them ideal for high-use areas. On the downside, granite does require periodic sealing to prevent staining, and it can be one of the heavier, more expensive stone options—making professional installation a must. Granite is also typically darker, with today's trends going light, this is not a great choice.

Limestone

Limestone countertops bring a soft, earthy charm to interiors, offering subtle color tones and a natural, organic texture. Their understated beauty works well in traditional and rustic designs. However, limestone is a relatively soft and porous stone, which makes it more susceptible to scratching, staining, and damage from acidic spills. It requires frequent sealing and careful maintenance, making it less ideal for high-traffic kitchens but a unique choice for low-use or decorative spaces.

Marble

Marble countertops offer timeless elegance with their soft veining and classic appeal, making them a favorite for luxurious baths. They’re naturally cool, which is great for baking, and no two slabs are ever the same. However, marble is a softer, more porous stone, meaning it’s prone to scratching, staining, and etching from acidic substances. It requires regular sealing and a bit more care to maintain its beauty over time. As marble inherits those natural used marks, the stone becomes more beautiful and shows healthy wear and tear.

Quartzite

Quartzite countertops combine the beauty of natural stone with impressive durability. Often mistaken for marble due to its similar veining, quartzite is actually much harder—resistant to scratches, heat, and everyday wear. It’s a great option for those who want a natural stone look with more resilience. However, like many natural stones, it still needs to be sealed periodically to prevent staining, and its hardness can make it more difficult (and expensive) to fabricate and install.

Soapstone

Soapstone countertops offer a rich, matte appearance with a silky-smooth feel that adds warmth and character to any space. Naturally non-porous, they resist stains and don’t require sealing—just occasional oiling to enhance their darkening patina over time. Soapstone is also heat-resistant and chemically inert, making it a smart choice for kitchens. However, it’s a softer stone, meaning it can scratch or dent more easily than granite or quartzite. While some homeowners embrace the natural wear as part of its charm, others may prefer a more pristine surface.

Travertine

Travertine countertops bring a warm, old-world charm with their natural pits, earthy tones, and timeless texture. Often used in Mediterranean-inspired spaces, travertine offers a distinctive look that adds character and elegance. However, it is a porous and relatively soft stone, making it prone to staining, scratching, and etching—especially from acidic substances. It requires frequent sealing and consistent maintenance to protect its surface. While beautiful, travertine is better suited for low-traffic areas or decorative use rather than heavy-duty kitchen prep zones.

Porcelain

Porcelain countertops are a sleek, modern option known for their durability and versatility. Made from refined clay and fired at high temperatures, porcelain is non-porous, highly resistant to heat, stains, scratches, and UV rays—making it great for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s also available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including realistic stone and concrete looks. On the downside, porcelain slabs can be thinner and more brittle than natural stone, meaning edges may chip if not handled carefully, and installation requires experienced fabricators.

Quartz

Quartz countertops offer the look of natural stone with the benefit of low maintenance. Made from ground quartz and resin, they’re non-porous, so they resist stains, scratches, and bacteria without the need for sealing. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, making them a flexible design choice. However, because they are engineered with resins, quartz is not as heat-resistant as natural stone, and exposure to direct sunlight over time can cause discoloration—making it less ideal for outdoor use.

When selecting a stone finish, polished, honed, and leathered each offer distinct aesthetics and maintenance considerations. A polished finish is glossy and reflective, enhancing the stone’s color and pattern while being the easiest to clean—but it can show smudges and scratches more easily. A honed finish has a smooth, matte look that feels more subtle and contemporary, with less glare and better scratch concealment, though it may be more prone to staining if not sealed properly. Leathered finishes have a textured, slightly matte surface that adds depth and hides fingerprints and water spots well, but can be harder to clean due to the uneven surface. Each finish offers a unique way to showcase the stone while aligning with your lifestyle and design preferences.

Polished Finish

Glossy, reflective surface that enhances the stone’s color and veining
Easiest to wipe clean
Shows smudges, water spots, and scratches more easily
Popular for formal or high-end looks

Honed Finish

Smooth, matte surface with a soft, understated appearance
Great at concealing scratches and etching
More prone to staining if not sealed properly
Ideal for a casual or modern aesthetic

Leathered Finish

Textured, slightly matte surface with a tactile, organic feel
Hides fingerprints, water spots, and smudges very well
Can be harder to clean due to its uneven texture
Offers a rustic or natural look that adds depth and warmth

As you reflect on this information, consider your personal style, cooking/cleaning habits, and long-term plans.

Are you someone who doesn’t mind a bit of upkeep for the sake of a natural showstopper slab? Or do you prefer a surface that you can install and forget about?
Do you love bold natural patterns, or is a clean, controlled look more your taste?

There’s no wrong answer! Your kitchen and/or bathroom remodel are an investment in your home and lifestyle. With expert planning and a clear understanding of each material’s traits, you’ll end up with a surface you love to look at and love to live with for years to come.

At Jill Rae Designs, we guide our clients through sourcing, selecting, and designing with the finest stone surfaces — ensuring every kitchen and bathroom is as functional as it is beautiful. We’ve created timeless spaces using each of these materials and can confidently say that, when thoughtfully chosen, any of them can be a stellar fit for your home. Our goal is always to marry form and function, delivering countertops that not only inspire visually but also stand up to everyday life.

We hope this guide has armed you with in-depth knowledge to make that decision easier. If you have further questions or need personalized guidance, the team at Jill Rae Designs is here to help bring your vision to life with the perfect stone countertop as the crowning touch of your design.

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The Ultimate Guide to Stone Countertops