Countertop options increase every year, adding new colors and levels of durability to your decision-making. But homeowners return to natural stone as their favorite look, whether for a modern or classic kitchen. While new materials may be trending, natural stone such as soapstone, slate, or marble, stand the test of time (and use!) in your kitchen year after year.

Increase Home Value

If you’re planning on selling your home, you’ll want to include a natural stone in your kitchen for resale value. All homebuyers are expecting at least granite, but stones such as soapstone or marble not only make your kitchen look better, they add a luxury feature that stands out to buyers. Great countertops make the decision to buy your home simple. Buyers see them as one less thing to update after purchase.

Natural Veins & Details

No engineered stone can match the veins and variations of natural stone. When trying to mimic the veins of marble or soapstone, the pattern repeats across the engineered, printed surface. The result looks too precise to be natural. This repeating pattern also causes visible seams in manufactured countertops, typically hidden in the features of a natural stone depending on the color you choose.

When you choose the slab for your countertop, you choose a one-of-a-kind piece that cannot be found in any other home.

Durable

While engineered stone seems to grow in popularity, it can’t compare to the durability of soapstone and other natural stones. If your kitchen gets a lot of use, marble may not be the best choice. However, natural stone options can handle hours of baking, homework at the counter, and holiday parties year after year.

Low Maintenance of Natural Stone

Because soapstone is completely non-porous, you never need to seal it to protect it, making it comparable to engineered quartz. Manufacturers recommend sealing granite at least once per year to protect the surface from stains. However, you probably know homeowners that forget to seal the counter without negative results.

Again, while marble is a favorite choice for many kitchen designers, it does require more maintenance than other natural stones. However, you may overlook the downsides if you love the appearance.

Easy to Repair

Because engineered stone options typically include pieces of stone mixed with resin, they are nearly impossible to repair once cracked. With soapstone or slate, the installer (or even the homeowner) easily repairs the damage with additional sanding or treatment – just like when it was removed from the ground initially.

Natural Stone Sustainability

Because they come from the earth and last for decades, natural stone choices are often considered a sustainable option for your kitchen. Soapstone increases that sustainability with its ease of cleaning: it only needs soap and water, meaning you can eliminate harsh chemicals from your home. Because of high demand, new homeowners are less likely to throw out the countertops in a remodel, keeping one more thing out of a landfill.

If you’re ready to consider soapstone, slate, or marble for your kitchen project, get in touch with Garden State Soapstone to increase your home value and enjoyment in your kitchen.