Kitchen Remodeling Tips: The 6 Best Value Countertop Stones

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Everyone thinking about or going through a kitchen remodeling wants the best bang for their buck. There’s an entire industry of people who will tell you what the best decision is on appliances, floor plans, countertops, lighting, and other aspects of a new kitchen. There’s a reason. Americans spend millions of dollars every year refinishing, building and designing their kitchens. Kitchens are always front and center when it comes to home projects. They are huge equity drivers in a home, and at or near the top of every homebuyer’s list when it comes to priorities. Everyone wants their kitchen to look and feel fantastic. It’s a place they can show off to friends during a dinner party, and it’s where their friends and family will spend most of their time when they’re home. Let’s see what are your options regarding countertop stones !

Making the right decision on kitchen remodeling options is crucial. It will mean the difference between a kitchen you love and one you settled for. It will also mean a big difference in your bank account, too. Remodels can cost a ton of money, depending on what materials you select. People also need to weigh what the potential payoff will be down the road if it ever becomes time to sell. You’ll want to know how much of every dollar you spend now will come back to you after a sale. The type of countertop you choose will have an oversized impact on your kitchen value. The importance of kitchen remodels has driven people in search of the best value countertops on the market. Here we break down the top six best value stones that money can buy.

Quartz

Quartz has caught on like wildfire in recent years. Kitchen remodelers love that it’s relatively affordable yet can mimic other high-end countertop stones. Quartz has some man-made quality to it, so it can be designed more than other natural stone countertops. Homeowners can make it into a wider range of colors and can even get it to look like that rare strain of marble slabs you’ve been eyeing for years. Quartz is super durable, so it’s great for people with children or who can’t be bothered to clean their countertops tediously. There are no pores in quartz surfaces, so it stays cleaner for longer. One of the main things to be aware of with quartz is that it’s less heat-resistant than some other natural stones. The resins can melt and become discolored if high heat is applied too long. Just a note to keep those steaming pots and pans from directly sitting atop quartz countertops.

Marble

Marble countertops come in a wide price range, but generally they’re at the top of the heap when it comes to cost. There’s good reason, too. Marble is often rarer, and harder to get to, unless you check out Marble.com. The highest-cost marble slabs can cost a fortune, but the looks pay dividends. Anyone who’s been in a five-star hotel or designer home is sure to see marble accents everywhere. It’s a striking countertop material that requires a lot of care and regular cleaning. It’s also not as durable as other countertop stones, so there will likely be repair costs at some point in your future if you opt for marble. The best value driver with marble comes with increasing home value. Homeowners are drawn to marble kitchens as a huge selling point. Once they come in and see your kitchen, you can bet they’ll be willing to pay top dollar for all the work you’ve put into your remodel.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a lesser known kitchen countertop material, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. In the days when so many houses are decorated with granite, it can seem like any other stone is the wrong choice. That’s not true. Soapstone is wonderful at resisting heat and will stand the test of time. Small scratches can be buffed out with some oil, and even those that stay will give your kitchen a story to tell. Best of all, you’ll separate yourself from all the other homes out there with some beautiful soapstone countertops. However, if you are someone who obsesses over every dent or mark on your countertop stones, soapstone should probably be avoided. You’ll want something that can take more of a beating.

Granite

Granite is currently the reigning kitchen countertop king. Sometimes there’s sense in following the crowd. Granite comes in a wide variety of colors, shades, and patterns, so there is a lot to choose from. People love having a unique piece of nature in their home that’s unlike anything else out there. Polished granite is very durable; it will resist most of the stains that would show up on other natural stones. Granite countertops do require regular sealings and occasional professional cleanings to stay in top shape, though. It won’t cost a huge amount, but it’s something that needs to be factored into your purchase.

Limestone

Limestone’s another natural stone that’s getting more love these days. People like limestone because it looks like marble that comes at a more affordable price point. The fact that it’s formed over millions of years is also a big draw. Limestone is known to give home values a bit of a boost on the market, and it’s relatively exclusive, so it’s viewed as a luxury stone. It’s a durable material that usually comes in white or sandy colors, so there are limits on design options. Compared to workhorses like granite, it can scratch and get damaged more easily.

Slate

Slate is perfect for people who want a rustic look in their kitchens. It usually comes in darker shades than other countertops, so will only work in specific rooms with great lighting and bright fixtures to offset the countertop color. Slate usually gets a polish that draws attention to its rougher texture. It’s great for people who want some grip to their countertops. It’s great for cabins or other home with a lot of wood features inside.