Materials

Natural stone

  • Quartzite

    Sealing: 2× per year

    Stains: Resists most spills, but oils, wine, or juice can still stain if left too long

    Heat: Very heat-resistant, safe for hot pans (still best to use trivets)

    Scratches: Harder than granite, excellent scratch resistance

    Price: $$–$$$ (often more than granite/quartz)

    Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor kitchens

    Durability Rank: #1

  • Granite

    Sealing: 2× per year

    Stains: Resists most spills, but oils, wine, or juice can seep in if left too long

    Heat: Safe for hot pans, but repeated heat can wear sealant — trivets recommended

    Scratches: Very hard; won’t scratch under normal use (knives may dull)

    Price: $$–$$$

    Best for: Kitchens, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces

    Durability Rank: #2

  • Soapstone

    Sealing: Not needed—naturally non‑porous and stain-resistant

    Stains: Acid- and stain-resistant. However, oily substances may darken the surface unless treated with mineral oil or wax

    Heat: Excellent—holds up to hot pans without damage

    Scratches: Soft surface scratches easily. Thankfully, most scratches can be buffed out or sanded and re-oiled

    Price: $$–$$$

    Best For: Kitchens, baking areas, fireplaces

    Durability Rank: #3

  • Marble

    Sealing: 2× per year

    Stains: Easily stains/etches from wine, coffee, lemon, and vinegar if not cleaned quickly

    Heat: Handles warmth, but hot pans can dull or mark the surface — use trivets

    Scratches: Softer than granite/quartzite, can be scratched by knives or daily use

    Price: $$–$$$

    Best for: Bathrooms, vanities, fireplace surrounds

    Durability Rank: #4

  • Onyx

    Sealing: 2× per year

    Stains: Very porous — wine, coffee, and citrus can stain/etch quickly

    Heat: Sensitive — hot pans or sudden temp changes may crack the surface

    Scratches: Soft and brittle — chips and scratches easily

    Price: $$$–$$$$ (luxury/exotic)

    Best for: Bars, vanities, feature walls, decorative backlit areas

    Durability Rank: #5

  • Travertine

    Sealing: 2× per year

    Stains: Porous — juices, oils, and even soap can leave marks if not sealed well

    Heat: Handles warm items, but not safe for direct hot pans

    Scratches: Softer stone — scratches and wear show more easily

    Price: $–$$

    Best for: Bathrooms, flooring, backsplashes, low-traffic areas

    Durability Rank: #6

  • Limestone

    Sealing: 2× per year

    Stains: Absorbs liquids easily — wine, coffee, and oils can stain fast

    Heat: Warm items are fine, but not safe for direct hot pans

    Scratches: Soft and prone to scratches, chips, and wear

    Price: $–$$

    Best for: Bathrooms, fireplaces, decorative accents, low-traffic areas

    Durability Rank: #7

Engineered stone

  • Dekton

    Sealing: Not required — non-porous and stain-resistant

    Stains: Highly resistant — everyday spills wipe away easily

    Heat: Superior heat resistance — can withstand high temperatures without damage

    Scratches: Highly scratch-resistant — more durable than porcelain

    Chips: More chip-resistant than porcelain, but still avoid dropping heavy items

    Price: $$$–$$$$ — premium pricing reflects advanced durability

    Best for: High-traffic kitchens, outdoor spaces, and areas requiring maximum durability

    Durability Rank: #1

  • Quartz

    Sealing: Not required; quartz is non-porous and doesn't absorb liquids.

    Stains: Highly resistant to stains from everyday spills like coffee, juice, and wine.

    Heat: Resistant to heat but can be damaged by high temperatures; avoid placing hot pans directly on the surface.

    Scratches: More scratch-resistant than granite; however, cutting directly on the surface can still cause scratches.

    Price: $$–$$$

    Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas requiring low maintenance.

    Durability Rank: #2

  • Porcelain

    Sealing: Not required — completely non-porous and resistant to liquids

    Stains: Superstar stain resistance — everyday spills like wine, coffee, and oils won’t penetrate

    Scratches: Ultra scratch-resistant — harder than granite, but still avoid cutting directly

    Chips: Tough yet brittle — edges may chip under strong impact (e.g., dropping heavy pots)

    Price: $$–$$$ (can be more cost-effective than quartz and granite)

    Best for: Indoor or outdoor kitchens, backsplashes, and modern spaces needing durability with low maintenance.

    Durability Rank: #3