Choosing Your Stone

When selecting a stone finish, keep in mind that every type of stone varies in terms of durability, stain resistance, and heat resistance. Refer to our guide below to choose the optimal finish for your project:

Granite

Granite is one of the most versatile stone options on the market. With hundreds of variations in color and pattern, there is always a choice to fit your design. Granite is one of the most durable stones available, and is:

African Rainbow granite kitchen countertop

  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications
  • Heat resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
  • One of the hardest stones available at a 7 on the Mohs scale

Although granite is stain resistant, it still requires regular cleaning and yearly sealing to maintain its appearance. Refer to our Care and Maintenance page for guidance on how to properly maintain your granite countertops.

Marble

Marble is valued for its unique veining and classic aesthetic, providing a beautiful finish for any project. Used in sculpture and architecture for centuries, marble is one of the oldest and most sought after building materials. Although marble is in high-demand for its beauty, it is not always the most durable option, and is suitable for:

Calacatta oro vanity top - white marble with gold veining

  • Indoor applications
  • Low-impact areas
  • Areas with low amounts of moisture

Because marble can stain and etch when exposed to acidic or alkaline substances, Bella Stone recommends cleaning and sealing marble tops regularly using a pH neutral cleaner. Refer to our Care and Maintenance page for more information on how to properly care for your marble countertops.

Engineered Quartz

Engineered quartz is sought after for its uniformity, modern aesthetic, and low maintenance requirements. Once known as a more costly option than natural stone, many quartz manufacturers have released affordable lines in recent years. Use quartz if you require a stone that is:

white quartz kitchen island and countertops with white cabinets

  • Stain and moisture resistant
  • Suitable for indoor applications (engineered quartz is not UV resistant and will fade over time in outdoor applications).
  • Uniform in pattern without natural inclusions and variations

Because engineered quartz is non-porous, it does not need to be sealed and will not stain. However, because quartz consists of ~7% epoxy resin, it does not provide the heat resistance of granite and will burn if high-temperature objects are placed on the surface. For more information on engineered quartz maintenance, please visit your manufacturer’s website.

Soapstone

Soapstone was traditionally used in chemistry labs due to its high heat resistance, but can now be found in a variety of residential settings. While soapstone is gray when fresh out of the quarry, it can be oiled or waxed to permanently darken the surface. Soapstone is:

  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications
  • Extremely heat resistant
  • Stain and etching resistant

Because soapstone is primarily composed of talc, it is not particularly abrasion resistant. However, most abrasions can easily be buffed out with a high grit sandpaper. Consult your Bella Stone expert for more information on how to care for soapstone.

 

Quartzite

Quartzite is often confused with engineered quartz, but these two products couldn’t be more different. Engineered quartz is man-made, while quartzite is a natural metamorphic stone made almost entirely of the mineral quartz. Quartzite is one of the hardest stones available at a 7 on the Mohs scale, and is:

white marble countertop with white cabinets

  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications
  • Heat resistant
  • Acid resistant

Caring for quartzite is similar to caring for granite. However, quartzite’s porosity can vary by type, so be sure to consult your Bella Stone expert for more information if you are concerned about staining.

 

 

 

Terrazzo

Terrazzo is similar to engineered quartz in durability and stain resistance. Terrazzo consists of either an epoxy or cement matrix, and is mixed with various aggregates. These aggregates can include marble, glass, mother of pearl, porcelain, plastic, and metal shavings. Epoxy terrazzo is:

  • Suitable for indoor applications only. Epoxy is not UV resistant, however cement terrazzo can be installed outdoors.
  • Stain resistant – epoxy is non-porous and will therefore not stain. However, the marble in terrazzo can stain and should therefore still be sealed.
  • Acid resistant

Gray terrazzo table top with wine glasses
Terrazzo is easy to maintain. Please view the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association’s Care and Maintenance Guidelines for more information.