How to Choose the Right Stone for Your Kitchen
18 days ago
The Heart of Every Kitchen
Choosing a new countertop is exciting – and a little daunting. With so many options, how do you pick the right stone for your space, your style, and your lifestyle? At Capital Stone in Schenectady and Saratoga, we help homeowners find the perfect surface every day. Here’s a quick guide to the most popular choices and what makes each unique.
Granite: Classic Strength and Character
Granite remains a timeless favorite for good reasons. It’s natural, durable, heat-resistant, and one-of-a-kind. Each slab has its own color variations and veining, giving your kitchen a distinct personality. Granite needs periodic sealing, but with basic care, it can last a lifetime.
Best for: Busy families, home chefs, and anyone who loves the look of natural stone.
Quartz: Sleek, Low Maintenance, and Modern
Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals bound with resin. It offers the beauty of stone without the need for sealing. It’s non-porous, stain-resistant, and available in endless colors — from marble-like whites to bold designer tones.
Best for: Those who want luxury without the maintenance – perfect for modern or transitional kitchens.
Marble: Timeless Elegance
Nothing matches marble’s luminous beauty. It’s soft, cool to the touch, and prized by bakers. However, it can etch or stain if not sealed properly, making it best for those who appreciate its natural patina over time.
Best for: Design purists, bakers, or anyone who loves classic, refined interiors.
Quartzite: The Best of Both Worlds
Quartzite is a natural stone that combines marble’s beauty with granite’s durability. It’s harder than granite and resists heat and scratching but still needs sealing. Subtle veining gives it a luxurious look that fits both traditional and contemporary spaces.
Best for: Homeowners who want natural stone beauty and everyday durability.
Soapstone: Understated and Organic
Soapstone has a soft, matte finish and rich, natural feel. It darkens over time and resists heat beautifully, making it a favorite for old-world or farmhouse kitchens.
Best for: Rustic or vintage-inspired kitchens, or those who love a lived-in look.
Choosing with Confidence
Ultimately, the “best” stone is the one that fits your lifestyle. Bring your cabinet sample or flooring swatch to our Schenectady or Saratoga showroom, and we’ll help you compare materials side by side.
Visit our Albany and Saratoga area showrooms to explore full slabs and see how each stone performs in real life.