Natural stone countertops are an elegant solution to the age old dilemma for those who are looking for something new and fresh and interesting to make their kitchen or bathroom truly stand apart. Adding a little bit of earthly elegance, natural stone is truly the better alternative to manufactured stones; it may be somewhat less expensive, but there is no substitute for the uniqueness of natural stone crafted straight from the Earth. Before you decide on precisely what type of stone to have installed, it is first important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each.

As one of the most beautiful and shining surfaces, marble is a legendary material used throughout the ages for some of the most recognizable architectural delights in all of history. Popularly used on countertops and floors alike, the mirrored polished shine of marble is always a notable addition to any room, however, it runs a serious risk of scratches and light abrasions that will make the surface seem foggy and dirty, even when freshly cleaned. It is also sensitive to acids and abrasive chemicals, needing a very careful hand and mild soaps for cleaning.

With its most interesting composition of quartz, different types of feldspar and other minerals, this igneous rock is incredibly hard and one of the most popular natural stones used for building and decoration, alike. Thanks to its incredible durability granite is most often used in architecture, buildings and monuments and it also stands up beautifully against weather, heat, scratches and stains. Though it is limited in color range, granite takes to etching and other very unique treatments better than most other stones used in today's market.

Fantastic for pools, patios, roofs, showers, house facades and any other area vulnerable to water, slate's natural durability and waterproof qualities are wonderful for all homeowners. With a cool and smooth look to it, slate is composed of fine silts and clays and come in a wide range of colors. Its highly attractive appearance is an alluring draw for many home owners, not to mention it is one of the easiest to maintain largely due to its waterproof nature.

Soapstone has a soft and warm appeal that is easily blended into most functional decors. Highly resistant to spills and staining discoloration, it is perfect for many busy kitchen countertops, tables and floors. For a very thorough cleaning, mineral oils are a welcome change to most common cleaning implements and can offer a rich and darker tone to the tiles.