When it comes to kitchen remodels, the possibilities for countertops are endless. With shows on HGTV, design magazines, and Pinterest adding ideas everyday; the process can truly seem overwhelming. Hopefully, this little list of options can help! I’m going to start with the natural stones (from softest to strongest) and then move on to some great man-made options as well.
MARBLE- It’s everywhere. The beautiful light backgrounds with strong grey veining makes any room in your home instantly feel like a venetian palace. But is it okay for kitchens? There’s been a lot of mixed information online, and hopefully this sets some of the facts straight. While people do use it in kitchens more frequently now, it is very important to be aware of the increased upkeep it will take. Like all natural stones, it needs to be sealed once a year. Marble however, is a softer material and is more porous. Everyday cooking essentials like paprika, chili powder, or even lime/lemon juice can and will often scratch or stain the surface. If you’re a frequent cooker, or manage a house hold with lots of members; marble may not be the most practical choice. Marble is gorgeous, and is great for bathrooms, floors, and backsplashes. if you absolutely want marble in the kitchen, our suggestion for a great compromise would be to use it as a backsplash (except behind the stove-where lots of oil will splatter). Our marble comes direct from Italy, The United States, and China.
CALCITES and DOLOMITES- These beautiful natural stones are in-between in strength of a marble and a granite. Some of our most popular colors that STONEVILLE USA carries are White Truffle and Grey Cloud. A lot of retail stores are unkowingly classifying these materials as Quartzites based on their look, but here at STONEVILLE USA we use the MIA (Marble Institute of America) guidelines that recognizes them as Calcites and Dolomites. These are a better option for kitchens for those that love the marble look, though there will still be a bit of maintenance.
GRANITE- Granite has been the house hold staple for countertops for decades now. The timeless look and strength makes granite a great option that is very easy to take care of. Granite tends to have lots of smaller grains and flecks through out, and comes in many different and beautiful colors. As mentioned before with all natural stones, granite needs to be sealed at least once a year. Staining and etching is far less on granite than the previously mentioned material, and can easily be cleaned with just warm water and soap. Our granites come from all over the world, some countries include; India, Brazil, China, The United States, and Canada.
QUARTZITE- Quartzites have quickly been gaining popularity in the mainstream design world over the last five years. True Quartzites have the beautiful veined look of marble, but are 20% denser than granite! They are extremely scratch and stain resistant and can take heat quite well. Some of our most popular quartzite colors include; Taj Mahal, Sea Pearl, Fusion, and White Pearl. Most of our Quartzites come straight to us from Brazil.
SOAPSTONE- Soapstone has been around longer than we can imagine. Native Americans used to use soapstone as their base for cooking meals on. This material is strong! Soapstone is completely nonporous which makes it an incredible material for kitchens. While it can scratch, it is very easy to buff out on your own! This low maintenance product is a great and dramatic choice for kitchens. Our Soapstone is exclusively distributed At Stoneville and brought from Brazil.
The man-made beauties!
TITAN QUARTZ- Engineered quartz has been gaining popularity internationally over the last decade for its incredibly easy upkeep and wide range of colors. Our brand, Titan Quartz, is no exception. From neutral grays and whites, to brilliant red and black slabs, there is truly a look for everyone. Engineered Quartz never has to be sealed, and is very strong. For families that seek the marble look without the upkeep, the engineered quartz has some great Marble look a likes!
VETRAZZO- STONEVILLE USA is the exclusive distributor of the American made product, Vetrazzo. This is a recycled glass product made from beer bottles, vodka bottles, mason jars, and even stain glass windows! The material is remarkably strong, and made from a cement mix. It is able to handle high heats, and has limited staining due to the glass. It’s an eco friendly and post consumer product that we feel is the right step to a more sustainable future.
Stoneville USA, INC 
