There are so many choices out there when it comes to selecting countertops for a kitchen or bathroom. Probably the most popular is granite.  In slab or tile granite is always a great look and available in such a variety of colors and patterns.

The designer and client can also consider other natural stones like marble, soapstone, limestone, travertine. Let’s not forget the manufactured stone and recycled countertops and concrete!  Of course there is also stainless steel,butcher block, wood tops and laminates, but I’m talking stone and stone-like products here.  There are so many quartz like materials out there.  Here are a few names that might come up: silestone, corian, zodiaq, caesarstone, paperstone, hanstone, fireslate and cambria.  I guess I should also put in cultured marble, but I’m not a huge fan.

So I want to hear from you! What are your favorite stones or materials to use on countertops?  Anything ever let you down, post install?  Anything knock your sock off?

Image and design by Rebecca Ward